Confession: even though I’m a beauty editor who knows all about hyperpigmentation and acne scarring, I can’t resist popping my pimples. Not all the time—just when I have to look good for a big meeting or date night (or a quick selfie session). Obliterating the whiteheads and covering up my sins with concealer is something I’ve been doing for a while, and I have the dark spots to prove it. But I recently found out there is a right and wrong way to pop pimples. Celebrity facialist Cecilia Wong from Cecilia Wong Skincare in New York broke down the process for SELF.
1. Know when the pimple is “ready.”
Popping a whitehead too soon can cause scarring in the future. You’ll know it’s time when you can actually see the white center peeking out. If it’s still red or lurking under the skin, don’t touch! Painful cystic pustules are better left to the dermatologist’s cortisone shot, and reserve blackhead extractions to an esthetician.
2. Prep the skin with a steamy shower.
Wong recommends hopping in the bath first. The steam and heat from the water stream will help relax pores and soften the skin around the pimple. You’ll notice the area is a lot more pliable after spending 10 minutes in the shower.
3. Use a tissue to keep the area clean.
Make sure your skin is clean before you pop, and cover your index fingers with tissue to keep the area clean.
Note: Don’t use a needle or safety pin or any other sharp object to pierce the pimple. You might have seen your facialist use this method to clear out pores, but Wong warns against using a DIY lancet (the sharp blade estheticians use to puncture pimples). It can leave a hole in the skin that is open to more bacteria.
4. Make sure everything is out.
Wong says the biggest mistake people make when popping pimples at home—not getting everything. Keep pinching until every remnant of sebum has been removed.
5. Cleanse the spot with toner.
Disinfect the area with a cotton pad dipped in toner or hydrogen peroxide. Avoid using alcohol on the spot as it will dry out the area (and burn!). After everything is clean, the bump should disappear and you can cover any remaining redness with concealer.
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