Stop Popping Your Pimples! What To Do Instead
Guest Blogger: Katie Pierce
Stop Popping Your Pimples! What To Do Instead
Whenever you’re in front of a mirror, do you get that irresistible urge to look for pesky blackheads and whiteheads on your face? If you know that feeling all too well, you know that it doesn’t end there. The next step would be to completely sabotage your skin by popping those zits to the point of no return. Your mission is simple: get rid of those unsightly bumps. But after all that squeezing and pinching, more often than not, you end up looking like a fresh ripe strawberry ready for harvesting. So, how can you get rid of this self-sabotaging habit? Is there even a way out? No worries! You can nip that pimple-popping temptation in the bud and avert dermal disaster by checking out these healthier skin to-dos:
Kicking the pimple-popping habit
Here are a few effective ways to get out of the zit-zapping rut:
1. Get into a skincare routine.
You know that the self-care habits of eating heart-healthy foods, taking care of your eyes, or buying hair-nourishing products, don’t happen by chance. You’ve got to be intentional about it.
It’s the same thing with your complexion. If you’ve got a combination or oily skin type, you, unfortunately, belong to the group most prone to blackheads and whiteheads (aka those palpable grain-like pieces of hardened oil lurking in your pores). Go on the defense by having a skincare routine that is customized to your needs. Consistency is the key, so ensure it’s regularly doable for yourself.
Start with a basic regimen that includes the following:
- Cleansing: Use a mild, non-abrasive cleanser and apply it on your face with your fingertips. Then wash off with warm water. Take care not to scrub your skin. Lastly, pat dry with a soft towel.
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Moisturizing: The moisturizer you need will depend on your skin type.
If you have dry skin, you’ll want a thicker product like an ointment to lock in the moisture. Creams, which are typically thinner, usually work to hydrate combination skin. But if your complexion is oily, expect the hyperproduction of sebum to trigger inflammation. For inflammatory skin, you can try organic products that help in calming irritation and redness and in reducing dark spots.
- Applying sunscreen:
- Always check for an SPF of 30 to give you ample protection against the skin-damaging UV rays of the sun. To ensure that your sunscreen won’t clog your pores and cause flare-ups, look for an oil-free, non-comedogenic, and fragrance-free product. Some anti-acne sunscreens contain niacinamide and lactic acid—these work to soothe inflammation and clear pores.
As your skincare routine becomes clockwork, you can start adding products with ingredients like glycolic acid to help with skin renewal. Pace it gently, as it sometimes takes trial and error to discover what works for you. Using the right combo of products is key to preventing future breakouts.
2. See a board-certified dermatologist.
Working with an actual skincare expert you can trust is never a bad idea. They can guide you step-by-step towards healthier and more beautiful skin. These doctors can accurately diagnose your skin condition and properly treat it. In addition, their recommendations can include the best ways to care for your particular skin type, the right products to use, and the healthiest foods to eat.
They can also deliver quick fixes if you’re preparing for an event and need to zap out your pimples fast. For instance, they can safely apply injectables like cortisone shots, providing short-term relief from inflammation and shrinking those undesirable spots. Be sure, though, that your skincare professional is properly qualified. Otherwise, your skin problems can easily go sideways, and you can end up in a worse state. To ensure your dermatologist is board-certified, check if the letters FAAD (for Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology) come after their name.
3. Learn to chill.
In addition to a pimple predisposition (like a family history or an underlying health issue), you may also aggravate your skin condition by constantly stressing out. This is what leads to stress acne. When you’re all anxious and worried and feel harassed, your body releases the stress hormone cortisol that can amp up oil production in your skin. While some amount is needed to lubricate and protect your skin, too much sebum can create a fertile ground for bacteria to flourish, and this causes acne.
The hustle and bustle of today’s fast-paced world make every item on your to-do list seem urgent and important. But when you try to breathe, step back, and look at things in a calmer state of mind, you’ll realize that only a few things are truly essential—and worth doing. So, how do you go about the process of destressing? Start with the following simple tips:
- Prioritize and invest your effort and time in those things that absolutely matter.
- Train (yes, train!) yourself to let go and delegate more often.
- Leverage the power of technology to automate repetitive tasks.
- Don’t sweat the small stuff (as author Richard Carlson said, it’s all small stuff anyway).
- Don’t feel guilty when you tap into beauty hacks to boost your confidence and glow up.
- Set aside “me-time.” Whether it’s 30 minutes of daily meditation or a weekend respite, the crucial thing is to keep it consistent.
The Bottom Line
Do yourself a favor today and quit touching and popping those zits! Fortunately, there is a light at the end of the tunnel with the alternatives we shared. So be consistent with your customized skincare routine, work with a board-certified dermatologist, and start embracing a more relaxed way of life. Before long, you’ll notice your complexion clearing up. That’s your skin’s way of thanking you for giving it the TLC it deserves. Visit the Makes 3 Organics blog for more skin-loving hacks.
Thank you, Katie Pierce, from Kristine Sperling and the Makes 3 Organics Wellness Team!
