Should You Pop Pimples or Not? Here’s My Honest Answer
We’ve all been there. You wake up, look in the mirror, and there it is—a juicy whitehead just begging to be popped. Your fingers hover, your willpower wavers, and the question creeps in:
“Should I pop this or leave it alone?”
As an esthetician, I get asked this all the time. And while I completely understand the temptation, here’s my honest, professional answer...
🚫 Short Answer: Don’t Pop It Yourself
Popping your own pimples can do more harm than good—even if it feels satisfying in the moment.
Here’s why:
You can push bacteria deeper into the skin
You risk scarring or hyperpigmentation
You may spread the infection to surrounding areas
You’re likely not using sterile tools or techniques
Unless you’re trained in safe extractions (like estheticians are), you’re more likely to worsen the breakout than help it.
✅ But Let’s Be Real… People Still Do It
If you absolutely must, here’s how to do it as safely as possible:
✨ How to Pop a Pimple (the Esthetician-Approved Way):
Wait until it’s ready.
Only go near it if it’s a true whitehead with a visible “head” near the surface.Clean everything.
Wash your hands, face, and tools with gentle cleanser or alcohol.Use clean tissues or cotton swabs.
Wrap your fingers or use q-tips to gently press down—not inward.Stop if it doesn’t release easily.
Don’t force it. If nothing comes out with light pressure, it’s not ready.Disinfect afterward.
Apply a spot treatment with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Finish with a calming serum or aloe.
🧼 Better Alternatives to Popping
If you want to reduce pimples without popping, try this instead:
Ice the area to reduce swelling
Use a pimple patch with hydrocolloid
Apply a clay or sulfur mask
Use a salicylic acid spot treatment
See a professional for extractions or high-frequency treatment
💬 What I Do as an Esthetician
During facials, I perform sterile, controlled extractions that help release buildup without damaging surrounding tissue. I also use calming serums, healing masks, and post-extraction high-frequency to prevent bacteria from spreading.
💡 Final Thoughts
So, should you pop that pimple? Ideally—no. But if you do, do it smart, clean, and with caution. And remember: most blemishes resolve faster (and heal cleaner) when left to the pros or properly supported with skincare.
Need help managing breakouts or preventing them in the first place? Book a customized facial or consult and I’ll help you build a routine your skin will thank you for.