To pop or not to pop pimples: solving spots at-home

In the pursuit of clear, blemish-free skin, we often find ourselves faced with a dilemma: to pop or not to pop a pimple.

Ultimately, our decision can have a significant impact on our skin's health and appearance. If you’re curious about should you pop pimples, situations where popping should be avoided, and when it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional, here is everything you need to know.

When to pop a pimple?

If you’re thinking, should I pop my pimple, the short answer is no. But you’re only human and sometimes the draw to squeeze a spot just can’t be ignored. However, you're placing your skin at risk of further inflammation, scarring or infection. Not convinced? Let's break it down a bit deeper.

Whiteheads and Blackheads: Should you pop whiteheads? Closed comedones, commonly referred to as whiteheads and open comedones (blackheads) are non-inflamed types of acne. Gentle extraction of these pores following proper hygiene and technique may be okay if done in-clinic by a trained professional. 

Pustules: Pustules are small, inflamed bumps containing pus. When a pimple has come to a head and shows a visible white or yellow centre, a pimple patch can help ensure everything has truly and fully come to ahead - and will be extracted naturally when ready.

If your pimple doesn’t fit into these categories, it's likely they are coming from deep beneath the surface. In this case, it's best to see a dermatologist for a treatment unique to your skin's needs.

How to get rid of a pimple without popping it?

In most cases, it is best to avoid popping pimples, as it can lead to scarring. Here are alternative methods for pimple removal.

Topical treatments: Over-the-counter creams and gels containing ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids can help to unclog pores and reduce the inflammation of the pimple.

Pimple patches: These small and discreet silicone patches adhere to the skin and are infused with acne-fighting ingredients, helping to reduce inflammation, absorb excess oil and promote faster healing of pimples.

Warm compress: Applying a warm compress or towel to the affected area can help soften the pimple and promote drainage. Plus it feels ultra spa like.

Professional treatments: Dermatologists can offer various procedures, including chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser therapy and physical extractions to address stubborn pimples.

Acne supplements: By regularly taking an acne supplement like Clear you can beat pimples to the chase with a fast-acting ingestible packed with ingredients to help combat acne symptoms at their root cause.

How to pop a pimple?

While we don’t recommend squeezing pimples, we also get it, sometimes it’s just too tempting. If you decide to pop a pimple, follow these steps to minimise the risk of making the situation worse.

Cleanse: Wash your hands thoroughly and cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser.

Apply warm compress: Place a warm compress on the pimple for a few minutes to soften the skin and make extraction easier.

Gently extract: Make an appointment with your preferred skin professional to see what treatment options are best. They can provide and in-depth skin analysis and can conduct extractions in some cases.

What to do after popping a pimple?

So you’ve done it, and now you’re wondering what to do after popping a pimple. Aftercare is integral to ensure your pimple doesn’t get infected or become worse.

Hands off: Avoid touching or picking at the area to prevent bacteria from entering and causing infection. Applying a silicone pimple patch can protect the spot from infection and bacteria.

Moisturise: Apply a mild, non-comedogenic moisturiser to soothe the area and protect it from environmental irritants.

Avoid makeup: Avoid applying makeup to the affected area after popping a pimple to allow the skin time to heal.

When it comes to pimples, prevention is always the best solution. So you don’t find yourself staring at a breakout in the mirror wondering if you should pop it or not, combat the concern at the root cause. Acne supplements like Clear work to prevent breakouts from occurring in the first place. Formulated with the best ingredients to prevent breakouts including an ingestible retinol, zinc, omega-3s, and the hero ingredient, a powerful probiotic called Acusolve™ which works on the gut-skin axis to support healthy skin, you can eliminate the need to pop pimples all together by targeting the root cause.