I don’t normally get pimples, but when I do, they’re huge. They’re swollen, painful to touch, and usually in a very prominent place like my chin or forehead. Sometimes I get them during my period or when I’m really stressed. Then I wake up with a big pimple that’s impossible to hide with concealer. How do you shrink these pesky breakouts overnight?!

Get a steroid injection

“Cortisone injections can help quickly treat a cystic pimple,” Dr. Eva Gonzalez says. explaining that it’s a type of acne that’s caused by infection inside your pores. “Blackheads and whiteheads indicate that the pore has been blocked. However, in some cases, an infection develops and causes swelling and pus.”

You’ll need to drop by the dermatologist or skin clinic, but you’re guaranteed to see a noticeable drop in swelling and redness after a day. While you’re there, your dermatologist can also recommend acne creams to keep breakouts at bay.

Apply hydrocortisone cream

Celebrity dermatologist Francesco Fusco says that this over-the-counter ointment also contains steroids that can help reduce inflammation. Apply a generous amount on the pimple and let it sit for around 15 minutes before you cleanse.

Apply a pimple patch

Pimple patches (also called hydrocolloid bandages) contain small, concentrated amounts of hydrocortisol. It helps absorb pus and oil and reduce swelling. The patch also prevents bacteria from entering an already big pimple and making it worse.

Use eye drops

While many name toothpaste as a DIY acne treatment,New York dermatologist David Bank says that you’re better off using eye drops like Visine. They’re formulated to reduce redness, and that works for both your eyes and pimple. However, they won’t make a pimple smaller — just look less noticeable.

Suck out impurities with a clay mask

A clay mask will help draw out whatever’s clogging your pores, and help the pimple dry out faster. Apply a thick paste on your pimple and leave it on for about 10 minutes. It’s a quick, cheap fix in case you don’t have any overnight spot treatments on hand.

Prepare a “PMS Skincare” kit

If you tend to get breakouts during your period, then add a facial wash with 2% salicylic acid and clay mask to your skincare routine about a week before your “Red Days”. By clearing out your pores, you prevent the clogging and infection that leads to cystic acne.

Apply a chilled bag of green tea

Green tea contains caffeine, which can help reduce swelling by causing blood vessels to constrict. Just place a tea bag in a cup of water, then leave in your freezer for 10 minutes. Press it on the pimple for about 5 minutes, or when your skin feels numb.

Dab apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar kills bacteria and neutralizes the pH level of the skin so it’s harder for bacteria to survive. Just pour a small amount into a cotton pad and apply on the pimple.

Use diluted tea tree oil

Never appy 100% pure tea tree oil to your face — it will irritate your skin, especially a sensitive infected pimple. Instead, mix 1 part tea tree oil with 3 parts carrier oil like extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil.

Crush a Vitamin C tablet

Vitamin C helps fight inflammation by strengthening the capillary linings in your skin. Just crush a Vitamin C tablet and add two drops of water, then dab it on your pimple.