Popping pimples is something many of us do, often out of frustration, but it’s important to understand the right way to care for the skin afterward. When a pimple is popped, it can leave the skin vulnerable to irritation, infection, and scarring. The key to healing the skin and preventing further damage is choosing the right products to soothe, protect, and promote healing.
In this article, we will guide you through what to put on your skin after popping pimples, why it’s necessary, and how to incorporate these skincare steps into your routine. By using the right products, you can help your skin recover faster and keep it looking healthy and clear.
Why Popping Pimples Can Be Harmful
Before diving into post-pimple care, it’s essential to understand why popping pimples is not recommended. When you pop a pimple, you forcefully rupture the skin and the follicle underneath. This can:
- Spread bacteria: When you touch your pimple or use unclean tools, bacteria can enter the pore and cause further infections.
- Cause scarring: Improper extraction can result in deep scars that are difficult to treat.
- Worsen inflammation: Popping a pimple often leads to more swelling and redness in the surrounding area, making it look worse than before.
Even if you can’t resist the urge, knowing what to do afterward can minimize damage and improve your skin’s recovery.
What To Do After Popping a Pimple
Once you’ve popped the pimple, your primary focus should be reducing inflammation, preventing infection, and promoting healing. Here’s a step-by-step guide for what you should do:
Step 1: Cleanse the Area Gently
The first thing you need to do is cleanse the skin gently to remove any dirt, oil, or bacteria that might have been transferred during the popping process.
- Use a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser: Avoid harsh scrubs or cleansers with strong fragrances or alcohol as they can irritate the skin. Look for cleansers with ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which can help reduce acne-causing bacteria and prevent future breakouts.
- Wash with lukewarm water: Hot water can irritate the skin, while cold water may not cleanse effectively. Lukewarm water is best to help remove any remaining bacteria.
After cleansing, gently pat your skin dry with a clean towel. Do not rub the skin, as this can further irritate the area.
Step 2: Apply an Antiseptic or Acne Treatment
Once your skin is clean and dry, it’s important to apply something that can prevent infection and promote healing.
- Antiseptic products: An antiseptic solution, such as hydrogen peroxide (3% solution), or witch hazel, can help clean the skin and reduce bacteria, preventing further breakouts.
- Acne treatment serums: Look for treatments containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. These ingredients are commonly found in over-the-counter acne treatments. Benzoyl peroxide helps to kill bacteria, while salicylic acid helps to exfoliate the skin and reduce clogged pores.
- Tea tree oil: If you prefer natural remedies, tea tree oil is a popular option for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Mix a few drops with a carrier oil like jojoba oil and apply it to the pimple.
These treatments should only be applied to the affected area, not the entire face, to prevent over-drying or irritation.
Step 3: Use a Hydrating Moisturizer
After applying your acne treatment, it’s important to restore hydration to the skin. Popping pimples can damage the skin’s barrier, leaving it more prone to dryness and irritation.
- Choose a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizer: Look for moisturizers that are oil-free and labeled as “non-comedogenic,” meaning they won’t clog pores. Hyaluronic acid is a great ingredient to hydrate and plump the skin without causing breakouts.
- Cica or Centella Asiatica: This is a powerful ingredient known for its skin-healing properties. It helps to calm irritation and reduce redness, making it an excellent choice for post-pimple recovery.
Make sure to apply the moisturizer gently and allow it to absorb fully before moving on to the next step.
Step 4: Use a Healing Ointment or Gel for Extra Protection
If you’ve popped a particularly deep pimple or if the skin is raw, you may want to apply a healing ointment to further protect the area.
- Petroleum jelly: While it might seem counterintuitive, a thin layer of petroleum jelly or Aquaphor can help create a barrier to protect the skin from bacteria and prevent moisture loss while the skin heals.
- Aloe vera gel: Aloe vera is known for its soothing and healing properties. It can reduce inflammation and redness, helping to calm the skin after popping a pimple. Be sure to use 100% pure aloe vera gel for the best results.
Step 5: Apply Sunscreen
Your skin is now more vulnerable to UV damage, which can lead to hyperpigmentation and scarring. To prevent further skin damage, always apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every morning, even if you’re staying indoors.
- Choose a non-comedogenic sunscreen: Opt for a lightweight, oil-free formula that won’t clog pores or aggravate your acne. Sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide is often recommended for acne-prone skin, as these ingredients are non-irritating and provide broad-spectrum protection.
Extra Tips for Post-Pimple Care
Keep Your Hands Off Your Face
After popping a pimple, it’s essential to resist the urge to touch your face. Touching your face with dirty hands can introduce more bacteria and dirt into the healing area, leading to new breakouts. Keep your hands clean and avoid resting your face on your hands.
Avoid Picking or Scratching
Even though the skin may feel itchy or irritated after popping a pimple, avoid picking or scratching the area. This can cause further damage to the skin, leading to scarring or delayed healing.
Don’t Overdo It With Acne Treatments
While it’s important to treat the pimple and surrounding skin, you should avoid overloading your skin with too many acne treatments. Over-drying or over-exfoliating can make the skin even more irritated. Stick to a simple routine of cleansing, treating, moisturizing, and protecting your skin.
When to Seek Professional Help
If the pimple that you popped is not healing or shows signs of infection, such as excessive redness, swelling, pus, or pain, it’s time to seek help from a dermatologist. They can provide stronger topical treatments or oral medications to prevent complications and help your skin heal more efficiently.
Conclusion
Though popping pimples is a common habit, it can cause more harm than good if not done correctly. The right aftercare is essential to ensure the skin heals properly and doesn’t suffer from further breakouts or scarring. Cleanse the area gently, use an acne treatment, hydrate, and protect your skin with sunscreen to promote healing and prevent further damage.
By following these steps and choosing the right products, you can take better care of your skin and minimize the chances of scarring, redness, and additional breakouts. Always remember that patience and proper skincare are key to maintaining clear, healthy skin.
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