Stop Picking and Popping Your Zits

Acne outbreaks result in whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, zits – you name it. It can be really tempting to poke, squeeze, and pop whiteheads and other pimples. You might have heard that it’s not a good idea to do that. But do you know why?

At Apex Dermatology of Westlake Village, California, our team of skin care specialists can help you get a grip on your acne. We can also help you understand the science behind your skin care routine, and why popping pimples is such a bad habit. With the right treatment, you won’t need to pop pimples – because pimples will be a thing of your past.

Bacteria, swelling, and blemishes, oh my!

Acne outbreaks can involve multiple factors, from excessive oil production in your skin to hormonal shifts to the presence of harmful bacteria. When a pimple forms, no matter the type, inflammation, pus, and swelling put pressure on your skin. This can be uncomfortable, and may make you feel self-conscious about your appearance.

It really does feel like the best way to find relief is to pop the pimple. But, in reality, squeezing or popping pimples can have some negative impacts on your skin that it’s better not to have to deal with. Here’s what you need to know.

Where’s the harm in pimple popping?

When you squeeze a zit or pimple until it “pops,” what you’re actually doing is creating an open wound in your skin. This makes an opening where harmful bacteria can enter and cause infection. Additionally, you may feel like you are getting things out, but you are also spreading pro-inflammatory contents from the zit into the skin and your skin responds by revving up the inflammatory response leading to a spot that lasts far longer. And that’s not something you want.

You also run the risk of scarring every time you break the surface of your skin. Acne scars which occur on their own or from picking can linger for years, long after your skin issues have cleared up. And, while the Apex Dermatology team can help you reduce the visibility of acne scars with effective treatment options, wouldn’t it be better to avoid scarring in the first place?

Getting a grip on your acne

Instead of popping pimples, contact the skin care experts at Apex Dermatology and get your acne outbreaks under control. With our skin care science knowledge, we can work with you to put together a treatment plan that will really work for you.

Depending on your skin type and symptoms, we may recommend treatment options including:

• BLU-U® light therapy to reduce the presence of bacteria on the surface of your skin
• Medical facials and hydrafacials to remove dead skin and reveal fresh new layers
• Medication management, with topical treatments as well as hormonal and antibiotic medication options
• Lifestyle changes like staying out of the sun, staying hydrated, and getting out of the habit of touching your face
• Specialized acne scarring treatments
• Watch our announcements, social media and website for state of the art non-medication solutions we expect to be able to offer soon.

With our help, you can find the right combination of approaches to banish your breakouts and erase any lingering acne-related scarring, as well.

To learn more about your options for getting acne, and zit popping sessions, out of your life, contact the team at Apex Dermatology today. You can schedule your initial consultation appointment online, or call now to book.