What NOT to Do When a Pimple Pops Up
Your first instinct? Probably to do something - anything - to make it disappear ASAP. But often, what we do in panic mode makes things MUCH worse. If you want to avoid unnecessary inflammation, scarring, and breakouts that linger longer than they should, here’s what NOT to do when a pimple appears.
1. Don't Pick, Squeeze, or Pop It
Tempting as it may be, popping a pimple is one of the worst things you can do for your skin. Picking at it increases inflammation, pushes bacteria deeper into the pore, and can lead to scarring. Even if you think you’re “helping” it come to the surface, you're actually creating more trauma that can prolong healing.
What to do instead: Apply a cold compress to help reduce swelling and bring the pimple to a head naturally. If it does pop on its own, cleanse the area gently and apply a soothing, antibacterial spot treatment and/or pimple patch.
2. Don't Apply Harsh Spot Treatments in Excess
It’s easy to reach for every drying, antibacterial, or acne-fighting product you own and pile them on. But overloading your skin with strong ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids can cause excessive dryness, irritation, and even more breakouts due to a disrupted skin barrier.
What to do instead: Look for calming ingredients like zinc, sulfur, or niacinamide to reduce inflammation while supporting healing.
3. Don't Over-Exfoliate
Scrubbing at your breakout won’t make it go away faster - it'll just cause more redness, irritation, and potential spreading of bacteria. Over-exfoliation strips the skin of its protective barrier, making it more vulnerable to future breakouts.
What to do instead: Stick to gentle skincare and avoid harsh scrubs or active ingredients while your pimple is healing.
4. Don't Keep Touching It
Every time you touch your face, you're transferring bacteria and oils from your hands onto your skin. Repeatedly checking on your pimple, pressing on it, or rubbing it only leads to more irritation and a longer healing time.
What to do instead: Keep your hands off your face and let your skin heal. If you’re tempted to touch it, try covering it with a pimple patch to create a protective barrier.
5. Don't Change Your Whole Skincare Routine
It's natural to feel reactive when a breakout appears, but suddenly switching up your routine or trying new products can make things worse. Your skin thrives on consistency, and adding too many new ingredients at once can cause more irritation and disrupt your skin barrier. So now is not the time to pull things from the back of your skincare drawer out.
What to do instead: Stick to your usual routine, focusing on gentle cleansing, hydration, and skin barrier support. Your skin needs a calm, stable environment to heal.
7. Don't Stress Over It
Easier said than done, but stressing over a pimple won’t make it go away any faster. In fact, stress increases cortisol levels, which can contribute to more breakouts.
What to do instead: Take a deep breath and remind yourself that it WILL heal and WILL pass. Your skin is trying to communicate to you and it doesn’t mean you are taking steps backward or doing something “wrong”. Support your skin with hydration, proper sleep, and stress management techniques like deep breathing or light movement.
So all in all, breakouts happen - even to the best of us. Our skin is a reflection of so many internal and external factors, and occasional breakouts are normal. The goal isn’t to chase perfection but to support your skin’s health in a way that allows it to heal and function optimally. Be kind to yourself, and remember that one breakout doesn’t define your skin or your progress!
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER - All content on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for advice and recommendations provided by your healthcare provider.
