Popping Pimples & Zits

Anyone who suffers from acne knows just how tempting it is to pop a zit.  Especially when they're expecting a hot date or are scheduled to take a picture the next day.

You might feel satisfied after popping pimples, but you're actually doing a lot of damage to your skin.  There's also a good chance you're prolonging the life of that pimple.  All dermatologists, make-up artists and estheticians will tell you that popping zits is no good for your skin.

The squeezing will irritate your skin and inflame the existing infection.  It will also force some of the bacteria deeper into your skin, which will most likely result in an even bigger and more stubborn breakout.  Popping zits increases your chances of scarring and re-infection.

Luckily, there are other ways to draw unsightly pus and fluids out of a large pimple.  The following methods are less damaging to your skin.  The first method might even result in a faster healing pimple.

The first thing I want to mention is the hot washcloth method.  Simply find yourself a clean washcloth and stick in a bowl.  Cover the washcloth with water and microwave it for about 30 seconds (longer if you need).  Wring the washcloth out and hold this warm compress against the pimple. 

Continue to do this until the pus is drained out.  After the pus is drained, clean the breakout and the surrounding area with some witch hazel or hydrogen peroxide.  Leave the zit alone, as aggravating or touching it now could lead to a bigger infection.

If you need a faster alternative to popping zits by squeezing, try popping them with a needle.  I know that sounds a little scary, but it's actually much safer and better for your skin than squeezing is.   Just don't try this on any pimp le that doesn't have a very obvious white head, or is extremely painful and large.

Here are the supplies you will need to safely pop pimples:

• Soap
• A sharp needle
• Lighter or match
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Cotton swabs
• A gauze or cotton pad
• Salt mixed with very warm water

How to drain pus-filled acne pimples:

1.      Gather your supplies. 

2.      Rinse the area with warm water.

3.      Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. 

4.      Sterilize your needle.  Pass the tip through an open flame for at least 10 seconds.  Continue to hold the needle in your hand while it cools.  Placing it down on a counter will defeat the purpose of sterilizing it.

5.      Very light puncture the pimple where it is white

6.      Apply very slight pressure around the sides of the breakout to gently squeeze the pus out. 

7.      Use a cotton swab to clean the area with Hydrogen Peroxide.

8.      Dip the cotton or gauze in the hot salt water and wring it out.  Hold this pad over your zit, letting more fluids drain out.

9.      Clean the area using a cotton swab and Hydrogen Peroxide. 

10.  Leave the pimple alone and let it heal.

These simple steps will give you all the satisfaction of popping zits, and if you do it right you won't have to suffer with damaged skin and acne scars.  Remember that popping pimples can be done safely, but it's better to use a hot compress to drain them.