The Proper Way to Pop a Pimple (If You’re Going to Do It Anyway)

Step 1: Know What You Can—and Can’t—Pop

You can only safely extract a whitehead. These appear as small, pus-filled bumps at the surface of the skin, where hair follicles and sebaceous glands are clogged with a mixture of oil and dead skin cells. If there’s no clear pus-filled head, it’s not ready to pop, and forcing it will just cause trauma to your skin.

Don’t try to pop:

• Cystic acne (deep, painful, and swollen)
• Blackheads (should be professionally extracted)
• Nodules or red, inflamed bumps with no visible “head”
• Underground pimples (aka blind pimples)

 

Step 2: Wash Your Hands (and Face)

Start with clean skin. Use a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser to remove excess oil and bacteria that won’t strip or irritate sensitive skin. 

Then, wash your hands thoroughly or sanitize with alcohol. You can even wear disposable gloves to avoid direct contact.

Tip: Use tissues or clean cotton pads around your fingers to reduce friction and prevent introducing bacteria.

 

Step 3: Gently Warm the Skin

Apply a warm compress (not hot!) to the area for 5-10 minutes to soften the skin and help the pimple rise to the surface. Some people may prefer a hot compress, but a warm compress is more effective in opening pores and softening the area with less risk of further irritation. 

How to do it:

• Soak a clean washcloth in warm water.
• Hold it over the pimple without applying pressure.
• Pat dry afterward.

 

Step 4: Use Light, Even Pressure—Never Dig

Instead of pinching, think “press and roll.” Using clean tissue-covered fingers, apply gentle, even pressure around—not on top of—the pimple. This gentle pressure reduces trauma to the surrounding tissue and supports your body’s natural healing process.

✅ If pus or fluid comes out easily, stop once clear liquid or a tiny drop of blood appears.

❌ If nothing comes out after a few tries, stop. It’s not ready.

Reminder: Forcing it can damage your skin barrier, spread bacteria, and increase the risk of acne scars or post-acne marks.

 

Step 5: Disinfect and Soothe

After a successful extraction:

1. Dab the area with a clean cotton swab dipped in salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or hydrogen peroxide to disinfect.
2. Apply a calming product like azelaic acid, niacinamide, or a non-comedogenic hydrating gel.
3. Avoid makeup or harsh actives (like retinoids or exfoliants) on the area for at least 12-24 hours.

 

Step 6: Patch It Up (Optional)

Pimple patches or hydrocolloid bandages can help draw out fluid, protect the area from picking, and speed up healing.

Look for acne patches with:

• Hydrocolloid for whiteheads
• Salicylic acid for lingering inflammation

Apply to clean, dry skin and leave on overnight—or until it turns opaque.

 

What Happens If You Pop It Wrong?

Even when done carefully, popping comes with risks:

• Scarring: Picking at cysts or deeper pimples can leave permanent indents or discoloration.
• Hyperpigmentation: Especially in melanin-rich skin tones, trauma can lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
• Spreading bacteria: You may cause more breakouts in the surrounding area.

Best practice: If a pimple is large, painful, or under the skin, book a professional extraction or cortisone shot with a board-certified dermatologist.

 

Bonus: What to Do Instead of Popping

Sometimes, the best fix is restraint (we know—it’s hard). Here’s what to try:

• Ice the pimple to reduce inflammation and size.
• Apply a sulfur spot treatment to dry out whiteheads.
• Use a salicylic acid serum to gently unclog the pore.
• Cover with a pimple patch and go about your day.

Tip: If the bump lingers, talk to your derm about other treatment options for your skin type or type of acne. 

 

The Takeaway: Be Gentle, but Don’t Force It

If you must pop, do it right. But when in doubt, hands off. Your skin heals faster when you don’t force it. Consistent acne-safe skincare, barrier support, and spot treatments can help pimples resolve on their own—no squeezing required.