Skin survival guide: what to do if you pop a pimple

You made a promise to yourself that you would not pop that pimple that (apparently) permanently settled on your face. But now you're guilty of the charge, and there's no rewind button. Now what? Step one: don't panic. Fingers crossed, you've followed the proper pimple popping protocol - apply a warm compress to the area to soften the pimple, wrap your fingers in a tissue paper and apply light pressure - to minimize the damage. (By the way, we don't advise you to do this.) To take care of your skin after popcorn, follow these steps:

ICE IT

Most likely, you notice irritated and red skin at the site of the attack. Wrap an ice cube in a plastic bag or paper towel and apply to the affected area for a few minutes. help defuse the situation. 

DISINFECTION 

Because the skin around the pimple is damaged, you should avoid using harsh astringents or products that can further aggravate the skin condition. If you have a topical antibiotic, apply it in a thin layer over the popped pimple. 

PROTECT IT 

Spot treatments containing common acne fighting ingredientsConsider: salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are likely to be ineffective at this stage of the game and may even cause irritation and dryness. To help keep bacteria at bay, apply an antibacterial emollient to keep the area moist and protected. If you find it difficult to look in the mirror at a swollen scar, consider covering the stain with a bandage. 

HANDS OFF 

Let your skin do its thing and leave it alone - for real - for a few hours. If you notice that a crust has formed, do not - repeat, do not - pick it! This can lead to scarring or infection, which is something you definitely want to avoid. Let your skin heal properly on its own. It also means being careful when using cosmetics, especially if the skin is exposed. If you must apply make-up, make sure the defect area is covered with a protective film or barrier to reduce the risk of bacteria entering and causing harm. 

Looking for ways to (finally) stop picking at your skin? We discuss some helpful tips to curb the bad habit here.!