Getting rid of a zit the same day is possible with an acne cortisone shot! When a big or painful zit appears just before an important event or date, it can send anyone into a panic. At the Dermatology Institute & Skin Care Center, we offer this game-changing treatment to help our patients get rid of stubborn, one-off zits and achieve clearer skin in just 24 hours.
As part of our talented dermatological team, Dr. Sandra Oska and Dr. Joshua Hekmatjah have helped many patients improve the health and clarity of their skin, bringing extensive experience with skin treatments and a commitment to providing the highest level of care.
To start working with our dermatological team, please schedule a consultation online or call our Santa Monica office directly at (310) 829-4104.
Contents
- 1 About Zits
- 2 Benefits
- 3 Candidates
- 4 Preparation
- 5 Procedure
- 6 Results
- 7 What Can I Do to Prevent Zits from Developing in the First Place?
- 8 Corresponding Procedures
- 9 Cost of Same-Day Zit Treatments in Santa Monica, Los Angeles
- 10 FAQ
- 10.1 Can I address full-face acne with cortisone injections?
- 10.2 How long will it take for me to see the results of my acne cortisone injection?
- 10.3 Can I receive a cortisone shot if I am taking isotretinoin?
- 10.4 Will a cortisone shot help me prevent an acne scar from developing?
- 10.5 Can I pair my injection with another acne treatment or cosmetic procedure?
- 11 References
About Zits
Zits, also known as pimples, are small, inflamed lesions that can develop during both adolescence and adulthood. (1) They may develop as a result of bacteria, hormonal changes, genetics, diet, and more.
Our dermatologists understand how distressing acne can be, especially during one’s teenage years. If an important event is soon, patients may feel like they will need to resort to layers of makeup or strategically cover the bump with an elaborate hairstyle. This is why we are excited to offer an acne cortisone shot to help patients reduce painful, singular zits before they have a chance to surface or get worse.
More About Acne Cortisone Shots
Acne cortisone shots are an injectable treatment that can be administered to quickly and effectively eliminate singular zits within 24 hours. This treatment consists of injecting a small amount of diluted corticosteroid into your targeted zit to address inflammation deep beneath the skin’s surface before it worsens.
Acne cortisone shots are typically performed as an ‘emergency’ treatment rather than a daily addition to one’s skincare regimen. They are often recommended before special events, such as dances, formals, photos, and more, allowing patients to look and feel their best when it matters the most.
Benefits
There are numerous benefits to receiving an acne cortisone shot, including:
- Same-Day Results: The cortisone shot is known for rapidly reducing stubborn zits, allowing you to achieve clearer skin in hours.
- Reduced Scarring: This treatment targets the inflammation in the deeper layers of tissue, reducing the risk of developing marks or scars. (2)
- Quick Treatment Time: Our same-day zit treatment can be completed in just a few minutes, allowing you to return to your activities quickly.
- Precise Targeting: This treatment is designed to precisely address the zit at its source.
- Perfect for Events: Because of its rapid results, this treatment is ideal for dealing with problematic spots before dances, formal events, school photos, and more.
Candidates
You may be a good candidate for an acne cortisone injection if you have a painful zit or pimple and are seeking a quick and effective solution to eliminate it. You may also benefit from this treatment if you have not been able to see substantial results with over-the-counter medications or topical solutions.
If you are interested in receiving a cortisone injection, you should be in good overall health and maintain realistic expectations regarding the results of your procedure. Patients who possess certain health conditions, have widespread acne or significant breakouts, or have certain sensitivities may not be recommended for this treatment.
Preparation
- Avoid picking at, squeezing at, or touching your zit.
- Refrain from using harsh products on the zit, such as retinoids or exfoliants, in your target treatment area before and after your appointment.
- Drink plenty of water to support your skin.
- Arrive with clean skin that is free from any makeup residue or skincare products.
Procedure
Cortisone shots are very quick and simple treatments, with many patients completing their treatments in minutes.
When you arrive for your appointment, you will be led to a private treatment room where your skin will be cleansed and sanitized. Your dermatologist will then use a fine needle to measure out a small amount of cortisone before injecting it into your pimple. You may feel pressure or a pinching sensation, but this treatment is considered to be very tolerable overall.
Results
After your treatment, you will be able to return to your daily activities immediately. You may notice slight tenderness in the treated area, but this will gradually dissipate on its own.
You will need to continue to avoid touching, picking, or using harsh products on your skin for 24 hours to allow your skin to heal. You may start wearing makeup again later that day unless your dermatologist tells you otherwise.
