Video Relax with Squeeze Acne

Before you take your pimple to task by popping it, consider these alternatives:

• Go to your dermatologist for an extraction. A dermatologist can remove a pimple using special tools in a sterile environment. This method reduces your risk of reinfecting your skin with other bacteria.
• Apply a hot compress. A hot compress can soothe the pain of a pimple that’s inflamed. Once pores are opened by applying heat, your pimple may be able to open and release on its own.
• Use an over-the-counter spot treatment. There are treatment options available that might speed the healing of your pimple. Salicylic acid, sulfur, and benzoyl peroxide are the active ingredients in many of these products. The Mayo Clinic recommends starting with a product that has a low concentration of benzoyl peroxide as its active ingredient.
• Try an at-home spot treatment. Anecdotally, people swear by a few topical treatments for painful, inflamed pimples:
  • baking soda
  • tea tree oil
  • charcoal masks
  • hydrogen peroxide

The safest way to get rid of a pimple is to wait it out. Pimples surround bacteria that’s become trapped in the layers of your skin. Popping a pimple releases that bacteria onto your face. Your skin knows how to heal a pimple better than you do.

If you’re going to pop your pimple, follow some guidelines that will be safer for your skin.

How to extract a whitehead

These instructions apply to large whitehead pimples — meaning you can see white pus inside of a trapped pore. You might want to try an over-the-counter medication that contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid before you try to pop a whitehead, as those ingredients decrease inflammation and might make the process easier.

Steps

1. Start by washing your hands thoroughly, so you don’t cross-infect your pimple with bacteria on your hands.
2. Sterilize a sewing needle with rubbing alcohol. Carefully insert the pin at an angle into the widest part of your pimple. You shouldn’t feel any pain or draw blood when you do this.
3. Using a cotton ball or gauze strip, drain your pimple. Instead of trying to push the bacteria and pus out of it, hold your skin taut so that the other layers of skin drain the pimple for you. This can keep you from pushing bacteria back down into your skin.
4. Sterilize the area of your pimple using an antimicrobial drying agent, like witch hazel.

How to extract a blackhead

When the pus and bacteria inside of a blackhead are exposed to the air, they turn black and create pustules called blackheads. Since the pore is already open, a blackhead may be easier to extract than a whitehead.

Steps

1. Start by applying a product with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to the site of your blackhead. This can loosen any trapped dirt or pus that you’re about to remove.
2. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.
3. Using cotton swabs, gently apply pressure on both side of the blackhead. Be mindful not to press down on the blackhead itself. The clog in your pore should pop out easily. If it doesn’t, don’t keep applying pressure.
4. Use an astringent like witch hazel or rubbing alcohol to sterilize the area of the blackhead and prevent more from developing.

There are certain types of blemishes that you shouldn’t ever try to pop. They include boils, cystic acne, and pimples deep under the surface of your skin. If you can’t see a visible whitehead or blackhead on a pimple, chances are you won’t be able to pop it, anyway.

In your attempt to pop a pimple that’s not ready to be opened, you risk exposing the inner layers of your skin to bacteria and other irritants. This can make it take longer for your pimple to heal, resulting in other pimples and even permanent scarring on your face.

Popping a pimple once in a while will probably be fine, as long as you follow best practices to prevent infection. You shouldn’t make a habit out of popping pimples, and always be mindful of doing it in a sterile environment.

Don’t pop your pimples because you’re stressed and in a hurry, and don’t apply makeup over a pimple right after you’ve popped it — this could trap or reintroduce bacteria on your skin.

If you have frequent breakouts, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist who can work with you on a treatment plan. Prescription medication, dietary changes, and skin care products can all help you live with less frequent acne flare-ups.

There are two types of people in this world — people who love to pop pimples and people who shudder at the thought. Trying to figure out which one you are? Think about these questions…

• When a pimple starts to surface on your chin (or your partner’s chin), do you get itchy fingers?

• Does anxiety build in the pit of your stomach as you stare at the potential extraction?

• Or do you feel a rush of excitement about what’s to come?

• Does the idea of a ripe pimple making that “pop” noise underneath your fingers give you a little bit of a thrill?

• Have you ever spent a Friday night at home going down a rabbit hole of Dr Pimple Popper videos on YouTube?

If you answered yes to any of the above, then we guess you’re pro-pimple popping. But don’t be embarrassed or ashamed, it turns out you’re not alone — there are plenty of others out there who obsess over the challenge of popping a giant pimple.

Before we get into why some of us love it, let’s chat about all things popping pimples.

Is popping my own pimple really that bad for me?  

Think that popping pimples on your face will lead to clearer skin? Sorry to break it to you, but you’re wrong! Popping pimples can lead to scarring, more acne or worse — an infection. The only person who should pop pimples is a dermatologist, like Dr Pimple Popper (keep reading for more extraction goodness from her below).

What happens when I pop a pimple? 

When you pop a pimple, you essentially tear the skin’s surface to make way for the pimple’s pus to come out. This tear becomes a small wound that will either heal or, most likely, scar. One more warning? The pus that comes out of the pimple can contain acne-causing bacteria, which can spread into nearby pores and cause the acne to spread.

Have we convinced you to stop yet?

Ok, ok…I know it’s bad for me, but I still want to do it! Why? 

Your brain says no, but your fingers still say yes? There are a couple of reasons.

Popping pimples releases dopamine

A lot of people find popping pimples satisfying. After feeling and hearing that “pop”, some people get an immediate sensation of pleasure and relief. That’s because dopamine — the happy-hormone — is released when you feel a sense of accomplishment.

Popping pimples can become addictive 

You know the saying “once you pop you can’t stop”? Well unfortunately in some cases people can develop a pimple popping addiction. As we know, popping pimples can cause a surge of dopamine. But repeated exposure of popping our own pimples can lead us to want it more and drive us to go after the source of pleasure.

How do I stop popping pimples? 

It’s time to step away from the mirror. If you’ve found yourself in a cycle of popping pimples that you can’t seem to break, try the following.

See a dermatologist

The next time a breakout makes you want to pick and pop, go and see a dermatologist and let them handle the extraction(s).

Implement a consistent skincare routine 

Once the extractions have been made by a professional, implement a skincare routine to keep your complexion clear.

Binge on Dr Pimple Popper 

Instead of picking at your own skin, watch Dr Sandra Lee (aka Dr Pimple Popper) take on some of the world’s worst pores. Watching other people undergo extractions can give you an equal thrill to popping your own. Think of it like watching a scary movie or eating something really spicy — you’ll get pleasure from the discomfort.

Need it right now? Here are three of her trending videos — the best pimple pop ever.