How to Manage a Popped Pimple

You could’ve covered it up with concealer. You could’ve applied a spot treatment formulated with benzoyl peroxide. Better yet? You could’ve just let it run its course. Despite your better judgment, you gave in to temptation, picked away at the pesky zit on your face and now you’re reeling in regret. The very blemish you hoped to address (or at the very least, hide) is now an angry spot on your complexion.  Unfortunately, you can’t go back in time and un-do your mistake so it’s damage control from here on out. Below, we share tips on how to address a popped pimple.

WHY YOU SHOULD NEVER POP YOUR PIMPLES

Since you’re in this predicament, it’s worth reminding yourself of why it’s no place you want to be again. By picking at your skin, you risk cross contamination (think about how many germs can be on your hands), possible infection, as well as potentially permanent visible scarring. What’s more, popping pimples at home may even push some of the contents of the clogged pore deeper into the skin, which may increase inflammation and lead to more noticeable acne. Sure, a pop here and there seems harmless. In reality, these potential consequences are not to be taken lightly. Instead of reaching for your concealer tube after each pop to help hide the evidence, do your best to avoid popping those pesky zits in the first place.  Your skin will thank you.

THE DAMAGE IS DONE. WHAT NOW?

The area may appear irritated post-pop, but there are ways to care for your skin to help keep the area looking as good as possible. Before you panic, follow these steps:

Step One: Clean the Skin

Now that the skin around the blemish is broken, it could be more susceptible to unwanted bacteria so it’s important to help keep it clean.

Step Two: Protect the Area

Applying a spot treatment may seem like the logical step in this scenario, but you’re better off without it. Since most spot treatments are formulated with acne-fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, these products should not to be applied onto broken skin because they could cause irritation. These products are not designed for use post-pimple pop, and will likely not offer the intended benefits at this stage, which is why they should be used at the first sight of an un-popped blemish, rather than after the fact.

Step Three: Leave It Alone

Don’t interfere any further; allow your skin to heal on its own. Put a bandage on the zit, tie your hands to your chair—whatever you do, avoid touching your pimples with your fingers as much as possible. We know it’s easier said than done. That’s why we’re sharing some helpful tips to curb the bad habit, here.

Step Four: Skip the Makeup

While it may seem tempting to try to cover up the offending area with concealer and foundation right away, now that you have popped your pimple it’s best to keep it clean and hydrated and wait to put on your makeup.

HOW TO SEE CLEARER SKIN MORE QUICKLY

When you’re dealing with blemishes, it can be hard to be patient and allow it to run its course. To help speed along the time it takes for your skin to clear, follow these three helpful tips:

Tip #1: Keep Your Hands Off Your Face

Picking and prying at your skin can make your acne worse. Resist the urge to pop your pimples, and do your best to keep your hands off your face. This includes resting your face on your palms.

Tip #2: Relieve Pain with Ice

Acne can be unsightly, but it can also be painful, especially nodules and cysts. To help reduce inflammation, apply ice to the area.

Tip #3: Use a Spot Treatment

Spot treatments formulated with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can help reduce the appearance of acne. They can take time to work, so you’ll have to be consistent with your use. If all acne treatments fail to clear your skin after four to six weeks, visit your dermatologist. He or she will know know how to physically remove blemishes safely using sterile instruments. When performed by a dermatologist, an acne extraction is a safe way to get rid of blackheads and whiteheads.