As ‘skincare experts’, our official line on breakouts and spots is DO NOT PICK them.

However, we know that sometimes temptation takes over and, in all honesty, there have been occasions where we ignore the annoying voice in our own heads when armed with a spare 10 minutes and a magnifying mirror!

Let’s set the scene.

Imagine that you notice a red, painful lump on your skin. You think, "I’ll be able to pop this easily and it will be sooo satisfying". You proceed to attack said painful lump, most likely with dirty nails, and are left with no result other than blood and perhaps some “skin juice”.

NEWSFLASH - this kind of spot will never result in the satisfying ‘pop’ you might get from a white head that is right beneath the surface and ready for release. Instead, you will only damage the surrounding skin and spread infection underneath the skin.

With that in mind, our best advice is to exhibit a little patience - that red, painful lump will soon disappear or come up to the surface where you can deal with it properly.

Scene number 2.

You have a spot that has worked its way up to the surface and is screaming at you to be set free. It is no longer painful and has a noticeable white head on it.

Firstly, clean everything! Make sure your skin is thoroughly cleansed and your hands have been washed. Get some clean tissue or toilet paper, an exfoliating acid (try salicylic) and a good quality, natural facial oil (blend46 or SignatureBlend33 would be perfect…)

1. Take the tissue, rip it in half and wrap around the forefinger of each hand. This stops you from using your nails and keeps everything clean.

2. Position your forefingers on either side of the spot, gently push downwards and then at a 90 degree angle towards the bottom the spot, start to push upwards. If it's ready, it will come up and out. Gently repeat until the white substance stops. If nothing white comes out, then stop immediately and leave until the white head comes further up to the surface then try again.

3. If you manage to squeeze the whitehead out successfully, take your acid toner and apply using a cotton pad. Hold it on for a few seconds, applying pressure - even if it stings! 

4. Finally, take your facial oil and massage over the affected area. Skin that is adequately nourished is harder to scar, and with the pressure of squeezing you need to minimise the lasting damage to the surrounding area. Contrary to popular belief, ‘drying out’ products should only be used in an emergency - they certainly shouldn’t be the first thing you reach for, so put the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion down!

To summarise, If you have to pop then make sure it is something worthwhile and that you can do it safely. If you can find the discipline to leave it alone, then ALWAYS choose that option and let nature run its course - raised spots should always work their way out in the end if you are using the correct products to treat them.

If you are having trouble with breakouts and want to discuss in more detail, get in touch with us at info@33dowanhill.com or book a Signature facial by clicking the button below.

Love,

33Dowanhill

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