So to properly banish a blemish, wash with a cleanser containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. For double the dosage, you can also use an acne treatment with the same ingredient listed, as both of these agents can kill the bacteria that cause acne, and even cut down on the redness. Feeling particularly oily? Cut down on the sheen by using a gentle astringent post-washing. If oil keeps up, try a glycolic-acid mask. This will gently exfoliate the outermost, and the oiliest, layer of skin. While you wait for your pimple to pass, minimize its appearance by applying redness reducing eyedrops to the area.