Skin 101: 10 reasons why you shouldn't pop your pimple (and what you should do instead)
We all know the feeling of just wanting to pop your pimples so badly that you physically can’t think of anything else for the entire day. There’s a reason why Dr Pimple Popper and other internet sensations have racked up such a huge fan base. Because popping your pimples is just so damn satisfying.
But unfortunately, and as you’re probably already aware deep down, it’s really not good for you or your skin. If your goal is to have blemish-free, glowing skin - popping your pimples is actually probably delaying you from getting there. When extractions are performed by a professional, they can be very effective, but when you do them yourself at home you risk damaging your skin and actually making the problem worse. Here are the top ten reasons why you should avoid doing it at all costs, and some alternatives that won't leave your skin inflamed and angry!
It can spread bacteria
Because you’re popping your pimple with your finger, you’re actually just introducing new bacteria to the area. If you’ve ever noticed that once you get rid of one, another one pops up in its place that’s because the bacteria and oil that is contained in the acne, once released, spreads across the skin causing more to spawn. This, coupled with the fact that you often leave a wound or cause the skin to bleed can all end up causing the bacteria and oil to entrench deeper in the skin.
It can make the pimple worse
This can lead to, you guessed it, an even bigger pimple in its place! It also often makes the existing pimple look inflamed and swollen, which makes them more noticeable than before. So, don’t even think about popping that pimple!It can cause infection
In another cruel twist of fate, by introducing the bacteria to the open wound, you are increasing your chance of infection. This can cause the pimple to become incredibly sore and inflamed.
It can lead to hyperpigmentation
The pressure you apply to your face when you’re popping a pimple can actually cause damage to the skin underneath. This is often what causes acne scarring, and can also attribute to inflammation that causes hyperpigmentation to the surrounding skin. If you’re prone to getting hyperpigmentation, it’s even more crucial that you avoid the urge to pop!
It can make the pimple more noticeable
We’ve all been there. Where you pop a pimple in a desperate attempt to get rid of it quickly, only to end up making it 10 x more noticeable than it was before! Because you aggravate the pimple and the area when you pop it, it can make the skin look red, and often cause the spot to bleed. Despite your best intentions, this will only draw attention to it!
Interrupts the natural healing process
Pimples and acne are your body's response to having clogged pores or bacteria in the skin - which annoyingly, means that the bump is actually serving a purpose. It’s your body's way of doing something about whatever it is that’s bothering it. So that pimple you are so desperate to pop is actually your skin trying to heal. If you’re picking and popping them, you’re only getting in the way of your body’s natural healing process. Trust the process people!
It can lead to scaring
The real kicker when it comes to acne scaring is that once it occurs, it’s incredibly difficult to treat. There are some great products and treatments out there that can help like Murad InvisiScar Resurfacing Treatment, but treating acne is a lot easier than treating scarring as a general rule.
Therefore, as soon as a breakout occurs it’s important to get to the root of what’s causing it - and make sure you’re including some bacteria-fighting ingredients in your skincare routine. Retinol is referred to by many as being a wonder product when it comes to preventing breakouts!
It can get messy
This one is quite self-explanatory but we’ve all been left with a bit of a disaster to clean up after a pimple-popping session has gone wrong! It’s not pretty!
This can lead to discolouration
Similarly to hyperpigmentation, the pressure used when popping a pimple can lead to the skin becoming damaged and discoloured. Again - this is much more difficult to treat than it is to incorporate products and treatments into your routine that help stops pimples at the cause.
Can leave permanent scarring
Have you ever heard of a Pyrrhic victory? Probably not, so let me explain. In ancient Greece, a Pyrrhic victory inflicted such a devastating toll on the victor that it made it equivalent to a defeat. To put it simply, it’s a victory that takes such a heavy toll on the winner that it negates any sense of achievement.
Acne scarring can feel a bit like this, as it can linger long after the war is won. These serve as annoying reminders of bad skin days gone by, and your best defence against them is not creating them in the first place. Seeing as popping pimples is one of the leading causes - it’s yet another reason to keep your pincers away from your face!
What you should do instead of popping pimples
You’re probably thinking, so what do I do instead!? There are a couple of much better alternatives. Here are our top tips.
Find your go-to spot treatment
Spot treatments are a great way to stop a breakout in its tracks and avoid one leading to an army! We recommend keeping one in your bag so when you feel a pimple coming on, you can grab it on the go. This will hasten the drying-out process and help relieve some of the discomforts.
Spot treatments available at Caci:
Skinsmiths Blemish Treatment
Take action on the spot with the Skinsmiths Blemish Rescue Treatment! This mineral spot treatment will rescue you from skin blemishes. It is our answer to resolving the appearance of breakouts without damaging your skin further. This treatment is formulated with Zinc Oxide to create a protective mineral barrier that allows your blemishes to resolve faster and reduce the risk of prolonged healing. Activated with Salicylic Acid to clear blocked pores and infused with anti-inflammatory Tea Tree Oil and Centella Asiatica to help calm and soothe compromised skin.
We recommend to gently press a rice grain-sized amount onto the blemish. Keep taping onto the blemish until the white cast disappears. A little goes a long way!
Murad’s Rapid Relief Spot Treatment
This treatment is like kryptonite to breakouts, if you’re someone who suffers from acne this is a must-have in your skincare arsenal! This maximum-strength spot treatment reduces blemish size and redness in as little as 4 hours!
It has 2% salicylic acid that works to treat breakouts fast, provides discreet treatment of breakouts and soothes the skin.
Consider regular acne treatments
Acne treatments available at Caci:
LED Light Therapy
LED Light Therapy treatments are gentle and non-invasive and work to soothe while also stimulating the skin’s natural regeneration process.
Blue light helps fight against acne-causing bacteria while helping with skin cell turnover and calming inflammation.
Red light enhances the skin’s natural defence mechanisms to help speed up healing and encourages happier healthier skin.
It’s also completely painless and is over in 20 minutes!
Blemish Control Facial
The name says it all, the Murad Blemish Control Facial is a targeted way to treat acne and breakouts. It works by deeply cleansing your skin, removing excess oil, and using products that are scientifically formulated to help combat pimples.
If acne is an ongoing issue, regular facials are always your best defence!
The best way to keep pimples away
If you’re someone who suffers from acne, it can feel like an uphill battle, but don’t give up! Like anything, the best way to see results is by being consistent.
Getting rid of pimples is one thing, but keeping them at bay can be another struggle altogether. If you’re wanting to wave ta-ta to your breakouts for good, consider getting regular skin treatments as a way to keep on top of them. The blemish boot camp membership is an 8-week plan specifically designed to get rid of pimples for good!
Ready to get rid of pimples?
While the au-naturel approach may work for some people, it won’t work for others. Acne, like many skin concerns, is actually a skin disease so getting professional help is not only recommended, it’s usually crucial if you want to see results.
The skin experts at Caci will be able to point you in the right direction when it comes to skincare and treatments that will help you achieve your own personal results. No two faces are the same, so the discovery process can be a bit overwhelming, and it’s always nice to have someone who can help you on your journey to clear your skin.
Like any part of one’s lifestyle - your beauty choices are one that begs respect, as your skin can feel as personal as your identity. Nothing will quite compare to the skin positivity and confidence that comes from having healthy, glowing skin, so if you’re ready to make breakouts a thing of the past, book your free consultation today.
