Most of us have been there—standing in front of the mirror, tempted to pop a pimple even though we know we shouldn’t. Doctors advise against it, but let’s be honest, we do it anyway. Since it’s hard to resist, the least we can do is make sure we’re doing it as safely as possible. Here are some tips to help minimize the risk of scarring or skin infections (though, of course, we’re not medical professionals).
1. **Clean the Area and Your Hands**
Before you do anything, clean the affected area with an alcohol wipe or a gentle soap. Once it’s clean, avoid touching it with your bare fingers. As for your hands, you can either sanitize them with alcohol wipes or wrap your fingers in tissue to avoid direct contact with your skin.
2. **Only Pop When It’s Ready**
Not every pimple is ready to be popped. If it’s just a red bump, leave it alone—popping too soon can make things worse. Only go for it if there’s a visible whitehead. When you do, apply gentle pressure from the sides, pushing upward. Avoid pressing down, as that can push bacteria deeper into the skin and lead to infection. And remember, one push is enough—repeated squeezing can cause irritation and prolong healing.
3. **Clean Up and Let It Heal**
Once you’re done, clean the area again with an alcohol wipe or a damp cloth. Let it dry completely, and avoid applying makeup until the skin has healed. That’s why it’s best to do this at night rather than right before heading out.
Take care, and good luck!