If you're gonna pop pimples, you need to make sure your face and hands are very cleam both before and after doing the deed. Bursting a pimple means the infection site is open, which has the potential to let new kinds of bacteria get in. Gotta keep it clean.

Lotions based on alcohol or salicylic acid are quite effective, but you need to be sure they're specifically intended to fight pimples before just sloshing anything on your face.

For a natural alternative, calamine lotion helps - it dries up some of the oils in your skin, reducing pimples.

Prevention is a good cure, too - wash your face thoroughly on a regular basis; avoid touching your face with your hands, too, since fingers attract atrocious quantities of bacteria from tables, doorhandles, etc.