The treatment options for pimples vary. Your choices usually depend on the size and the severity of the pimple. If it's a small spot, you just let it be. It's usually gone in just a few days. If it's a cystic, red, painful, infected mound, then it's best left for your facialist or dermatologist to treat.

Skin experts often warn us about the perils of attempting to extract pimples on our own. Touching our face encourages the spread of bacteria. This is so much more amplified in the case of an already infected pimple. If done by an expert, the risk of infection could be less but the trauma left by pinching & pulling on the skin still has its repercussions.

With the unlimited choices for pimple remedies these days, is pimple extraction still a foolproof way to treat pimples?

Here's what happens to the skin during extractions. Pimples are physically removed from the skin using a sterile blade, a blemish extractor, blackhead vacuum (by your esthetician)or by (clean!) bare hands.

Pressure is applied to the skin to squeeze out the fluids, bumps & debris that are inside pimples. It already sounds nasty, don't you think? How does it feel? The pain level for the procedure while it is going on ranges from uncomfortable to downright painful. (Ouch!!!)

Having pimple extractions done often weakens your pores and your skin's collagen & elastin fibers. The pulling, pressing & pressure on your skin makes your skin less elastic (sagging skin & wrinkles, OMG!) in the long run. There's also the risk of having broken blood vessels.

There are less invasive ways to deal with pimples. The more natural & 'serene' ways to deal with them are through regular facial massages & warm compresses.

For the more acute, cystic pimples, dermatologists are the best at addressing this problem. At most, dermatologists also try to avoid extractions, as they know very well the long-term effects. Especially when acne is severe, they will prescribe oral antibiotics & topical medications to treat acute, infected acne. Topical steroid or steroid injections are also used to bring down the inflammation immediately.

If there's a pesky pimple that you need to neutralize ASAP, there are pimple patches that can help bring down inflammation overnight. Here at Niniko we have the COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch to flatten that zit in no time!

The best way to fight acne is still through prevention. This means proper skin care. Then again, proper skin care still boils down to knowing your skin type and having a steady skincare routine.

You should be aware of the possible reactions of your skin in the face of weather changes, certain foods, and certain activities. It also means knowing which ingredients your skin responds well to and which ones to steer clear of. The next time you're tempted to pick on that zit, stop & relax. Then choose the method that 'respects' your skin's natural healing.

To find out your skin type, read this: What Skin Type Do I Have?

For great skin care sets for your skin type, shop here.