

Subcutaneous pimples on the face are an annoying problem that can cause pain, redness, and sometimes dark marks on the skin. Most people find them difficult to deal with because they are hidden beneath the surface and hard to remove using traditional methods, we’ll explore the hidden causes of their appearance, how to protect your skin, and the best natural, medical, and surgical treatment methods to ensure a smooth and healthy face.With clear steps and practical tips, you’ll be able to control the formation of pimples, prevent them from returning, and achieve even, radiant skin without pain or hassle.
Subcutaneous pimples are small bumps that appear beneath the skin surface, often without a visible head like regular pimples. They can be:
Hard or soft
Painful or painless
Sometimes disappear on their own or require medical treatment
Main cause: Blocked hair follicles or the accumulation of oil and bacteria under the skin.
Yes, they are often sensitive or painful to touch, making them more annoying than regular pimples.
Appearance:
Small bump under the skin
Red or skin-colored
Usually without a visible head
Can they disappear on their own?
Mild cases may improve with a proper skincare routine and natural remedies
Deep or recurrent pimples often need medical or pharmaceutical treatment
Do they leave scars?
Picking or squeezing can lead to scars or dark spots
Best solution: consult a dermatologist before attempting removal
Feature | Subcutaneous Pimples | Regular Pimples |
---|---|---|
Visible head | Usually none | White or black head visible |
Pain | Often painful | Less painful |
Depth | Under the skin | On the skin surface |
Difficulty of removal | Very difficult | Relatively easy |
High-fat foods, sugar, and fast food can increase their occurrence
Healthy diet, plenty of water, fruits, and vegetables can reduce them
Yes, family history of acne or oily skin can increase the likelihood.
Yes, stress and anxiety affect hormones, which can increase oil production and clog pores, leading to pimples.
Yes, thick creams or unsuitable cleansers can clog pores and worsen subcutaneous pimples.
Pimples can appear at any age:
Teenagers (12–18 years): Hormonal changes and increased oil production
Young adults (18–30 years): Stress, lack of sleep, unsuitable makeup or creams, hormonal fluctuations
Adults (30–40 years): Hormonal imbalances or chronic stress; often on chin and jawline
Over 40: Rare, usually due to menopause or medications
Yes, if blocked for long periods or squeezed, they can become painful and filled with pus.
Yes, moderate exercise and adequate sleep help balance hormones and improve circulation, reducing pimples.
Natural remedies help prevent and reduce inflammation, but deep or genetic pimples usually require medical treatment.
Unlike regular pimples, they form deep in the pores, making them painful and difficult to treat quickly.
Formation stages:
1️⃣ Clogged pores
Sebaceous glands produce sebum (natural skin oil)
When mixed with dead skin cells or bacteria → pores clog
2️⃣ Bacterial growth
Propionibacterium acnes multiply in clogged pores → mild to moderate inflammation
3️⃣ Inflammation and swelling
Immune cells fight bacteria → area swells and becomes painful
Deep inflammation occurs without a visible head
4️⃣ Subcutaneous pimple appears
Small lump or pain under the skin
Usually red or soft, no white head
1️⃣ Small painful pimples (inflammatory)
Most annoying type; painful to touch
No visible head
Caused by inflammation from trapped oil and bacteria
Common locations: cheeks, chin, around the mouth
2️⃣ Whiteheads
Formed when pores are completely closed by oil and dead skin
Small white bump under the skin
More superficial but can become inflamed if deepened
3️⃣ Blackheads
Sometimes form inside pores
Oil oxidizes → black color
Small black dot, often on nose or forehead
4️⃣ Cystic acne
Deep, pus-filled pimples
Painful, swollen, can leave scars or marks
Caused by strong inflammation in sebaceous glands
5️⃣ Nodular acne
Similar to cysts but solid, no pus
Painful lump under the skin
Takes a long time to disappear and may leave a slight mark
1️⃣ Bump or lump under the skin
You may feel a small to medium-sized lump beneath the skin, soft or firm depending on the type.
Sometimes not visible to the eye but noticeable when touched.
2️⃣ Pain or tenderness when touched
Usually painful or sensitive, especially if the pimple is inflammatory or cystic.
Pain may increase when washing the face with hot water.
