Proper Pimple Popping - Pop That Zit Right!

Although you will find that adults, as well as adolescents get pimples, the younger of the two tend to have more, thus pimple popping becomes a way of life. If it is done in a casual manner it can lead to skin damage, result in facial scarring and possibly cause the infection to spread to surrounding areas. When this occurs, additional acne sprouts and the vicious cycle begins again. It is better to leave them alone and let them pop naturally. However, if you are determined to pop that zit, then at least learn how to do your zit popping properly.

Before starting your pimple popping session, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with an antibacterial soap. Then proceed to clean the affected area with a water soluble cleanser. Gently rub the pimples for two or three minutes with salicylic acid, which is a beta hydroxy acid. It works as an exfoliant and will help to unclog, loosen and remove the dead skin cells and excess oils from the skin pores. This in turn will help the zit popping to go well.

It is best to wear sterile gloves when you get ready to pop that zit, as this will help to reduce the chance of infection. Do not wipe the pimples with used washcloths or sponges as this will increase the chance of the area becoming inflamed and the infection spreading quickly. Steaming of the affected area will also help you achieve success with your pimple popping.

As a licensed esthetician I cannot advocate that you take a needle to your face. Doing so in an improper fashion will result in scarring. I know this all too well, as I did this myself when I was a teen and I have the scar to this day. However, I know some of you are bound and determined to pop that zit with a needle. Therefore, I cannot emphasize the importance of sterilizing the needle before using it. Do not use a match as that will leave a black residue, which you do not need to insert into your face. Talk about setting yourself up for infection. Yikes! Instead, sterilize your needle in boiling water.

Gently squeeze the pimple's contents onto a clean tissue. As the pus comes out and collects on the tissue, toss it and get a new tissue. Keep repeating this process so you lessen the chance of distributing the bacteria to other parts of your face. Once you're through with your zit popping, apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide to the affected area with a cotton pad. Lastly, it may be beneficial for you to now apply an ice cube on the area to help reduce the swelling of the area.

Remember, only elect to pop that zit as a last resort and only do so when the zit is ripe for the pickin'. Popping them too soon can put you at an unnecessary risk of causing an infection, additional outbreaks and possible scarring. Zit popping should not be treated as the first line of defense, but rather as the unthinkable to which you occasionally succumb.