Pimples happen—and with those pus-filled bumps often comes the urge to pop them. Most dermatologists ... to steam in the shower or over the sink. Use the pads of your fingers or cotton swabs ...

Then, wipe both the pimple and pin with rubbing alcohol. This kills outside bacteria that might get under the skin and could worsen the infection. Now, it's popping time! Use the pin to puncture ...

Then, reach for either cotton swabs or a sterilized comedone extractor (we like the Tweezerman Skin Care Tool) to pop the pimple. You can use your fingers too, she says, but make sure they are ...