Pimples? How to Take Care of Them

 Pimples? Yes you're not the only one that has them. We have all been there, and hate it. Pimples are natural and will happen. The best we can do is to take care of them in the most appropriate way. I know, I know the first thing you want to do when you see a pimple is pop it. Although it seems like the only and fastest solution, let me tell you it's not. Today I want to tell you a few things to keep in mind as you take care of any unwanted pimples on your beautiful skin. 

Photo by Megan Bagshaw on Unsplash

What are they?

Like I mentioned before, try your hardest to just not pop pimples or mess with them. I know it can be hard to have them, but keep in mind that it's a natural thing. In the case that you need to pop a pimple, remember what we will talk about today. 

First, let's talk about what exactly is a pimple. According to Medical News Today, "A pimple is a small pustule or papule." Pimples are developed in oil glands that become clogged and infected leading to red inflamed skin. Pimples surround bacteria, which is why you want to avoid popping them. For the most part, when a pimple is popped, bacteria is released increasing the potential for more pimple to grow. Since pimples are a natural thing, your body knows how to heal and recover from them. It is rare the times when pimples will have a huge effect, but in those cases it is better to talk to a dermatologist. A professional will be better able to determine how and why the pimple should be popped.

How to safely pop them?

There are different types of "pimples" and it is good to learn to recognize what pimple you're dealing with. Each type, could have different causes and ways to resolve them. Some might be better to pop while others are better to leave alone. Here are some of the most common types of pimples that you might see. 

Whiteheads

They are small pimples that remain under the skin. They are small for the most part, but could vary depending on each case. For the most part, they are flesh-color papule that hide beneath the skin.

The best way to pop a white head is by washing your hands. It is critical to was your hands because you do not want to cross contaminate the bacteria on your hands with the bacteria in the whitehead. The next step should be  sterilize a needle. Once that is done, gently insert the needle at the widest part of the pimple at angle. This process should be pain free and blood free. With a gauze or a cotton ball, make sure to keep skin taught instead of pushing into the pimple. Lastly, make sure to sterilize the area by using a drying agent such as witch hazel.

Blackheads

Contrary to popular belief, blackheads do not occur due to dirt trapped in our skin. For the most part, blackheads are very visible since they are on the skin surface. They occur due to the oxidation for melanin in our skin. If I had to take a guess, I would say these one of the most popular types of popping videos on the internet for pimple popping videos.

The first step is to apply a product containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Using those ingredients helps the area loosen up the trapped pus and dirt, making it a smoother process. Always make sure to wash your hands to avoid any more bacteria contamination on your skin. For the most part, blackheads are easy to remove. Use cotton swabs to apply pressure on both sides of the blackhead. Make sure to sterilize the area of the blackhead, use products such as rubbing alcohol or witch hazel.

Cysts

These are usually the most hated type of pimple. Cysts are usually very obvious and visible on the skin. These bad boys, are painful and when popped can leave scars. Most of us have had at least one of these in our lives, and probably even have a scar from one. 

The majority of the time, these are pimples you shouldn't be popped. Cystic acne is one of your signs to not pop your pimples. At times these can grow and become too deep in the skin layer. If you experience a lot of cystic acne and pimples, the best option is to see a dermatology who can provide treatments to alleviate  the skin.

Photo by Poko Skincare on Unsplash

Don't Make "Pimple Popping" a hobby

Believe it or not, there are people who consider this a hobby. Popping a pimple every once in a while will be ok, but try to avoid it as much as possible. I have also met people that says they pop pimples as a way to distract from stress. There are other ways that are a healthier way to deal with stress. If you find yourself having lots of breakouts, don't be afraid to go to a professional such as a dermatologist. Remember to be safe and take care of your skin. 

Pimples? Yes you're not the only one that has them. We have all been there, and hate it. Pimples are natural and will happen. The best we can do is to take care of them in the most appropriate way. I know, I know the first thing you want to do when you see a pimple is pop it

https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/how-to-pop-a-pimple#takeaway

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/71702#causes