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Insider producer Celia Skvaril video chatted with Dr. Sandra Lee, aka Dr. Pimple Popper, to get her professional advice on how to pop a pimple at home. While Lee doesn't recommend that people pop their own pimples, pimple popping is a habit that many can’t resist.
This is what Dr Pimple Popper recommends:
- Do not pick your pimples because when you pick them, it makes them even more problematic. There’s also potential for scarring which can be permanent, as well as infection if you pop them too early.
READ MORE: From foot chemical peels to blackhead extractions, here are 11 grossly satisfying beauty treatments
How do I know if a pimple is ready to be popped?
"If it’s most superficial to your skin," says Dr Lee. This is usually when there’s a very thin layer of skin over the puss. However, Dr Lee does not think anyone should be popping their pimples at home regardless of the situation.
But if you absolutely cannot curb the habit, here’s what you need:
- Two cotton buds or two tissues to wrap around your fingers
- A gentle facial cleanser
- A wash cloth
- Cotton wool
- Rubbing alcohol (surgical spirits)
- Spot treatment
How to pop
Steam your face – you can take a hot shower or place a warm wash cloth on your face to ensure the pores are dilated and relaxed. Once your skin feels soft, sterilise the area with rubbing alcohol, use the cotton buds or tissues (wrapped around your pimple-popping fingers) to pop the pimple.
Tip: If you see a little blood, you can stop squeezing.
Apply spot treatment afterwards to prevent any redness and inflammation.
Dr Pimple Popper also says, “Throw the magnifying mirror away. Nobody sees your skin like that – only you do and it’s messing with your head!"
Compiled by Afika Jadezweni
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