Help! I squeezed my pimple - what now?

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There’s an ancient proverb that goes something like this: One does not simply resist the temptation to pop a pimple.

Okay, so we just made that up, but it’s not far from the truth. Zit squeezing is like nail biting – you know it’s bad for you, and you know your actions will only make things worse… but you just can’t help but give that pimple a little pinch. Because maybe this time your magical healing powers will actually kick in and all traces of a blemish will vanish.

The problem is, that little pinch usually turns into a desperate squeeze, and before you know it… ka-booooom. Your miniature sebum volcano has exploded and your face looks like this:

Damn. And also... ouch.

Look, we've all done it - but for next time (and be honest with yourself, there will be a next time) it's worth knowing what to do next to help your skin recover from the bloodbath.

We spoke to Holly Limet from The Clinic for her expert post-popping action plan. Bookmark this for later:

Step 1

"Apply an anti-bacterial cream such as Aspect Dr Problem Skin Serum (RRP $120) to the affected areas. Use this continually morning and evening for the next few days to prevent further spread of bacteria. This will stop further breakouts occurring and minimise recovery time."

Step 2

"Resist the urge to pick at any scabbing that has occurred as a result of squeezing pimples. Use a hydrating, non-comedogenic serum such as Aspect Dr Redless serum (RRP $100) to heal wounded skin and aid recovery."

Step 3

"At one week post pimple squeezing apply a gentle exfoliating mask to remove any dead, dull, flaky skin. We love Cosmedix Pure Enzymes Mask (RRP$70). This keeps cell turnover occurring without irritation resulting in clean, clear, fresh-looking skin."

Step 4

"For those who have scarred as a result of squeezing pimples there are two options, the first being IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) this treatment helps to fade out red or pink scars that have been left as a result of squeezing pimples and the added bonus is that it kills bacteria in the skin at the same time, leaving skin clean and fresh.

"The second option is laser resurfacing using the Fraxel Re:store Dual; this treatment is for people that have visible textural scarring like pock marks, divots in the skin, etc. We can spot treat areas or treat the entire face depending on the extent of the scarring. There is minimal downtime with Fraxel scar revision. Both treatments may require multiple sessions. Costs are IPL spot treatment $220/treatment or IPL full face $450/treatment; Fraxel Re:store dual 1550 setting spot treatment starts at $550/treatment."

So - after hearing all this, do you still want to pop that zit? We didn't think so.

 Be honest: are you a pimple popper?

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