The urge to pop a pimple usually comes from wanting it gone as quickly as possible. You see the bump, feel the pressure beneath the skin, and think squeezing it will take care of the problem.
It may look flatter for a moment, but pressing on a pimple can break the skin, increase the swelling, and leave a dark mark behind.
There are better ways to care for it. What you use depends on whether the pimple is swollen, close to the surface, deep beneath the skin, or already open.
Use Wrapped Ice for a Swollen Pimple
If the pimple is red, sore, or swollen, wrap an ice cube in a clean, soft washcloth.
Rest it lightly against the area for about one minute, then remove it for a few minutes before applying it again.
The cold can temporarily reduce swelling and make the area feel less uncomfortable. Do not press down or place the ice directly against your skin.
This works best for a tender pimple that does not have a visible opening.
Cover a Surface Whitehead With a Pimple Patch
A plain hydrocolloid patch can be useful when a whitehead is close to the surface.
Apply it to clean, completely dry skin. The patch can absorb fluid while keeping your fingers away from the pimple.
It can also protect the area from rubbing against your pillow, hair, or clothing.
A patch will not pull a deep bump out from beneath the skin. It works best on a surface blemish or one that has started to drain on its own.
Replace it when it becomes cloudy, loose, or no longer stays in place.
Apply One Spot Treatment
A spot treatment gives you something useful to do without squeezing the pimple.
Apply a small amount directly to the blemish while the surface is still closed. Covering the area with a thick layer will not make it go away faster and may leave the surrounding skin dry or irritated.
Choose one treatment rather than layering several products over the same spot.
After applying it, wait until your next skincare routine before using it again. Repeatedly adding more product throughout the day can make the area sore without improving the blemish.
Treat a Deep Pimple Differently
A deep pimple may feel firm and tender even when there is very little to see.
Because there is no visible opening, pressing on it does not give the contents a clear way out. It places more pressure on the skin around the bump instead.
Use wrapped ice if the area is swollen. You can also apply your spot treatment if the skin is intact.
Try not to keep pressing the bump to see whether it has changed. Deep pimples are more likely to leave discoloration when they are repeatedly squeezed or disturbed.
Protect the Skin if the Pimple Opens
A pimple may open while you are washing your face, drying your skin, or sleeping.
Once that happens, rinse the area carefully and pat it dry with a clean towel. A plain hydrocolloid patch can protect the opening and absorb any remaining fluid.
Do not keep squeezing because you think something may still be inside.
Avoid applying exfoliants, enzymes, vitamin C, or strong spot treatments directly over the broken skin. Wait until the surface has closed before using products made for acne or uneven tone.
Make It Harder to Pick Without Thinking
Pimple picking is not always planned. You may start touching the area while working, watching television, or looking closely in the mirror.
A pimple patch can help because it creates a barrier between your fingers and your skin.
It may also help to step away from magnifying mirrors. Looking at your skin from only a few inches away can make every bump seem larger and more urgent than it really is.
Once you have cared for the pimple, move on with your day. Checking it repeatedly often leads to pressing, rubbing, or applying more product.
If the Pimple Leaves a Dark Mark
Once the swelling is gone, the skin has closed, and the area feels flat, you are no longer dealing with an active pimple.
Drying spot treatments will not remove the brown, gray, or purple color left behind. The concern has changed from a blemish to a post-acne mark.
At that point, ingredients made for uneven tone may be more useful. You can learn more in 7 Ingredients That Can Help Fade Post-Acne Marks.
Care for the Pimple Without Squeezing
A swollen pimple may feel better after using wrapped ice. A surface whitehead may be a good fit for a hydrocolloid patch. A closed blemish can be treated with a small amount of spot treatment, while broken skin should be cleaned and protected.
These options may not feel as immediate as squeezing, but they are less likely to leave you with broken skin, added swelling, and a dark mark that remains after the pimple is gone.
