How to Prevent Scarring After You’ve Popped a Pimple

So…you’ve done the forbidden deed. But no one really talks about what to do after you pop a pimple. We are!

First, I’ve got to give you the standard warning. We do not advise popping your pimples as it can lead to unnecessary scarring. But the reality is that sometimes it happens. You either have a big event coming up or you can’t stand seeing whiteheads. Sometimes pimples can even pop on their own. Trust me, I’ve been there.

Because of this, you’ll want to know how to care of your pimple so you can keep things as clean and scar-free as possible. Here’s our trusty guide.

Cleanse

We don’t usually think of pimples this way, but a popped one is actually an open wound. This means you should disinfect it like you would a cut or a scrape. Using a soothing cleansing water or gentle foam will ensure you’re starting with a clean canvas.

The Solved Skincare Coconut Water Cleansing Foam is an excellent choice. This cleansing water whisks away impurities that could infect the newly popped pimple. Plus, it will also soothe the skin at the same time, thanks to the addition of coconut water. This is exactly what you want when you’re dealing with irritated skin.

Soothe

Usually, the first sign of irritation is redness and inflammation. Quickly calming inflamed skin will reduce your chances of scarring. To bring it down, you can ice it immediately after popping.

Another option is to “try using a warm compress on the pimple for about 30 seconds a few times a day,” says dermatologist Annie Chiu. This encourages a pimple to drain, which will get rid of it faster. Whichever method you choose, they’ll both dramatically reduce inflammation and prevent scarring.

Treat

A pimple’s healing process relies entirely on the after-care. Using products that boost cell regeneration reduces the potential for acne marks. Stay away from exfoliating ingredients; they can actually increase irritation.

A great choices is the Beauty of Joseon Calming Serum. It contains traditional Korean hanbang ingredients, like green tea and centella asiatica, to restore skin harmony. This high-quality serum will soothe and improve the skin, helping to stop the marks before they set. It’ll also get to work on brightening other pre-existing acne marks.

Another excellent option is the Missha Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Ampoule. This healing serum contains 65 percent snail slime extract, a powerful ingredient that speeds up the healing process and lightens any hyperpigmentation. It also contains EGF to further increase cell repair and at the same time smooth fine lines and wrinkles.

Moisturize

Another way to heal your skin is by making sure your moisture barrier is intact. When this is off balance, your skin takes longer to repair itself. It also becomes more prone to redness and irritation. You can avoid this by hydrating your skin, which will actually increase your skin’s resilience.

The Goodal Houttuynia Cordata Calming Moisture Cream is a moisturizer that contains houttuynia cordata and madecassoside. These ingredients work together to soothe irritation and repair skin damage. It’s also formulated without artificial fragrances and colors, parabens, sulfates, animal products, alcohol, or mineral oils. This cream is perfect for reinforcing your skin barrier and targeting inflammation.

The Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream is another option to hydrate acne-prone skin. It contains guaiazulene, a powerful skin-calming ingredient extracted from chamomile oil. This blue-hued ingredient works alongside centella to hydrate and relieve irritation.

Another tip is to use a soothing sheet mask meant for acne-prone skin. I have definitely popped a pimple or two before and I’ve learned from experience that sheet masks are a great way to calm and moisturize skin fast . They’re, of course , not going to make your bumps disappear in minutes, but it does calm everything down.

Protect

For some skin types, scarring is common, but you can reduce the chances of it by applying SPF. Remember: Sun exposure can actually darken acne scars! So, it’s imperative that you remember to apply sunscreen before heading outdoors. The Dr. Oracle A-Thera Sunblock SPF 50 is essential for acne-prone skin. It’s formulated with skin-soothing centella asiatica and hydrating bamboo water. The lightweight formula will provide the perfect amount of moisture so you can protect your skin without worrying about looking oily throughout the day.

Another way to protect your skin is by not touching it ! If you continue to pick at your blemishes while they’re healing, you’ll just be signing yourself up for acne scars. The Klog Soft Shield Pimple Patch protects your spots from bacteria but also from your wandering hands! Just apply it to your blemishes and it will help absorb any gunk overnight.

Bottom Line

The reality is that people will pop their pimples no matter how much advice they read telling them not to. If you do happen to indulge in this guilty pleasure, it’s important to have a post-care routine that will soothe and repair the skin so you can decrease the chances of scarring!