How to pop a pimple? - Dermclass by La Roche-Posay
Dermclass
If you have skincare questions, we have answers. From acne, to eczema and sensitive skin, we are looking at some of the most common questions and associated myths, as well as providing dermatologist advice on what works and what doesn’t.
How to pop a pimple?
Keep your hands off! You can cause a lot of damage when you pop your pimples. Popping a pimple as soon as it appears may be tempting, but in the long run you will be glad you did not touch your pimples. When you pop a pimple, you may disrupt the natural bacteria on your skin and increase the risk of inflammation, which can lead to acne scars and marks. You also risk spreading the inflammation to other areas of your face. You may think it is a quick fix, but it is actually the opposite! For more information, watch our DERMCLASS videos on how to prevent acne and how to get rid of acne overnight.
What is a pimple?
The skin’s surface is covered in pores that connect to sebaceous glands beneath the skin. The glands produce an oily/sticky liquid called sebum, which contributes to keeping skin healthy when produced in normal quantities. However, when sebaceous glands secrete excess sebum, they cause dead skin cells, which normally exit the pore of the hair follicle, stick together. The accumulation of dead skin cell debris and oily sebum blocks the pore of the hair follicle, thus forming a microcomedone which we commonly refer to as an acne pimple.
There are two main types of acne:
- Inflammatory acne which generate pus, such as papules, nodules and pustules
- Non-Inflammatory which are also known as blackheads and whiteheads
Is it bad to pop a pimple?
Acne pimples typically take the form of a lump under the skin. This protrusion which is visible on the surface of the skin may trigger the desire to pick at or pop the pimple to release its contents. However, popping pimples at home should be avoided at all costs. Not only will this not treat the pimple short term, it will also aggravate the skin long term.
When you pop a pimple, it may seem that you are pushing out its contents (sebum and dead skin cells). This is a widespread misconception. In actuality, you may be forcing pore debris, bacteria, and puss deeper into the skin thus, increasing the inflammation and risk of infection. Infections and inflammation lead to acne scar formation which are extremely difficult to treat topically and can leave lifelong damage to your skin.
If a pimple is causing major discomfort or distress, a doctor can remove it safely by either draining it or using other effective methods such as corticosteriod injections in a safe and sterile environment.
Ultimately, the most recommended solution to getting rid of acne is adhering to a daily skincare routine for acne-prone skin. Depending on your acne severity, you should consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment.
How to pop a pimple safely
Although it is not recommended, if you absolutely need to pop a pimple, you have to make sure you are using a medicated lotion with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. These products will dry out the pimple, and even get at some of the root issues behind the acne and clear it up at a deeper level.
How to get rid of acne
Step 1: Cleanse your face morning and night
+Good things happen to those who wait: to prevent the appearance of pimples, follow a strict daily skincare routine to treat your acne-prone skin. First, make sure to clean your face with a gentle cleanser such as the Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel. This cleanser for acne-prone skin eliminates impurities and excess sebum.
Step 2: Micro Exfoliate Your Skin
+Use a Micro-Exfoliating Product to unclog your pores and get rid of any remaining impurities. Try our Effaclar Astringent Micro-Exfoliating Lotion to unclog and tighten enlarged pores.
Step 3: Apply an Acne Treatment
+Apply an Acne Treatment to your whole face to reduce acne and hydrate your skin. Try the Effaclar Duo (+) Global Action Acne Care to reduce the number and severity of your pimples as well as prevent their reoccurence and helps your skin to heal.
Step 4: Ignore Your Pimples
+Once you have treated your skin, leave your pimples alone. With the adapted skincare routine, they will eventually go away. Remember, by not popping your pimples, you prevent the risk of acne scars formation!
