How To Pop A Pimple Correctly | From A Licensed Esthetician - Blog

As a licensed esthetician, I am the first to tell people to leave their skin alone at home. Back away from the magnified mirror, put down the extractor tool, and let your skin be. But sometimes the time arises when a pimple needs to be popped! Here’s my guide for how to properly pop a pimple at home safely with minimal irritation.

When Is A Pimple Ready To Be Popped?

There are different kinds of acne, as I have discussed before on my acne 101 blog. I only recommend trying to extract blackheads, whiteheads, & pustules. I believe a pustule to be the best type of pimple to pop at home when it has a noticeable whitehead. Blackheads and whiteheads are usually easier to reduce with the use of chemical exfoliants!

Types of Acne | Popping Pimple at Home | @taratheestie — photo source

If it is a closed comedone, without a whitehead, it is best to leave it alone.

Supplies You Need

Q-Tips
Tissue or Cotton Rounds
Acne Toner
Soothing Serum

After you gather all the supplies, it’s time to get our Dr. Pimple Popper on!

Wash your hands
Grab 2 Q-tips and apply pressure at the base of the pimple. You will need to press hard, but it shouldn’t hurt. Do a press and roll technique to get the gunk out!
Clean the area with your acne toner. Just use a small amount and dab around to help prevent bacteria spread and clean out the open pore.
Apply a soothing serum to the spot to help speed up the healing process. My favorite is the Hero Cosmetics Rescue Balm!

Your skin will most likely be a bit red and tender. Remember to keep your hands off your face and allow the spot to heal. After 24 hours, it should be much less inflamed and on its way to fully healed.

@taratheestie Don’t pick your skin!! Here’s a good way to get that stubborn pimple that’s about to pop 😏 #pimplepopper #skinextractions #acnetreatment #licensedesthetician #pimplepopping #skincarehelp ♬ Blue Blood – Heinz Kiessling & Various Artists

Obviously, every pimple is different so you may experience more or less inflammation.* If the pimple isn’t coming out relatively easily, then it is best to stop and try again the following day. Spending too much time on one area can lead to worsening the acne spot.

Alternatives To Popping Pimples At Home

I try my best to never pick at my skin. When zits pop up that just need to go away- this is the best technique to use. I typically choose to let them heal on their own simply because you reduce the risk of scarring, bacteria spread and irritation.

Another option is pimple patches. These keep the skin protected and allow the gunk to stay contained in the patch. Check out my favorite products to try below.