It happens. Your skin is looking pretty great and all of a sudden, a big, red pimple is staring you right in the face. You know you’re not supposed to touch it but every time you pass a mirror, there it is. It’s uncomfortable and feels huge regardless of what size it actually is. Don’t stress. There are things you can do to reduce the size of the pimple and keep it away. And if you cannot stand it and you have to pop the pimple, there are ways to do it safely to minimize damage to the skin.

Whether you’re dealing with a nasty pustule, cystic acne, or blackheads, board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, can help. She provides her patients with a variety of cosmetic and medical procedures and services including treatments for acne, eczema, and signs of aging. We chatted with Dr. Garshick to find out what happens if we do pop our pimples and alternatives to popping in the first place. Plus, she walked us through the right way to pop a pimple, which starts with clean hands and ends with clear skin.

But first: Should you pop that pimple?

Your mom was right: you shouldn’t pop a zit. “It can worsen the inflammation, swelling and increase the risk of scarring,” says Dr. Garshick. “On occasion, in-office extractions can be helpful for certain types of stubborn breakouts but these are best done by professionals to minimize the chance of scarring.” Plus, you can actually make the pimple bigger and there’s nothing more frustrating than that.

“It’s not uncommon for patients to notice that the breakout gets worse and is more persistent after attempting to pop it given the increase in swelling,” adds Dr. Garshick. Ouch. That’s the last thing you want. Hyperpigmentation (acne marks and dark spots) is also a concern. Some are more prone to acne scars than others. The type of pimple matters, too. If you’re trying to pop cystic acne, you’ll be doing much more harm than good.

“Cystic zits, while sometimes filled with pus, often do not necessarily contain as much fluid, pus or cystic contents,” says Dr. Garshick. “I find patients often squeeze but notice that nothing comes out and all the squeezing leads to more swelling and inflammation.” You’ve been there, I’ve been there, we’ve all been there. Whiteheads and blackheads, on the other hand, are smaller and need precision or you’ll get a larger mark when not done correctly. This is best done in the hands of a skincare professional.

What are alternatives to popping? 

If you’re going to be strong and avoid popping pimples, there are a few things you can do to reduce the size and soreness. If it goes down, or even pops on its own, you’ll have much less of a risk of scarring. 

1. Use a spot treatment. “A spot treatment can reduce inflammation or dry out the spot, often being more targeted in the individual spot itself,” explains Dr. Garshick. Use a product containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid but be cautious that using too much of a spot treatment can lead to excess dryness and skin irritation.

2. Apply a hot compress. If your blemish is especially red and inflamed, a warm compress (such as a wet washcloth with warm water) can help. “It can soften the breakout and sometimes allow the contents to come out on their own,” says Dr. Garshick. Just be sure not to pick or rub the mark. 

3. Visit a dermatologist. If acne is really stressing you out, go see a dermatologist. “Visit your local board certified dermatologist for either a cortisone injection to help bring down a larger cystic breakout or for a chemical peel or extraction to help with a blackhead or whitehead, says Dr. Garshick. You can also discuss your current skincare routine and all over skincare tips, as well as get the specific acne treatment for your skin.