Within 24 hours, you will be able to enjoy clearer and smoother skin. Your problematic zit will slowly diminish in size and appearance until it appears flatter, less red, and overall less inflamed. With your zit gone, you will likely feel more confident and ready to face the day!
What Can I Do to Prevent Zits from Developing in the First Place?
In addition to the acne cortisone shot, our practice offers several acne treatments and skincare products to help you reduce the appearance of flare-ups or recurrent breakouts before they start. These can be incorporated into your daily routine, allowing you to achieve long-term clarity with ease. Depending on your skin type, our dermatologists may recommend one of the following skincare products, prescription topical medications, or oral topical medications.
Skincare Products
Our skincare products can improve the appearance and health of your skin. Skincare is an essential part of keeping the skin healthy and clear, and often consists of products such as cleansers, toners, serums, and more. Your dermatologist can help you select one or more products that work well for your skin type, allowing you to build a more effective skincare routine that vanquishes acne daily.
Prescription Topical Medications
Prescription topical medications consist of ointments, creams, and other products that contain clinically-proven ingredients to refine your skin. These treatments are applied to the skin, often to regulate oil production and address acne-causing bacteria. We offer topical retinoids as one of our primary topical medications.
Oral Prescription Medications
Oral prescription medications can be used to address the root causes of acne. These medications often target specific concerns, such as inflammation, hormonal fluctuations, bacteria, and more. There are numerous oral prescription medications available, each addressing different concerns and levels of severity.
Corresponding Procedures
There are numerous other procedures that our dermatological team may recommend to help you improve and maintain the clarity of your skin, including:
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are skin resurfacing treatments that use a chemical solution to rejuvenate your appearance and remove the outermost layers of your skin. When applied to your face, this treatment stimulates the body’s regenerative properties to begin producing more collagen while removing dead skin cells, revealing brighter skin. This treatment is offered in different strengths.
Laser Treatments
Laser treatments can enhance your skin’s health and appearance with cutting-edge aesthetic technology. Laser treatment can reduce redness, diminish the appearance of visible veins, improve certain skin conditions, and more. At the Dermatology Institute & Skin Care Center, we offer several different techniques and treatment options, including the Excel V+ and our laser skin resurfacing treatment.
Salycilic Acid Peel
A salycilic acid peel is a topical treatment that is applied to the face to enhance the texture and appearance of your skin. This treatment is safe for all skin types and tones, and can exfoliate the outermost layers of the skin to address concerns such as acne, sun damage, dark spots, melasma, and more. (3)
Cost of Same-Day Zit Treatments in Santa Monica, Los Angeles
The cost of your acne cortisone injection can vary depending on several factors. During your personal consultation, your dermatologist will meet with you individually to assess your skin and create your personalized treatment plan. Once you and your dermatologist have established and agreed on each detail of your treatment, you will be given an accurate cost estimate.
To learn more about the cost of your same-day zit treatment, please schedule a consultation online or call (310) 829-4104.
FAQ
Can I address full-face acne with cortisone injections?
Our cortisone injections are designed to be used on one-off zits. If you are interested in addressing a wider region of the face, our dermatologists can help you find a suitable treatment for your needs.
How long will it take for me to see the results of my acne cortisone injection?
You will begin noticing initial improvements within the first several hours after receiving your injections, but the most significant results are typically seen after 24 hours.
Can I receive a cortisone shot if I am taking isotretinoin?
You may receive a cortisone shot if you are taking isotretinoin; however, it is typically advised to avoid receiving certain facial treatments until you have finished your medication regimen.
Will a cortisone shot help me prevent an acne scar from developing?
Yes, this treatment can reduce the likelihood of post-acne scarring. This is because this treatment targets deep inflammation in the skin quickly and effectively.
Can I pair my injection with another acne treatment or cosmetic procedure?
Yes, many patients choose to pair their procedure with another for more comprehensive results. These may include chemical peels, oral acne medications, or laser resurfacing. During your personal consultation, your dermatologist can assess the condition and quality of your skin to determine the most effective treatment methods for your needs.
References
- Sutaria AH, Schlessinger J. Acne vulgaris. National Library of Medicine. Published 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459173/
- Reynolds RV, Yeung H, Cheng CE, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2024;90(5). doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2023.12.017
- Arif T. Salicylic Acid as a Peeling agent: a Comprehensive Review. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. 2015;8(2015):455-461. doi:https://doi.org/10.2147/ccid.s84765