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As an esthetician, I am a “double 0″ when it comes to pimples…I have a license to pop. Even as an esthetician, we can’t pop them all. The red papules and pustules should be left alone. These are usually a sign of  cystic acne, the most serious and painful type. This acne needs a dermatologist’s care, because there is usually infection involved. Popping pimples could spread the infection and worsen the condition.

In many cases it can also cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). PIH happens when the skin becomes inflamed from the lesions themselves, or worse from manipulating those lesions. The darker your skin tone, the darker the pigment problem. PIH is not serious, but it is ugly and you hate it when it happens because it takes months to clear, and diligence to avoid in the future.

The first step is changing a longstanding bad habit. Some people love to pop pimples. They just can’t help themselves. They pop their own, and good grief, they pop pimples of their close friends and family members. If you are a pimple-popper, STOP IT IMMEDIATELY.

For an interesting poll on pimple poppers, visit  www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/skin-care/do-you-pop-other-peoples-pimples/

The next step is getting treatment for your skin problem. If you think the problem is a result of cystic acne, then you need to see a dermatologist first.  However, if it’s just congested skin with blackheads, regular facials with a licensed esthetician and a great home care routine can do wonders for you. Your skin care professional will make recommendations that will work in concert with the spa treatment products.

I’m working on having an eStore in the future, so I can make recommendations on great products.

For more information on PIH, visit http://acne.about.com/od/acnefaqs/f/whyextract.htm