We often hear the phrase “Don’t pop your pimples” yet many beauty salons offer this procedure – it is often called a ‘deep cleanse’.  So if it’s so wrong for you to pop your pimples why is it ok for beauticians to do it?

It’s because of the method involved.  Many people who pop pimples at home do so by going up to a mirror, seeing a pimple or blackhead they wish was gone and squeezing it without doing any preparation to the area.  This can lead to scarring and enlarged pores that get damaged during the process.

If you’re going to pop your pimples (and you probably will because it’s something many people are drawn to do) here is a step by step procedure to follow:

Cleans your face will a gentle cleanser, one that doesn’t strip your natural oils from your skin as this promotes excess sebum (oil) production – something you don’t want when dealing with blemishes.  Use moderately hot water during this process to relax skin and open pores.

Exfoliate your skin to remove dead skin that are blocking your pores and causing those blemishes.

Steam your face, either by placing your face over a bowl of boiling water for 5-10mins or by wetting a flannel with hot water (not too hot, you don’t want to burn yourself) and sitting  this flannel on your face for a few minutes.  You want your skin to be supple and relaxed to aid with easy extraction.

Use an extraction tool to gently coax out those blackheads.  Don’t use your fingers as this spreads bacteria from your hands onto your open pores – you DON’T want that.  These tools also do a better job at extracting than fingernails.  They’re more gentle and apply pressure from the base instead of the sides – resulting in less damage to follicle walls (stretching of walls resulting in bigger pores and more prone to future blackheads).  If you don’t have an extraction tool at least cover your fingertips with tissue, gauze or cotton gloves.

Use a bright light and also a magnifying mirror so you can clearly see your skin and see if those blemishes are ‘gettable‘ or not.  Sometimes they’re just not ready to come out… yet.

As you extract each blackhead it is advisable to wipe the area down with a wet cotton or cloth pad with a few drops of tea tree oil added.  This will disinfect the area.  It is also advisable to dip the extraction tool in a water/tea tree oil solution to kill bacteria off the tool as you go.

When you’ve finished your extractions get another fresh cotton pad, apply toner, and go over your whole face again to refresh and tighten pores.

Finish off with a suitable moisturiser.  Applying moisturiser allows you to nourish your skin and replenish hydration which your skin requires after a cleanse.  Moisturiser also helps protect your skin from elements and helps eliminate over production of oil.