Within the last couple of months, TikTok has gotten wind of a product that’s been in our catalog (and medicine cabinets) for years: PRID Drawing Salve. TikTok moguls are hailing it as a miracle solution for cystic acne, but what actually is PRID?
PRID, first and foremost, is a drawing salve. A drawing salve offers a natural solution to skin irritations such as splinters and ingrown hairs using active ingredients such as Silicea 12X HPUS, which is a homeopathic solution that promotes pus formation in order to draw out the intrusion and relieve the pain. PRID can also be used to heal bug bites and boils, with other active ingredients designed to relieve itchiness and swelling.
PRID is a great product to keep in your purse or bathroom drawer, and it’s also relatively inexpensive. However, it’s not the miracle acne cure TikTok claims it to be.
Dermatologists do not recommend using PRID on cysts or pimples, as it can lead to excess scarring and hyperpigmentation. If you’re struggling with cystic acne, don’t immediately break out the PRID. Instead, here is a selection of dermatologist-recommended acne products to help clear skin quickly and safely.
Eau Thermale Avene Cleanance Acne Cleanser
The Eau Thermale Avene Cleanance Acne Cleanser contains 2% salicylic acid, which is dermatologist proven and recommended for clearing white heads and blackheads by unclogging pores and exfoliating the skin.
Eau Thermale Avene Cleanance Acne Treatment Cream
Like the cleanser, the Eau Thermale Avene Cleanance Acne Treatment Cream uses active, dermatologist recommended ingredients to clear stubborn acne. This specific treatment contains Benzoyl Peroxide, which kills bacteria and removes dead skin.
Skin Gym Bye-Bye Zits Acne Patches
If you’re looking for a product to draw out a zit quickly, hydrocolloid acne patches containing salicylic acid are what’s actually your best bet. The hydrocolloid draws moisture out of the skin, creating a base that lets the salicylic acid go to work on the pimple.
MALIN + GOETZ Nighttime Acne Treatment
In addition to our friend salicylic acid, the MALIN + GOETZ Nighttime Acne Treatment uses Sulfur to reduce the appearance of acne. Sulfur-based products are a great natural alternative to retinoids and other medicated creams, if your acne doesn’t require that kind of horsepower.
So, maybe don’t believe everything you see on the internet. If you’re really struggling with acne and cystic acne, talk to your doctor or dermatologist. However, the next time you get a splinter, bug bite, or minor boil or skin irritation, don’t feel bad about reaching for the PRID! That’s what it’s truly meant for.
