Popping a pimple: It’s arguably one of the most addictive habits in the world, and if you’re one of those people who can withhold from popping yours, I commend you (because you’re clearly some kind of wizard). For everyone else who can’t control themselves, there are things you should know about correctly popping a zit to reduce the damage of that tiny, now-open wound on your face, both preemptively and after-the-fact.
What’s super interesting to me is that, for the most part, everyone everywhere loves to pick at their skin, and I’ve heard tons of theories as to why. Some people think that it’s a societal thing. Others blame the release of dopamine that occurs when you engage in routine-based behaviors. I’ve also heard that it’s a leftover evolutionary trait from our time as apes, since monkeys are so into personal grooming and all that. Regardless, there are arguments for and against it, but even if it turns out that popping pimples is the worst idea ever, people are still going to do it. Might as well do it the right way, right? Here’s a list of the top three mistakes to avoid when you’re picking at your skin, as well as a few tricks to help you pop them the right way.
1. Popping Without Prepping
Cleanse The Area With Coconut Milk & Honey
Coconut Milk And Honey Facial Cleanser, $17, Amazon
Dermatologist Rebecca Kazin told Women's Health that once you pop a pimple, “It becomes a micro-wound,” so it’s imperative that you keep it (and the area around it) clean. This coconut milk and honey facial cleanser contains all-natural and organic ingredients that are antibacterial, such as honey and coconut milk. It also has ingredients that soften and hydrate your skin, like aloe, jojoba oil, and vitamin E. When combined, they create a healing and gentle wash that helps you thoroughly clean your face while also prepping it for future healing.
Access Pimple Easily With Exfoliating Charcoal
Activated Charcoal Soap And Sponge, $12, Amazon
Activated charcoal is all the rage in skincare products right now because it’s super absorbent, so it’s thought to quite literally pull impurities out from the surface of your skin. This activated charcoal soap and sponge set is great for deep-cleansing and soft exfoliation, both of which are important skincare regiments before a pimple even appears. The konjac sponge gently buffs away old skin, and the soap pulls impurities outward, so bacteria is closer to the outer layer. These are especially great for those with sensitive skin because they’re rich in vitamins and totally all-natural.
Carefully Open Pores With Gentle Steam
Nano Facial Steamer, $44, Amazon
Steam opens up your pores and brings bacteria to the surface, and it also helps soften the skin — so you do less damage while popping. This nano facial steamer is more than just your everyday steamer: In addition to creating vapor that opens pores, it also negatively charges the particles so that they’re more effective at penetrating skin. While it’s got a temperature adjustment knob for ultimate control and a huge tank for up to 40 minutes of steam, it can also be used to humidify a room or warm towels. Basically, this thing’s your one-stop spa in a nice little tank, and reviewers are loving it.
2. Spreading Bacteria With Your Fingers
Use Sanitized Extractors, Instead of Germy Fingers
Bestope Extractor Tool Kit, $10, Amazon
Dermatologist Dr. Ava Shamban told Huffington Post, “Bacteria, viruses, and allergens transfer from fingertips onto the skin,” so if you can help it, it’s better not to use your hands at all. This Bestope extractor tool kit comes with five different tools for blemishes of all different shapes and sizes. Because they’re professional-grade and made from stainless steel, they’re super easy to clean and are way less likely to transfer germs and infections. They also come in a classy tin for safe and hygienic storage.
If You Have To Pick, Use A Finger Scrubbing Brush First
Hydrea Wooden Nail Brush, $10, Amazon
Researchers have found that the worst kinds of bacteria are chilling underneath your fingernails, including germs that cause stomach bugs, or even more potentially harmful things. You don’t want that stuff anywhere near an open wound, but if you must use your hands, washing them beforehand isn't enough. This Hydrea wooden nail brush is a great way to get all the dirt and bacteria out from under your fingertips. It has extra strong cactus bristles to get even the most stubborn germs, and because it’s made from durable and classy beechwood, reviewers say it’s a great little brush that gets the job done.
3. Skipping The Cleansing Afterwards
Kill (Bad) Bacteria With Witch Hazel
Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel, $10, Amazon
It’s ridiculously important to cleanse the area afterwards to prevent infection and scarring. However, certain creams and washes could be a little too powerful, as they kill the good bacteria on the surface of the skin that helps the wound to heal better and more efficiently. Thayers rose petal witch hazel cleanses, heals, and tones skin without any antibiotics or alcohol. Instead, it’s made with rose water, vitamin E, aloe vera, and witch hazel, which is a natural antibacterial that’s much gentler on skin. Reviewers say that this toner not only cleans, but it helps with future acne, as well — and they’re loving the subtle rose scent.
Clean Up With Antibacterial Bamboo Towels — Not Just Cotton
Organic Bamboo Washcloths, $15, Amazon
Dr. Eric Schweiger (the founder of the Schweiger Dermatology Group) told Huffington Post, “When you wash or dry your face with a dirty washcloth, you’re reintroducing that dirt and bacteria back into the skin.” That’s why it’s imperative to always use clean towels, and while experts suggest washing your towel after every use, there might be an easier way. These organic bamboo washcloths are made from all-natural rayon, which is antibacterial and antifungal. They’re also unbelievably soft and way more absorbent than cotton, yet they dry much better, so mold and mildew won’t grow in them. They come in a pack of six, and reviewers say that they’re easily the softest and most durable washcloths they’ve ever had — great for even the most sensitive skin, so you can wash or dry without worry.
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Images: Fotolia; Amazon (7)
