Pimple extraction

When to Extract a Pimple

Extracting a pimple is the cosmetician's term for 'popping a zit'. First, it is important to determine if the pimple is ready to be extracted. The best way to assess this is by gauging the readiness of the whitehead. It is important not to pop a pimple before it is ready or skin scarring it likely to occur. A lot of this will depend on the type of acne you have. 'Popping a zit' is much easier and has fewer repercussions if it is a simple pimple and not part of a greater acne condition.

For example, if the pimple does not have a head on it, or if it is hard and still under the surface of the skin, it is not ready to pop. If you have cystic acne, (this is a zit that is below the skin's surface, is painful and large, and feels hard and sensitive to the touch,) it is best NOT to touch it. If it does not go away in 2 weeks, you may have to go to the dermatologist to get it injected with steroids.

Note: If you have moderate to severe acne, it is best to consult a professional dermatologist before attempting treating and popping pimples on your own. A dermatologist may put you on a skincare regime that will treat the long term affects of chronic acne.

How to Extract a Pimple

If your pimple is ready to pop, these are the best steps to take for safe, effective, and scar-free extracting:

1. Clean your face or your pimple with gentle face soap, or a cleaning toner.

2. Wet a washcloth with scalding hot water.

3. Place to hot washcloth on the pimple for 30 seconds. Then wet the washcloth with hot water again and repeat this step 2-4 times. The goal is to bring the whitehead to the surface as much as possible.

4. Grab 2 tissues and place them over each pointer finger. Make sure that you have no sharp nails that are going to break through the tissue or into your skin.

5. Use your tissue-covered pointer fingers to gently press on each side of the pimple. The goal is to gently push until the whitehead bursts.

6. If the whitehead bursts, wipe the pus away and then attempt step #5 again. The goal is to push as much of the pus and pimple infection out of the skin.

7. You may experience some slight bleeding- this is ok. Just do not push to the point where you are causing bleeding or redness under the skin.

8. When done, wipe the extracted pimple with tea tree oil or some antibacterial skin agent. Then don't touch it; let it get air and begin the healing process.

9. If possible, wait at least 10 hours before covering the extracted pimple with cover up.''