Can normal saline solution help remove pimples?

Jun 04, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I am 22 years old this year. I've heard that normal saline is quite versatile and would like to know whether it can help remove pimples.

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Wenmin

In general, normal saline has a certain auxiliary effect in reducing pimples, but it cannot completely rely on it to remove pimples; it needs to be combined with other treatment methods.

Normal saline can gently wash away dirt, excess oil, and some microorganisms from the skin surface, keeping the skin clean. For existing pimples, cleaning the skin surface helps reduce the chance of bacterial growth, thus alleviating pimple inflammation to some extent. Normal saline has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce redness, swelling, and discomfort around pimples. When applying normal saline as a wet compress on the pimple area, it can provide hydration to the skin, regulate the skin's water-oil balance, and help improve the condition of acne-prone skin. After a pimple ruptures, cleaning the area with normal saline can help keep the wound relatively clean, promote wound healing, and reduce the risk of infection.

Pimple formation is a relatively complex process involving various internal factors such as hormonal imbalances, excessive sebum production by sebaceous glands, and abnormal keratinization of hair follicles. Relying solely on normal saline cannot fundamentally address these internal issues. Although normal saline has certain antibacterial properties, its antibacterial capacity is relatively limited. Different individuals have different skin types and causes of pimples, so the effectiveness of normal saline in improving pimples may vary from person to person.

It is recommended to adopt a comprehensive treatment approach, including but not limited to using topical creams containing anti-inflammatory and antibacterial ingredients, adjusting dietary habits, maintaining good lifestyle practices, and using oral medications or undergoing physical therapy under the guidance of a dermatologist when necessary. Additionally, while maintaining skin cleanliness is important, choosing suitable cleansing products and methods while avoiding excessive cleansing that may damage the skin barrier is the key to scientific skincare.