A three-step action plan for finding (or popping) acne

When it comes to the list of things dermatologists and estheticians tell us not to do, the most common warning is "Don't pop pimples." But we know we can't always make an appointment when we have a pimple. Cortisone injections are needed to treat cystic spots or to professionally remove annoying blackheads. 

If you're constantly staring at a 4x zoom lens while picking at your skin, bookmark this expert-approved guide on what to do when you spot a pimple, how to repair blemishes after a breakout, and how to prevent acne scars. (And remove the magnifying glass.) 

How to treat acne quickly. There are some alternatives you can try to minimize the size and lifespan of the blemish without causing it to crack. An easy DIY method is to wrap an ice cube in a towel and press it against your skin. Cold temperatures can reduce redness and swelling. 

There are also pimple patches that can "draw dirt, oil, and pus (aka infection) out of blemishes," says esthetician Renee Rouleau. She adds that acne patches also have healing properties that can shorten recovery time while keeping you off your face. 

Tip: If you don’t have a Band-Aid on hand, you can also do a topical treatment and cover it with a small Band-Aid. Do you want to cover larger imperfections? Opt for a clay mask like Find Clarity. Detoxifies pores and removes dirt. 

Can I safely pop my pimples? We’re all too aware of the after-effects of acne: acne scars, hyperpigmentation, more breakouts, and even skin infections. 

Diana Yerkes, a senior esthetician at Rescue Spa in New York, says that popping pimples are "open wounds that, if not treated properly, can become a bigger problem than just acne." When experts say that most So that acne can grow naturally. 

Of course, consider the long-term effects on the skin, rather than the immediate release that may come with a breakout. If you want to get rid of acne at home, there's an expert-approved technique that can prevent permanent damage to your complexion. 

Start with clean, soft skin, perhaps after showering. To prevent your nails from damaging the skin, cover your fingertips with a tissue and gently press on the area around the blemish. Rouleau recommends rotating the pressure around the area. 

"Place your fingers at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions and press lightly from below. If you get no results, go to the 2 o'clock and 7 o'clock positions and continue pressing. Continuing to place your fingers at different angles can help Reduce potential acne scarring.” If nothing happens on the surface of the skin after pressing around the pimple a few times, apply a topical treatment and let it do its work. 

The blemish is not ready to break at this point. How to care for skin after acne Here are some important steps you should take to ensure your skin heals after a pimple breakout with few side effects. clean skin Cleansing your skin immediately after a breakout ensures that the extracted acne-causing bacteria do not spread to other areas of your face. 

This can cause the area to become irritated or infected, and risk the pimples forming again. Yerkes recommends using a cleaner with antibacterial properties. Our Acne Soothing Cleanser keeps skin clean with ingredients like salicylic acid and blue tansy to soothe inflammation caused by pinching. perform local treatment Topical treatments serve two purposes: prevention and aftercare. 

Which treatment is right for you depends on the type of pimples you have. For non-inflammatory acne like blackheads and whiteheads, Yerkes recommends incorporating dry spot treatment into your routine. Game Over contains bentonite clay, kaolin clay, and sulfur to absorb excess sebum and remove dead skin cells from pores. Treatments like this can greatly shorten the time that acne stays on your face. Anyone prone to inflammatory, underground, headless acne (such as cystic papules) should opt for topical treatments with antibacterial ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree oil. If you're particularly concerned about infection, antibiotic ointment can help protect rough, open skin while it heals. 

Don’t forget the SPF One of the most common skin care problems is hyperpigmentation, which is often the cause of sun damage or acne scars. Both Yerkes and Rouleau agree that incorporating SPF into your daily routine will significantly reduce your risk of developing any form of hyperpigmentation. "When affected skin is exposed to sunlight, UV rays stimulate melanocytes — even if it's cloudy on the outside — causing scars to become darker, redder and visible longer," says Rouleau. 

Look for mineral sunscreens that contain zinc oxide. It protects you from sun damage and adds antibacterial properties to your skin care routine, which is especially beneficial for acne-prone skin types. 

How long does true healing take? 

Any inflammation and edema (also known as clear fluid that collects after a burst) should resolve within 24 hours. At this point, you can see if the pimple is completely gone or if there is still acne-causing bacteria left inside. If the pimple is particularly painful or cystic after 5-7 days, you should seek professional help, Yerkes says. If you're overdoing it and notice minor scarring or hyperpigmentation, using an AHA-based exfoliant like our Daily Brightening Solution may help even out skin tone and texture over time.