The Ins and Outs of Popping Pimples

For anyone who's ever had a breakout, the desire to pop a pimple is real. And while it may be tempting to squeeze, prod, and poke at your blemishes until they disappear, there are some things you should know about pimple popping before you go ahead and do it. Here, we'll give you the lowdown on everything from the best way to pop a pimple (spoiler alert: don't!) to what can happen if you just can't resist the urge. Trust us, your skin will thank you.

The Do's and Don'ts of Popping Pimples

We know it's hard to resist, but popping pimples is generally not a good idea. Why? For starters, it can actually cause more breakouts. When you pop a pimple, it's easy to introduce bacteria from your hands into the open wound. This can lead to inflammation and even infection. Not to mention, when you pop a pimple, you also run the risk of scarring. So what's a blemish-prone person to do? Here are some tips for dealing with breakouts the right way:

Do cleanse your skin regularly. 

Cleansing your face twice a day—once in the morning and once at night—is crucial for keeping your skin healthy and blemish-free. Use a gentle cleanser that won't strip your skin of its natural oils, which can actually lead to more breakouts. We recommend CeraVe's Foaming Facial Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin . Just remember to follow up with a moisturizer!

Don't pick or squeeze your pimples. 

We know it's tempting, but resist the urge to pick or squeeze your blemishes. This will only make them redder, inflamed, and more likely to leave behind scars. 

Do use spot treatments.

 Spot treatments are another key part of an effective acne-prevention routine. When you feel a breakout coming on, reach for a spot treatment containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid . These ingredients help dry up excess oil and kill bacteria that can lead to breakouts.

Don't forget about sunscreen . 

Sunscreen is important for preventing premature aging—but did you know it can also help prevent breakouts? That's because sun exposure can actually increase inflammation in the skin, which can exacerbate acne flare-ups. So make sure to apply sunscreen every day , even if you're just staying indoors. The best sunscreens for acne-prone skin are oil-free and noncomedogenic , which means they won't clog pores . We like La Roche-Posay's Anthelios Melt FLuid SPF 60 . 

While popping pimples may seem like an easy way to get rid ofbreakouts fast, it's actually not doing your skin any favors in the long run. From increased inflammationto the risk of scarring , there are plenty of reasons why you should resist the urge topick or squeeze your blemishes. Instead, focus on cleansing , using spot treatments ,and protecting your skin with sunscreen . Trust us—your skin will thank you!