for pimple poppers everywhere, we have some news: there is a right way and a wrong way to pop a zit. if done incorrectly, popping that pimple can be detrimental to your skin. if done safely, it can actually help speed up the healing process. so, let’s talk about the right way!
the possible pros
As with anything in life, there are potential benefits and drawbacks to popping a zit. If done safely, the extraction process can help the skin heal faster because you’re draining the wound of pus. It can also be helpful aesthetically - popping a zit can help flatten the area so that it blends in better with the rest of your skin, while also making it easier to cover.
the possible cons
BUT! If you try to pop your zit when it isn’t ready, you might cause even more damage and make it appear more inflamed than it originally was! When you poke at a pimple, you risk actually pushing bacteria further into the pore, creating a deeper infection. If your hands or tools are not clean, you can also potentially introduce new bacteria into the skin, effectively prolonging the breakout.
The popping process is also high risk because you can easily spread bacteria. When you rupture a pore that’s full of debris and bacteria, it can transfer to other pores, producing more zits. This can also damage the skin and lead to long-term discoloration.
how do you know if a zit can be popped?
The safest kinds of zits to extract at home are the ones that have collected a minimal amount of pus and are located very close to the surface of the skin. They’ll most likely be small whiteheads, blackheads, or pustules.
Whiteheads form when dead skin cells or bacteria are trapped in your pores. Blackheads are also caused by blocked pores, but instead the pore remains open and the sebum has oxidized - that’s what causes their darker appearance. Pustules might appear similar to whiteheads - they are small bumps that contain pus or fluid and are usually surrounded by red, inflamed skin.
If your zit appears to be very deep, very red, and far beneath the skin, don’t touch it! This is most likely a deep cyst, and in attempting to pop it, you’ll risk damaging much of the surrounding skin. You’ll also extend the time it’ll take to heal.
How To Pop a Pimple or Zit the Right Way
now for the fun part - how do I pop a pimple the right way?
when should I do it?
Do it at night so that your skin has time to recover from potential inflammation. Your skin will have the best chance at a quick recovery if it’s cleaned, prepped, and left untouched overnight. Even better, pop your pimple after a shower, when the skin is freshly cleaned, and the additional heat has helped soften it.
how should I do it?
1) prep the skin
First, remove all makeup and wash your skin with your usual cleanser. Carefully press a warm (not hot!) washcloth onto the affected area for about two minutes to soften the skin. If you just got out of the shower, this step is not necessary!
2) press the skin
Gently pull the nearby skin away from the pimple and apply light pressure. Don’t press in the center of the breakout - the center should drain out easily. If it doesn’t, this is a sign that the zit isn't ready to pop and you should leave it alone to prevent further damage!
3) wrap your fingers, and press
Cover the ends of your pointer fingers with a clean tissue and apply pressure to the sides of the pimple. Gently squeeze and press. A little bit of blood and clear liquid is normal, but if you’re struggling to remove the fluid inside, it’s not ready to pop! In that case, you should stop and try again the next day.
4) tone after popping
Either of our toners can help clean up the zit and purify the skin post-popping! Spray either one onto a cotton pad, and gently pat over and around the area. Not only will it help clarify and remove impurities, it’ll also help balance the skin. If you opt for the raspberry vinegar toner and experience a slight stinging sensation over the popped zit, don’t be alarmed - this is completely normal, as the toner is full of natural acetic acid.
5) get your mask on
After cleaning the area, feel free to do a full face mask! Our chlorophyll mask can help soothe the skin and further purify the breakout area. Calming the skin is an important part of making sure your skin is on its way to fully healing.
6) spot treat (but ONLY after the wound has closed!)
You can use our turmeric spot treatment on the affected area to help reduce the look of post-acne dark spots. The curcumin in turmeric root helps diffuse the excess melanin (which is what causes dark spots!) without drying or irritating the skin. After the wound has closed, apply the turmeric spot treatment and leave it on for at least 20 minutes - you can sleep with it on, if you like! Spritz some toner on a cotton pad and swipe to remove it.
7) moisturize!
Keeping your skin hydrated is of the utmost importance during the healing process. While any of our moisturizers will do the job, our facial repair oil, which is packed with restorative rosehip oil, is especially helpful for improving texture and tone.