3️⃣ Mild redness or swelling
The skin around the pimple may appear red or slightly swollen due to inflammation.
4️⃣ Smooth skin surface without a visible head
No white or black head; the pimple is hidden under the skin.
This makes it more difficult to treat.
5️⃣ Sensation of warmth or slight throbbing
Some people feel mild warmth or pulsation at the site, especially with deep pimples.
6️⃣ Skin discoloration after the pimple heals
Can leave temporary dark spots or pigmentation, particularly if it was manipulated or highly inflamed.
1️⃣ Clinical skin examination
The doctor examines the shape, location, and surrounding skin of the pimples.
Typically: painful to touch, no visible head, small lump under the skin.
2️⃣ Assessing skin type and oiliness
Determines whether the skin is very oily or has clogged pores.
Helps choose the most suitable treatment.
3️⃣ Hormonal tests (for recurrent cases)
If pimples appear frequently or before menstruation, hormone tests may be done (testosterone and female hormones) to identify hormonal imbalance.
4️⃣ Excluding other causes
Allergies to skincare products or medications
Minor bacterial infections
Frequent touching of the face
5️⃣ Medical history and lifestyle
Diet, skincare routine, stress, or lack of sleep—all contribute to subcutaneous pimples.
1️⃣ Pain and persistent discomfort
Deep pimples can be very painful, especially on sensitive areas like the cheeks or chin.
Pain increases with touch or washing, making the skin highly sensitive.
2️⃣ Inflammation and spreading
Squeezing or manipulating the pimple can spread inflammation to surrounding tissue, causing more pimples or spreading to other areas of the face.
3️⃣ Scarring or pitting after healing
Popping or forcibly extracting pimples can leave scars or small pits, which may require treatments like laser or chemical peels to correct.
4️⃣ Dark spots or hyperpigmentation
After healing, dark spots can appear due to inflammation or frequent touching, affecting skin tone uniformity.
5️⃣ Psychological impact and lower self-confidence
Many feel embarrassed or stressed about the appearance of pimples, especially on visible areas like the forehead or cheeks, reducing self-confidence.
6️⃣ Increased oil production and recurrence
If underlying causes (hormones, skin type, skincare routine) are not treated, pimples may recur and skin remains inflamed.
If pimples don’t improve with natural remedies or cause pain, a doctor may prescribe medications to reduce inflammation, unclog pores, and prevent recurrence.
Benzoyl Peroxide: Kills bacteria and reduces inflammation.
Topical retinoids (Adapalene or Tretinoin): Unclogs pores and reduces oil production.
Topical antibiotics (Clindamycin or Erythromycin): Reduce inflammation and bacteria.
Usage:
Usually applied once daily at night on clean, dry skin.
Must be used under medical supervision to avoid excessive dryness or peeling.
Oral antibiotics (Doxycycline or Minocycline): Reduce inflammation and bacterial growth.
Hormonal pills for women (e.g., contraceptives or Spironolactone): Help balance hormones and reduce oil.
Isotretinoin (Roaccutane): The most effective treatment for very deep pimples, but requires careful monitoring due to side effects.
Local Cortisone Injections: Quickly reduce inflammation.
Deep Cleansing or Light Laser Sessions: Clear pimples and purify pores.
Mild Chemical Peels: Renew skin and reduce pore blockage.
Performed by a dermatologist in the clinic, not major surgery.
Steps:
Local anesthesia to minimize pain.
Small incision using a sterile needle.
Drain pus or secretions beneath the skin.
Clean the area and apply a mild antibiotic cream.
Duration: About 5–10 minutes.
Benefit: Immediate reduction of inflammation, swelling, and pain.
Used for recurrent pimples or those with scarring.
Removes blocked sebaceous glands or residual inflammation.
Result: Reduces scars and stimulates skin regeneration quickly.
For pimples caused by cysts or deep blocked glands, the doctor removes them completely under local anesthesia.
Benefit: Prevents recurrence in the same area.
Uses precise laser beams targeting small skin areas with rapid healing.
Advantages:
Removes pigmentation and evens skin tone.
Reduces dark spots and freckles.
Improves skin radiance and texture.
Eliminates pimple scars.
Enhances skin elasticity and vitality.
Fast and long-lasting results.
Apply chemicals to remove the top layer of dead skin and stimulate new skin growth.
