Should you pop your pimples at home

Should you pop your pimples at home?

Getting a pimple and not popping it right away has got to be one of the biggest test on self-discipline ever!

Two BIG reasons why you should not pop your own pimples.

First, it creates Post Inflammatory Pigmentation (PIP). I personally call this a forever pimple. PIP is a pigmentation type that is forms discoloration on the skin caused by an inflammatory response to an injury. This process is the skin’s natural response to inflammation.

If too much pressure is applied while extracting, it causes a light wound or injury to the skin leaving behind pigmentation where your pimple was. PIP from pimples can show up as a circular red, pink, or brown spots. To learn more about Post Inflammatory Pigmentation, ask me at your next visit.

Second, Don’t pop your own pimples because it can create more pimples! If a pimple is not ready to come out and you start mashing on it, you can cause the pimple to rupture underneath your skin and the bacteria will spread and cause more pimples.

It’s best to leave it alone and let it run its course. If you want to help your skin along, I recommend a spot treatment made for blemishes.

Look for something with salicylic acid, which helps clear out pores and calm the look of a blemish. If salicylic is too much for your skin, I use Kay’s Glow Oxygen Serum as my spot step: dab a thin layer on the blemish at night, and its buffered AHAs help smooth and calm the look of it while your skin does its thing. It’s made for sensitive skin, so it won’t sting. During the day, follow with sunscreen.

To be on the safe side it’s always best to see an esthetician for proper extractions that won’t damage your skin.

For those of you who will pop their pimples no matter how many estheticians tell you not to…. Follow these guidelines at home.

At Home Extractions

• Take a steamy shower - This will soften your skin and open your pores making it easier for blackheads and bacteria to come out.
• Make sure if you are extracting a pimple that it’s ready! Look for a whitehead on the surface of your pimple. If there is no white head, leave it alone! If you try to extract, when your pimple is not ready, your chances of creating a forever pimple increase dramatically.
• Extract your pimple/blackhead. Make sure your hands and face are clean. Then apply an even amount of pressure to both sides of your pimple or backhead to extract is out. Try 3x, if nothing comes out, leave it alone. Apply a pimple spot treatment. You can try again the next day.
• Cleanse your skin and wipe off the extraction area, apply a gentle astringent, then your spot treatment to help calm the look of the area. After extractions, keep the rest of your routine simple with The Bohemia Skin System.
• Wash your hands to kills off any bacteria that might be on your fingers.