Pimples can be difficult to remove, but there is an effective solution for keeping them at bay.
Acne treatments typically contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. These active ingredients help reduce oil production and eliminate dead skin cells that can clog pores.
Understanding the Different Types
Acne is a skin condition that can vary in severity depending on several factors such as hygiene, hormones and genetics. That's why it's essential to understand the different types of blemishes you might have, how they form, and which treatments work best for them.
Acne papules is the most prevalent type of acne. These small red or pink bumps on skin typically appear on areas such as the face, back, or shoulders and can be sensitive to touch.
Papules are caused when pores become clogged with dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria. When this buildup of bacteria causes an immune response in which white blood cells fight it off; this inflammatory reaction results in clusters of pimples - sometimes referred to as pustules - on the face.
Pustules also develop from a blocked pore, but they differ from papules in that they contain pus (a mixture of bacteria, excess oil and dead skin cells). Pustules often follow papules and tend to be smaller than their larger counterparts.
Inflammatory acne can be challenging to eliminate, but there are ways you can help control it. One of the most successful approaches is seeking products that address the underlying cause of your acne - clogged pores - and treating it from there.
Another way to combat inflammatory acne is using products with salicylic acid, which dissolves dead skin cells and clears your pores. Alternatively, try products containing alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid or lactic acid which exfoliate skin while decreasing inflammation.
How to Properly Use a Pimple Remover
Pimple removers are one of the best tools for eliminating pimples, but it's essential to know how to use them correctly. Misusing this device could cause further skin damage or even scarring, so follow these guidelines for optimal efficiency when using your pimple-fighting instrument.
Before using a pimple remover, it's essential to wash your face first. This helps prevent bacteria from transferring onto your skin and causing infections. After applying the cleanser with either your fingertips or cotton washcloth, massage into pores with cleanser. Finally, rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water before patting dry with a clean towel.
One important note to remember is that popping a pimple won't necessarily drain its pus. The pressure may push the plug of dead skin cells and sebum further into the pore, leading to further irritation and infection on nearby skin.
Squeezing the pimple may work instead of popping it, but this method may not always be successful. Pressure can push bacteria and pus deeper into your skin which could cause further damage as well as cause the pore wall to break open allowing infection to spread further into your body.
If you have a whitehead, needle or pin can be used to release some pus from the top. Be sure to sanitize the needle or pin first with rubbing alcohol before use.
If the zit is black, a different tool may be necessary to help remove it. The most common blackhead extractor looks like a small spoon-like device with an opening in the middle; position this over the blemish and gently apply slight pressure with it.
If you're still struggling with blackheads or have a large one, consult a dermatologist for deep cleaning. They will lance the pimple with a sterile needle and use a comedone extractor to extract its contents. Generally, they'll also sanitize and disinfect your hands after the treatment.
Top Pimple Remover Products
Pimples can be painful and disconcerting, and there are plenty of acne solutions out there to choose from. Not all products are created equal, however; we've identified the top picks in each category so that you don't miss out on any great blemish busters that should make it onto your next beauty regimen list. From cleansers to moisturizers and beyond, we've rounded up the best of the bunch so you don't have to. Hopefully this short list of the best pimple removers available will help get your skin back in action - we promise we didn't include anything you already own otherwise why aren't you reading this page?