Watch: Dr. Pimple Popper Talks Cystic Acne, Scars & Treatments
Candid, real talk about treating breakouts — from your favorite dermatologist.
Published:
2 minute read
If you’ve ever wished you could ask a dermatologist your most frustrating acne questions — here’s your chance. In this rare, unscripted interview, SLMD Skincare founder and board-certified dermatologist Sandra Lee, MD (aka Dr. Pimple Popper) shares her candid advice on everything from cystic pimples to acne scars...and even her own breakouts.
Here are some of Dr. Lee’s most surprising insights — and her go-to product picks — straight from the source.
Cystic acne: to pop or not to pop?
“Don’t pop a cystic pimple,” Dr. Lee warns — especially the kind that lives deep under the skin. “It’s just gonna get madder and angrier and bigger and scarier to you.” She explains that cystic acne doesn’t respond to squeezing and is more likely to scar.
Instead, she recommends seeing a dermatologist for a cortisone injection — or applying an over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide spot treatment (up to 10%) to calm inflammation and keep your hands off.
Try: SLMD BP Acne Spot Treatment
Dr. Lee’s own acne routine
Even Dr. Pimple Popper gets breakouts — and she treats them like a pro.
“I was getting the same one coming up here...for like three months in a row,” she says, describing a hormonal flare-up on her chin. Her secret weapon? “I inject it with a little steroid” — but for daily use, she swears by:
- SLMD Salicylic Acid Cleanser — “It really helps to cleanse and take my makeup off...but also gives it a little treatment at the same time.”
- SLMD Resurfacing Acne Swipes — “They’re very easy to swipe across your face — even on your body.”
Dr. Pimple Popper's Go-To Acne Essentials
What’s the best moisturizer for acne?
According to Dr. Lee, there’s no one-size-fits-all — but hydration is essential, especially if you’re using drying acne treatments.
“If you’re really oily, you don’t need as heavy of a moisturizer...if you’re really dry, you probably want something a little bit heavier that doesn’t clog your pores.” For daytime? Look for a formula with SPF.
Try: SLMD Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer, Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15
Are those acne scars...or something else?
Not all marks are permanent, Dr. Lee emphasizes.
A lot of times patients think they have scars — “but it’s post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation [or] erythema,” she explains. These brown or red spots typically fade with time.
True scarring, she says, changes the skin’s texture. That’s when it’s time to see a dermatologist — because treatments like subcision, laser resurfacing, microneedling, and chemical peels can help, but must be tailored to your specific scar type.
Do acne spot treatments really work?
Yes — and potency is the reason. “They’re the highest concentration you can get over the counter...you’re gonna have success with that,” Dr. Lee says. But she cautions not to use spot treatments all over the face — just on the affected area.
Try: SLMD SA Acne Spot Treatment
Acne mechanica: breakouts from friction and heat
Healthcare workers saw a spike in breakouts during the pandemic — but acne mechanica didn’t end there. Plenty of people still wear masks daily for work, while others deal with friction-triggered breakouts from sports gear, helmets, and tight-fitting clothing.
“People are noticing an increase in something called acne mechanica,” says Dr. Lee — “a form of acne caused by occlusion” and friction from gear or fabric against the skin.
Dr. Pimple Popper tip: swipe on salicylic acid post-shift (or post-workout) to keep pores clear and irritation at bay.
Try: SLMD AHA/BHA Swipes
Dr. Lee's Last Word
Mild to moderate breakouts can usually be treated successfully at home. But if you have bad acne and it’s not responding to over-the-counter products, go see your dermatologist. It’s a lot harder to treat scars than to prevent them in the first place.
