Could You Pop the Whiteheads?

Despite your tendency to want to pop a zit, it’s not a good idea.

Pimples are full of oil, bacteria, pus and other things that are clogged in that oil gland. So when you pop a pimple, all of that bacteria and pus leak out onto your skin and can in turn cause other zits to develop nearby.

Attempting to pop a zit could also result in that zit getting worse, not better. If it’s an especially deep pimple, you could end up forcing the pus and bacteria deeper into the skin, making it even more difficult to clear up. This can lead to an even bigger zit, or one that may leave scars. Popping a zit can also introduce new bacteria that may be on your face or fingers, causing it to get even more infected or expanded.

If you are able to leave a zit alone, it will usually clear up on its own under a week. However, ones that are popped or infected can take longer to heal and potentially cause scarring.

You have gotten a clear answer about "Should you pop whiteheads", but still you want to deal with it for a really important matter. Then don't be worried. You can make a pimple go away faster in ways that don’t involve popping it. Using a face wash that exfoliates or removes dead skin cells and other debris from the skin’s surface can help keep pores clear. Cleansers that contain salicylic acid or glycolic acid will help break up cells that stick together and can eventually lead to pimples. If you need to treat a zit that has already appeared, using creams or gels that contain benzoyl peroxide which is an antibacterial solution that kills the bacteria within the zit can heal the infection and calm down redness.

What if I really need to pop my zit?

If you really need to pop your zit and get rid of it quickly, this is the safest way to do it:

1. Don’t try and pop it too prematurely. Wait until you can see a whitehead, which is a signifier that the pus is close to the surface and will come out easier.

2. Before touching your face, wash your hands with antibacterial soap.

3. Sterilize a safety pin or straight pin by holding the tip under a flame. Afterwards, wipe it down with rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol on the zit as well can further prevent the bacteria from spreading.

4. Use a tissue to hold the pin and very carefully pierce the white center of the pimple.

5. Using your fingers or a Q-tip, gently squeeze the sides of the pimple. If the white pus doesn’t come out easily, don’t keep squeezing. That means the pimple isn’t yet ready to be popped.

6. Put some antibacterial ointment on the pimple and the surrounding area.

If you are dealing with constant pimples, make an appointment with a dermatologist who can help you get them under control professionally.

After knowing "Should you pop whiteheads?" and "How to do it safely", maybe what you can do best is to prevent it in the first hand. So just follow the tips listed below.

1. Remember your skin type when buying face washes and lotions. Salicylic acid is effective in preventing zits, but it can irritate sensitive or dry skin.

2. The best way to prevent zits is to use an exfoliating face wash. This kind of cleansers contains little microbes that rub the skin and can help get rid of any dead skin cells that can eventually clog up the skin. You don’t need to do this every day-- two or three times a week should be enough to keep your skin clear.

3. No matter if you have dry or oily skin, using a moisturizer after washing your face is important. You can find lotions or creams that are suited for your skin type and won’t clog your pores.

4. Using oily makeup products, particularly foundations and concealers, can contribute to clogged pores, so lighter products suited for your skin type are recommended.

5. Certain foods can also contribute to the formation of pimples. Greasy, sugary and fatty foods can cause oil glands to clog. Instead, eating fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins will keep your skin and your whole body healthy.

6. For an extra special treat for your skin, you can give it a steam bath. This will open up the pores and helps your skin naturally get rid of dirt, bacteria, makeup and more. To do this, mix herbs such as chamomile and sage into four cups of boiling water. Strain out the herbs and pour into a bowl. Sit over the bowl for about five minutes while covering your head with a towel. Afterwards, rub your face with a towel to finish cleaning your face.

7. Masks can also help keep your skin clear. A paraffin mask is a type of facial that helps to activate sweat and oil glands and makes clogs easier to remove and keeps other pores clear.

8. Making your own face masks can be an inexpensive way to keep your skin clear. One recipe is to mix 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon until it forms a paste. Apply the mixture to your face for 10-15 minutes and then rinse off completely.

9. Drinking water regularly and consistently also naturally helps your skin clear toxins itself and stay moisturized. Eight cups of water a day is generally recommended.