Advantages:
Reduces dark spots and pimple scars.
Improves skin radiance and tone.
Minimizes large pores and enhances absorption of other products.
Plasma is extracted from the patient’s blood and injected into the skin to stimulate regeneration.
Advantages:
Promotes collagen production and improves skin texture.
Eliminates pimple scars.
Firms the skin and enhances natural radiance safely.
Non-surgical technique that stimulates blood circulation and cell renewal.
Advantages:
Reduces inflammation.
Strengthens skin.
Gradually improves subcutaneous pimples.
Do not touch the area for the first 24 hours.
Apply the cream or antibiotic exactly as prescribed.
If excessive redness or swelling occurs → consult your doctor immediately.
Keep your skin clean and wash with lukewarm water and gentle cleanser.
Tip: Maintaining hygiene and avoiding manipulation reduces the risk of recurrence or new infections.
Benefits: Hydrates skin and reduces inflammation.
Method:
Mix ½ grated cucumber with 1 tsp rose water.
Apply for 15 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.
Use 3 times per week.
Benefits: Honey is antibacterial; cinnamon boosts circulation and purifies skin.
Method:
Mix 1 tsp honey with a pinch of cinnamon.
Apply on prone areas, leave 10 minutes, rinse with lukewarm water.
Use 1–2 times per week (strong mixture).
Benefits: Soothes skin and reduces inflammation.
Method: Apply natural aloe gel on the face, leave 30 minutes, rinse.
Can be used daily before bedtime.
Benefits: Balances skin pH and reduces oiliness.
Method:
Mix 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar with 3 tbsp water.
Apply with cotton after cleansing.
Test on a small area first to avoid irritation.
Benefits: Oatmeal removes excess oil, honey retains moisture.
Method:
Mix 1 tbsp ground oatmeal with 1 tbsp honey.
Apply for 15 minutes, rinse gently with lukewarm water.
Important Tips:
Apply masks on clean, dry skin.
Do not overuse to avoid irritation.
Always moisturize afterward.
1️⃣ Daily Skin Cleansing:
Wash twice daily with suitable cleanser, especially for oily skin.
2️⃣ Choose Proper Skincare Products:
Avoid products with heavy oils or strong fragrances.
Look for “Non-Comedogenic” labels.
3️⃣ Healthy Diet:
Reduce fatty, fried, and sugary foods.
Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and drink water.
4️⃣ Adequate Sleep and Stress Reduction:
Lack of sleep and stress increase sebum production.
5️⃣ Avoid Touching Your Face:
Hands carry bacteria that clog pores.
6️⃣ Remove Makeup Before Bed:
Prevents pore blockage and inflammation.
7️⃣ Use Lightweight Sunscreen:
Protects skin from inflammation and darkening.
8️⃣ Regular Gentle Exfoliation:
1–2 times per week to remove dead skin and unclog pores.
Avoid harsh scrubs.
PanOxyl – 10% Benzoyl Peroxide: Anti-bacterial, reduces inflammation, deep pore cleansing. Use with medical guidance.
Neutrogena Spot Controlling: Controls oil, suitable for oily and acne-prone skin. Daily use.
Vichy Normaderm Phytosolution: Contains salicylic acid, gentle for sensitive, acne-prone skin.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar: Soothes skin, reduces inflammation, cleanses deeply without drying.
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser: Salicylic acid for exfoliation and ceramides for moisture; suitable for dry to combination skin.
Tips for Proper Use:
Wash twice daily (morning and evening).
Avoid vigorous scrubbing.
Apply moisturizer suitable for acne-prone skin.
Consult a dermatologist before introducing new products, especially for sensitive skin.
Most subcutaneous pimples respond to home remedies or topical creams, but see a dermatologist if:
1️⃣ Severely painful or swollen pimples
May indicate infection needing medical evaluation.
2️⃣ Recurrent or persistent pimples
Could indicate hormonal imbalance or bacterial infection requiring treatment.
3️⃣ Skin discoloration or scarring
Severe redness, dark spots, or scars need specialized treatment.
4️⃣ Pimples in sensitive or widespread areas
May require a customized treatment plan under medical supervision.
5️⃣ Sudden skin irritation or allergy
Severe reactions to skincare products need immediate evaluation to prevent complications.