Popping a pimple is almost never a good idea. After you a pimple you break the skin open, forming a wound and eventually a scar. If you ever have an urge to pop a pimple, consider the following tips to soothe & calm the pimple down instead.
Should You Pop Pimples?
No. Zits are like bowls of oil. When you pop a zit, the oil, bacteria & pus unleash and infect the healthy skin nearby which eventually lead to more pimples. In addition, you also risk having the bacteria infect deeper into your skin. The result will always be more swelling, inflammation and even permanent scarring.
Reasons why you shouldn't pop pimples
1. Forces pore debris deeper into follicles
2. Make blemishes worse
3. Increases your chances of developing acne scars
4. Can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
What to Do Instead of Pimple Popping
Instead of popping pimples, you can give them a deep cleanse and allow them to heal. A good practice is to use hydrocolloid dressing, which can reduce sore pimple overnight and usually heal them in a couple of days. Sounds too good to be true? This is how it works. The hydrocolloid bandage absorbs pus and oil from the pimple. It also creates a low PH environment to prevent microbial growth.How to use an acne hydrocolloid patch?
- Cleanse the area with a gentle cleanser
- Gently dry the area with a clean towel
- Apply a hydrocolloid bandage over the pimple
- Leave it on overnight or for long as possible.
The Guide to Popping Cysts and Pimples
Although we don’t recommend popping pimples, we understand that some of you will choose to do so. If you do, follow these steps on how to properly pop a pimple to do the least amount of damage to your skin.
- When to pop a pimple?
Pimples that are far below the surface should never be popped, because you’ll likely do a lot of damage to the tissue between the plug and the surface. Wait until your pimple is firm and looks ready to burst.
- Wash your hands well with soap and warm water.
- Use a sterile lancet. Alternatively, sterilize a fine sewing needle or a straight pin
- With a match or a lighter and allow it to cool.
- Wipe the zit and your fingers with rubbing alcohol.
- Hold the pin, or the needle, parallel to the surface of your skin and gently pierce the tip of the pimple’s white center.
- Using a cotton swab, softly press around the pimple. Be gentle — if the contents don’t come out easily, don’t force it.
How to Heal a Popped Pimple
After you've popped a pimple there are steps to take to ensure that it heals properly. Here are some tips.
1. Clean - Thoroughly clean the area and the rest of your face. Wash your hands to remove any bacteria or pus.
2. Disinfect - Clean the popped pimple with rubbing alcohol using a cotton swab
3. Moisturize - Hydrates the area with aloe vera, Aquaphor, or a noncomedogenic moisturizer. Keeping the area hydrated will help with healing and scar prevention.
Avoid toothpaste or baking soda which can dry out your skin and cause irritation. Avoid Vaseline. Vaseline and some toothpastes will clog pores and worsen your acne.
4. Apply a hydrocolloid bandage (pimple patches). This will further help prevent scars.
Reapply the ointment after swimming, showering or gentle cleansing. If using hydrocolloid bandages, remember to reapply. They usually last a few days.
Alternatives for Pimple Popping
Popping pimple may seem like a quick fix but remember that it makes acne worse and leaves damages that can be irreversible – like scars. We understand that it is hard to not pop those pimples but remember there are better options you can take. We recommend using Dermatrope Acne Treatment Patch to help absorb oil from your acne and expedite the healing process. If you’re looking for a good topical treatment, try our Dermatrope 2.5 Retinol Gel. It’s not only about what you put on your skin but also what you consume that allows your skin the proper nourishment it needs.
Consider cleansing your body with our Dermatrope Clear Skin Supplement.
We wish you the best in your journey to healthy skin. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions.
About the Author:
Dr. Bryan Do, D.O. is an osteopathic physician whose research interests include gastroenterology, immunology, and dermatology. He is particularly interested in the role of probiotics in the gut-brain-skin axis and has written many articles on the topic. He graduated from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) before graduating from Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Indianapolis, Indiana and becoming a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Osteopathic physicians are taught to take a holistic approach to medicine and to consider mind, body, and spirit when treating a patient. Osteopathic physicians receive training in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) in addition to the standard rigorous medical school curriculum. Both physicians with a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree as well as a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) can practice medicine.