Our tips for getting rid of acne spots

It’s called “PimplePopping”. The trend of pus-filled pimples popping up on camera has become a hit on the social media platform TikTok, which has more than 78 billion views on videos with the hashtag “Pimple,” which means “pimple.”

If this method pleases some people, it can also be disgusting. And this is correct, because under no circumstances should you puncture a pimple.

Infections, spots, scars…

And three reasons justify this rule. First, even if you wash your hands before picking pimples, bacteria remains under your nails. They will settle in the pimple area and you risk increasing pimples and infections.

The second reason is that when you pop a pimple, you increase inflammation, which leads to abnormal production of melanin, the pigment that colors the skin. So, after the pimple disappears, a spot may appear on your face.

Finally, the third reason is that by piercing the pimple, you cause the skin to tear and cut, which can lead to scar formation.

So don’t touch it and the body will clear the pimple naturally in a few days or, worst case scenario, a few weeks for the biggest pimples.

Use patches to stick

Instead of poking buttons, choose other solutions. For example, there are patches that can be glued to pimples like stickers. Even stars have succumbed to this, like Justin Bieber, the Canadian singer who appeared a few years ago with acne patches on his face.

There are completely transparent ones. Just stick them on the pimple and wait, with the promise that these stickers will help the pimple disappear faster. The benefit, according to dermatologists, is that these patches prevent you from touching the pimple and introducing bacteria to it.

Are bandages or toothpaste for blisters a good idea?

Other solutions, such as anti-blister dressings, are often considered. Be careful, this is a bad idea because these dressings contain hydrocolloids, molecules that maintain moisture. However, the latter is a preferred environment for bacteria, so this may make the situation worse.

Beware of all of grandma’s old remedies, like applying toothpaste to a pimple or spraying your face with hydrogen peroxide. The latter is used to clean and treat minor wounds and is also included in many household products. Dermatologists advise against this practice as hydrogen peroxide is very irritating to the skin, very harsh and even poses a risk of depigmentation in the long term as it discolors the skin and hair in the treated area.

Anti-inflammatory creams or fruit acids

Finally, in stores and pharmacies you can find small tubes of cream for applying to spots. Most often, such creams contain anti-inflammatory components. The goal is to make the pimple appear less red and clear up faster.

You can also find fruit acids that will speed up skin renewal. In short, they will bring the pimple to the surface so that it disappears faster. But know that there is no miracle solution. These cosmetic solutions may help you if you have pimples from time to time, but if they appear regularly and in large quantities, it is best to see a dermatologist.