Coping with acne: we put a dermatologist on the spot
Of all the hundreds of millions of videos on Youtube, it’s hard to think of many more divisive than those uploaded by Dr Pimple Popper. For the channel’s 7.1 million subscribers: “It’s like riding a rollercoaster or watching a scary movie,” says Dr Sandra Lee, the La-based dermatologist behind the channel. “Or it’s a fairy tale – there’s always a happy ending.”
She has now developed a skincare range to tackle conditions including acne, eczema, and keratosis pilaris where small bumps appear on the skin.
To mark the launch of SLMD Skincare in the
UK, we asked Dr Pimple Popper to reveal her top acne dos and don’ts...
Don’t pop your pimples
Obviously, like any dermatologist, I’m going to say don’t pop your pimples because of the risk of infection and scarring.
But it’s my responsibility to explain when is the best opportunity to pop a pimple while minimising the risk, because a lot of us are going to do it anyway.
If you have a pimple that’s under the skin, when you can feel it more than see it, that is not the time to squeeze because it only makes it more angry.
It’s really when it’s the most superficial on the surface, when it’s that ‘whitehead’ – a pustule – that is the ideal time, because you’re going to traumatise the skin the least.”
Use salicylic acid to prevent spots
Salicylic acid is a fantastic preventative. It’s a chemical peel acid that crystallises to a small enough size that actually can settle in our pores and helps clean them out. It helps to get rid of the dirt and debris, oil, dead skin cells.
That’s really the primary thing to do, you want to keep your pores as clear as possible. When that build-up happens is when the bacteria gets involved, and you get that red bump.
Change your face mask every day
Maskne is a big problem. We’re all wearing face masks and you have this sort of microclimate in there, you’re breathing into the space.
The best thing to do is take breaks from your mask. I tell people to change your mask like you change your underwear – daily.
Lifestyle causes
I don’t think people consider that there’s a lot to do with lifestyle.
For example, a violinist who has a chin strap or somebody that’s always leaning against their hand, you’re increasing the oil and build-up in the pores. So those are things to think about too.
Remember, it’s not your fault
Acne is part of life. It happens in your teenage years, primarily because the hormones are going crazy and that changes the oil production on our skin. And a lot of it has to do with hereditary factors, like your parents being more oily or more prone to breakouts.
So it’s not your fault. The good thing is it doesn’t threaten anyone’s life, really, directly. But it does definitely threaten our mental health our emotions, and our feelings of self-confidence.
SLMD Skincare is available from Slmdskincare.co.uk