Thanks to a summary on Buzzfeed, I just spent more than an hour watching pimple extraction videos. The husband is at work, so I figured I'd make myself some edamame, grab a glass of wine and settle in to watch the new John Lithgow movie I've been wanting to see, which just happened to drop on Netflix. Before I got settled however, I needed to do something online. Which led me to Buzzfeed, which led me to an article about an Instagram account that every "Pimple-Popping" addict just needs to see. They rounded up a bunch of short, disgustingly satisfying videos of blackhead bursting and whitehead spewage. So, instead of a night of Malbec and what I'm sure is going to be a heartbreaking story of a gay couple being ripped out of the life they knew and loved, I headed to Dr. Sandra Lee's Youtube channel and settled into several 10 minute long compilations (including cyst removal, which literally had me howling at the screen) & multi-visit/multi-video "Story" series starring the pus-filled noses of sweet old men.
Exhibit A - Best of April Part 2....April was a busy month!
“Sometimes, I even find myself watching my own blackhead extraction videos over and over, because somehow it has this hypnotizing quality,” Lee told BuzzFeed News. “It kinda sucks you in. So I think I’m becoming a popaholic myself!”Is that what I am, a popaholic?! I'll be sure to add that to my LinkedIn accomplishments. Youtube user Lynn Barnes brings up another possible reason for our sick fascination:
"...We're very closely related to chimpanzees and they groom each other to socialize and bond."
Is it something innate in us that makes us want to see impurities be removed from other humans? Like the monkey's do? I don't know much about monkeys, but I do know that they eat the shit they pick off their buddies, and while I quite enjoying watching a gross pimple extraction here and there (or at an hour at a time), there's not enough money on the planet for me to ever eat what's found inside a pimple. *shudder* Gross...I believe I just set the premise of my next series of nightmares. Also, a great idea to send to Fear Factor. Is that still on? Anyway, perhaps Miss Barnes isn't as on the mark as I thought.
Whatever the reason for our fascination, it's damn satisfying to pop out a big ol' throbbing fattie on your face. Or back. Or chest. Whatever your pimple pattern may be. However, no matter how satisfying it may be, getting pimples as an adult sucks. Sure, there's makeup to cover it, but what about women or men who don't wear makeup? Or the fact that even if you do have makeup on, it's all you can think about. It's all you think people can see. It hurts, it burns. Did it just move?! It's pretty much the worst. What can you do when you have white and/or blackheads & just need to pop those bitches? Dr. Sandra, also known as Dr. Pimple Popper, reminds us to make sure that we're dealing with clean hands and skin, preferably use an extractor and that it's best to tackle those pesky blackheads after a hot shower, "since steam helps to loosen up the debris within your pores, making extractions smoother and easier." And, as hard as it may be, she also wants to make it clear that you should know when to stop. See a professional if need be, “If you go too far, you run the risk of infection, persistent redness or darkening of the area, and possibly permanent scarring."
So that's one way to deal with it. Below you'll find other ways to treat and prevent acne as an adult. Seriously, we're adults. Can you believe it?
Tea Tree Oil - Tea Tree Oil is known for its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, and has proved just as effective as benzoyl peroxide for fighting acne. It works great in a face wash - take a little bottle with something you don't even use anymore and is probably expired, rinse it out really well, and fill it with equal parts castile soap and water (if anything, more water than soap) at least a tsp of oil, such as almond, jojoba, argan, coconut oil, whatever- and 20ish drops of tea tree oil. Shake it up, wash face, feel clean and fresh, have a rockin' day.
Actual oil - I know it sounds crazy. Uhm, if I have oily skin, why would I put oil on it? Because oil fights oil! And the dirt on your face too. Crazy, but true. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil, Coconut Oil & Shea Oil all have slightly different benefits, but the process is the same. Get the hot water running, soak a facecloth, soak your face in said facecloth, hang out for 20 seconds, or more - it's your time after all, rub your face with some oil, take another 20 then gently wipe it away with that same darn washcloth. Mmm, nice. I've done it with olive oil, because, hey, it was in my cupboard, and I really did feel like it repaired and balanced my skin. And the warm washcloth time is very relaxing before bed.
Apple Cider Vinegar - This would be used as a toner, so pair it with your own face washing technique (castile soap, water, etc.). Due to its acidic acid content, Apple Cider Vinegar is both antibacterial and anti-fungal, and therefore can kill the bacteria that causes acne. Pour a bit of ACV into a glass jar and dilute with water. A ratio of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water is the most common way, but do as your face tells you. Once it's mixed, you can apply it to your beautiful face with a cotton ball/pad/wad/whatever.
Change your diet - Dude, what you put in your body matters! Avoid processed foods as much as you can, especially those added sugars. Refined sugar has made it's way into everything. Dairy is also a known acne issue for a lot of people. If you pay attention to your diet, you should be able to pin-point what is making you break out. You find a bunch of growing red pimples a couple days after you sat on the couch all night with that pint of ice cream? Yeah...you know what to do.
It's important to remember, everyone is different! What works for your skin type may not work for your friend and vice versa. Whatever route you choose, give it a solid chance, as it can take time for your body/skin to get used to a new regiment. However, you should also listen to your body. If it's really not working, try something different. If it's not doing much after a couple days, give it time. I wish you and your face the best! I'm off to see if there have been any more videos added by Dr. Pimple-Popper :) #PopoholicForLyfe
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