The Question of Zit Popping

To Pop or Not to Pop?

Okay, get ready, because we’re going to dive into some gross stuff here. It’s going to be about zit popping. Hey, it’s a fact of life, and you’ve probably done it yourself. If you don’t want to read this article because zit popping makes you squeamish, fine. Before you go, here’s the point of the article: try not to pop them. If you just have to, be careful and keep it clean.

There are two opposing camps on the zit popping question. There are those who say it’s a good thing. Then, there are those who say you should never do it. Here are their arguments:

“Just pop the zit!”

• Zit popping provides a sense of gratification.
• Zits that need to be popped are very ugly and excruciatingly annoying.
• Zits that are ready to blow get really tender and painful.
• Zit popping is going to occur anyway; might as well do it in the privacy of your own bathroom than to risk an explosion in public.

“Never pop the zit!”

• If you pick at pimples, they won’t heal properly.
• Zit popping will make the zit bigger, redder, and more inflamed.
• Zit popping will create further swelling which will cause more pore clogging, which will create a bigger zit that lasts longer.
• It might cause a scar.
• Zit popping can spread the gross bacteria around the surrounding skin, producing more zits.

Here’s what we advise. Don’t try to pop all your pimples. If the pimple is going to pop anyway, you can give it a little prodding. However, if you have to really bear down on the thing to get it to pop, please don’t do it. Never, ever attempt to pop deep cysts. Cysts are a problem, but only a trained dermatologist should deal them with. As a general rule, try to avoid zit popping.

With that disclaimer, there are some times when it may be best to pop. Realize that the following points will only apply to a small number of pimples, so use the advice judiciously.

How to pop a pimple.

• Zit popping works best when your skin is soft and pliable, preferably after a shower.
• Wash your hands and your face before zit popping.
• If available, use a sanitized needle or tool. Wipe the tool down with rubbing alcohol before you begin, and then after.
• A quick, short, and gentle squeeze is best. Do not dig around. Do not jab deep. Be careful.
• Once the pimple has been pricked, gently coax excess oil and pus out of the area. As soon as blood appears, stop.
• Wash your hands and face thoroughly afterward, using soap and warm water. Pat dry.
• Hold a tissue to the spot, and press firmly for several minutes to stop any bleeding.
• After the deed has been done and the spot begins to heal, do not pick the scab and reopen the wound.

Finally, remember that zit popping is not ideal. The best way to get rid of a pimple fast without any lasting inflammation or scarring is to stick to a regular cleansing and treating routine, using high quality products.