We all know the frustration of waking up one day with a huge pimple on the face. Pimples seem to have an uncanny way of showing up exactly when you don’t want them—right before a date, an important work meeting, or the party you’ve been looking forward to all week. It then becomes very tempting to pop those nasty pimples, wash with a cleanser, and bam! Problem solved, pimple gone!

Well, not so fast. While all we want is to squeeze the daylights out of these annoying pimples (and some people even argue it’s a good thing), popping your pimples is actually almost never a good idea.

First things first, when is it okay to pop pimples?

Almost never! Pimples are made up of built-up pus within the skin, and this pus is made out of oil, dirt, bacteria, and inflammatory cells. Thus, popping the pimple can cause these contents to be transferred to other pores, and ultimately cause additional breakouts. If not done properly, popping pimples can also lead to permanent scarring! The only time it is okay to pop your pimples is when it is extracted professionally by dermatologists and aestheticians.

But I really, really, really want to pop it...

Let’s face it, no matter how many articles you read telling you to STOP popping those pimples, you’ll still do it, right? (Even I am still guilty of doing this). Well, if you really need to pop those pimples, there are many pimple extraction tools available that you can try. However, if you prefer doing it with your fingers, remember to start with clean hands, and cleanse the area around the pimple. Make sure the acne you are popping is not deep and you can already see a whitehead protruding out. Quickly apply gentle pressure from the sides and upwards with your fingers and squeeze out all the gunks.

Afterwards, I like to apply the COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch to prevent any bacteria from spreading. Another option is the Benton Snail Bee Mask, which has plenty of anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties to soothe acne-prone skin and prevent any further acne.

How do I prevent scarring after popping a pimple?

After popping those pimples, reach out for products with Vitamin C to make sure those pesky pimples don’t leave a mark!

In conclusion:

No matter how tempting it may be to burst that pimple on your face, avoid doing it. I know it’s easier said than done, but when you see it, leave it be. Treat it with some acne products, throw on a pimple patch, and let it run its natural course. Even if you follow these steps, popping your pimples on your own is still a risky thing to do. It’s always best to leave it to a dermatologist or aesthetician to make sure it’s done properly, and without damaging your skin.

Do you have any other tips on how to pop a pimple? Share them below!