When faced with an unsightly pimple, the temptation to pop it may be strong. Trust me the humidity in Costa Rica gave me a huge pimple on my chin, and I had to fight the urge. Contrary to popular belief, rather than speeding up the healing process, pimple popping actually causes more harm than good. In this blog post, we’ll uncover the truth about popping pimples and explain why it can worsen inflammation, delay the healing process, and increase the risk of scarring and infection. I’ll even share with you three natural ways to promote pimple healing without resorting to popping!

Popping a pimple may provide temporary satisfaction, but it can do more harm than good. Here’s why:

WORSENS INFLAMMATION
Pimples are inflamed and contain bacteria, dead skin cells, and oil. Popping a pimple can cause bacteria and debris to spread deeper into the skin, leading to increased inflammation and a larger, more painful pimple.

DELAYS HEALING PROCESS
Popping a pimple interrupts the natural healing process. When you pop a pimple, you risk breaking the skin’s protective barrier, allowing bacteria to enter and potentially cause an infection. The healing process becomes prolonged, and the risk of scarring increases.

INCREASES RISK OF SCARRING AND INFECTION
Popping pimples can result in scarring, especially if done incorrectly or forcefully. It can also introduce bacteria from your hands or tools, leading to infection and further complications.

Instead of popping pimples, try these three natural methods to promote pimple healing:

1. Cleanse and Exfoliate
Gently cleanse your face twice a day using a mild, non-comedogenic cleanser to remove excess oil and impurities. Avoid harsh scrubbing, as it can further irritate the skin. Incorporate a gentle exfoliator once or twice a week to help remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. I suggest using Beauty Kitchen’s Rose & Geranium Antioxidant Cleanser and Chaotic Skin Astringent daily to remove impurities, balance oil production, tighten pores, and soothe inflammation for acne prone skin.

2. Apply Spot Treatment
Use a targeted spot treatment containing ingredients like tea tree oil, witch hazel, or benzoyl peroxide. These natural ingredients can help reduce inflammation, kill acne-causing bacteria, and promote healing. Apply the spot treatment directly to the affected area following the product instructions, usually 1-3 times per day until the pimple disappears. Reach for BK’s Blemish Spot Treatment Gel next time you need to fight the urge to pop.

3. Soothe and Protect
To soothe and protect the pimple, consider using natural remedies like aloe vera gel or a warm compress. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce redness and inflammation. Apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel to the pimple a few times a day. Alternatively, a warm compress can help increase blood circulation, bringing nutrients to the area and promoting healing.

Popping pimples may seem like a quick fix, but it can actually worsen the look and health of your skin over time, so be proactive with your treatment methods. And hey, if you have a bad breakout, don’t let it keep you from living. We’ve all gotten them from time to time!

XOXO, Heather