1. Blackheads, Whiteheads and Lesions
When it comes to popping zits, it is important to know your acne, as not all pimples can be popped. Blackheads occur when skin follicles become clogged with sebum, dead skin cells, dirt or even bacteria; however, the follicle itself remains open. Whiteheads occur under the same circumstances except that the follicle closes. As the trapped material pushes its way to the skin's surfaces, it creates a whitehead. Lesions on the other hand may be the beginning of whiteheads before the material surfaces, ingrown hairs or other skin traumas which will never actually form a whitehead.
2. Leave the Lesions Alone
Lesions are often the most painful and annoying form of acne; however, you should never attempt to pop them as you can push harmful bacteria deep into the skin causing infection, further inflame the tissue and generally aggravate the situation. You can, however, apply hot compresses to the lesion to try to bring the trapped material to the surface, soften the skin and increase the rate of healing. If a lesion continues growing or lasts longer than one week, seek advice from a dermatologist.
3. To Pop or Not to Pop
Popping zits should be performed at your own risk, as you increase the chances of infection, spreading the acne causing bacteria, scabbing and scarring. Pimples are annoying, and walking around all day with a giant zit may seem like the worst case scenario; however, after popping the pimple you could be left with a bright red, swollen, scabbed or even infected pimple instead of that harmless whitehead. If you simply must pop a pimple, be extremely careful or even consider seeing a dermatologist for professional extraction of the trapped material.
4. Bye Bye Blackhead
Blackheads should never be removed by hand. Instead, purchase a blackhead removing tool which is specially designed to remove the material inside the follicle without harming your skin. Use a facial steam or allow a hot, wet washcloth to rest on your skin for at least 10 minutes before removing blackheads to help open the follicles and soften the skin. Always wash your face and hands and sterilize your blackhead remover with rubbing alcohol before beginning.
5. Wiping Out a Whitehead
When popping whiteheads, you must be extremely careful not to spread the bacteria-ridden liquid and to avoid infection. Begin by washing your face and hands with a mild soap and then sterilize a needle by boiling it for about 5 minutes. Wipe the whitehead and the tip of the needle with rubbing alcohol and then carefully pierce the center of the whitehead. To not squeeze the pimple, instead, wrap your finger in clean tissue and dab at the whitehead, picking up the released liquid. Again, wipe the area with rubbing alcohol when finished to prevent infection and the spreading of bacteria.
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