Dr. Pimple Popper On the Biggest Skin-Care Myths and Her Favorite Products
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The Expert Edit features interviews with specialists about the products they swear by in their chosen field. For the latest installment, we spoke to board-certified dermatologist and "Dr. Pimple Popper" star, Sandra Lee, MD, the phenomenon who conquers the most unusual skin conditions. From her must-have acne products to the biggest misconceptions around skin-care, Lee shares the beauty staples that keep her skin glowing.
If there's anyone who is unfazed by the sight of skin conditions like puss-filled pimples or oversized cysts, it's Dr. Sandra Lee. The dermatologist, widely known as Dr. Pimple Popper, has amassed a major following for her mastery of, well, pimple-popping. Her viral YouTube videos set the stage for a successful TLC series where she treats patients with skin and facial disorders. But Dr. Lee's penchant for treating skin conditions is far more complex than a slew of viral moments. She was exposed to dermatology at a young age as her father was a specialist in the field, so it was only natural that Dr. Lee would follow in his footsteps. "We had a lot of textbooks at home with all things dermatology, and I looked through them while I was eating my cereal for breakfast," she says. "When I got to medical school, I found out that it was one of the hardest specialties to get into, which charged me up to think, I'd love to be in this specialty."
Although Dr. Lee got a head start in dermatology by way of that early introduction, she faced challenges actually breaking into the industry. She recalls graduating from med school and not receiving an envelope on Match Day. However, as a natural go-getter, she persevered, working at her private practice with her husband before garnering success on YouTube. She started posting pimple-popping videos and discovered a world where the procedure dominated search bars — particularly on Reddit. She then decided she was going to be the one to foster that public demand. "It was like people who were sharing popping videos with each other, which I thought was insane — but then I also thought I could be the one that provides it for them because I see it all the time at work." She started posting on her Reddit account, and Dr. Pimple Popper was born.
It's sad when someone says you just need to wash your face because that can make people feel defeated, especially when they're doing things they're supposed to do and [a change] is not happening.
Fast forward to today, Dr. Lee is one of the most renowned and trusted dermatologists in the country, and rightfully so. With a current Instagram following of 4.7 million skin-care lovers, the reality star has enjoyed many groundbreaking moments in her career. She's appeared on many shows, including "Jimmy Kimmel Live," won a Critics' Choice Awards for Female Star of the Year in 2021, and most recently, debuted her new series, "Dr. Pimple Popper: Breaking Out," on Lifetime.
Beyond her work in front of the camera, the skin-care expert is making strides to help those who don't get the chance to come into her office. Through her brand, SLMD Skincare, Dr. Lee makes dermatology accessible to all with affordable products that target acne issues and other skin conditions like a doctor would. With so many misconceptions about skin care floating around, she endeavors to bring premier education on skin health to everyone, regardless of age or tax bracket. "People think they get acne because they need to wash their face more, but you aren't in control — there are hormones that are really in charge, especially for women during certain times of the month," she says. "It's sad when someone says you just need to wash your face, because that can make people feel defeated, especially when they're doing things they're supposed to do and [a change] is not happening."
Dr. Lee is committed to not only popping pimples, but helping people see their beauty regardless of their skin-care journey. On her show, she values the human connection above all else, debunking skin-care myths and helping people push past societal pressures, one skin condition at a time. Below, Dr. Lee shares her must-have skin-care picks, the most underrated acne tips, and the go-to products that help her power through any day.
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Best Pimple Patches for Acne
SLMD Skincare Salicylic Acid Pimple Patches ($14)
For those who aren't prone to dark spots after treating a pimple, Dr. Lee recommends these pimple patches from her brand. "They're impregnated with salicylic acid that settles down into your pores and helps to clear the debris, dead skin, and oil. So, you can put them on and they can treat that area at the same time."
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Best Facial Moisturizer For Acne
Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer ($14)
Dr. Lee stresses that one of the most important factors when looking for a moisturizer is that they're noncomedogenic. "If you're going to use moisturizers on your face, make sure they say 'facial moisturizer.' They say facial because that usually means they're going to be noncomedogenic but something that's not really heavy." This option from Cetaphil is a safe, lightweight option that will help to minimize any heaviness on your skin and clogged pores.
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Best Toner For Acne
Thayers Blemish Clearing Salicylic Acid Toner ($15)
While she doesn't like toners because she has dry skin, Dr. Lee recommends a toner with salicylic acid for those with oily skin. "If your skin is acne-prone and you're looking for a toner, you want to make sure that it has products in it that are going to help to clear your skin at the same time. Salicylic acid is one of the main things that I'd be looking for." This trusted toner from Thayers is a great, alcohol-free option that not only clears acne blemishes and blackheads but also soothes the skin through plant extracts like witch hazel, aloe, and lemongrass.
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Best Cleanser For Acne
SLMD Skincare Salicylic Acid Cleanser ($25)
This bestselling salicylic acid cleanser is one of Dr. Lee's top cleanser recommendations for acne. With ingredients like salicylic acid, allantoin, green tea extract, and beta-glucan, this facial wash treats and prevents blackheads, removes dirt and dead skin and prevents clogged pores from turning into active acne. "It's a great chemical peel acid that is very forgiving to all skin colors, tones, and types. It helps to lighten my brown spots and I'm really dry, so it doesn't dry me out more. That's what I swear by; I've been using it every day for years."
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Best Spot Treatment For Acne
SLMD Skincare BP Acne Spot Treatment ($25)
Dr. Lee advises that not all spot treatments work the same for all spots, but she recommends this benzoyl peroxide pimple cream if you're treating an active pimple. It's perfect for addressing those stubborn, painful pimples and works great when worn alone or under makeup. It also contains allantoin and vitamin E, which helps to soften the skin and promote healing post-acne.
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Best Unconventional Product For Shrinking Pimples Overnight
SLMD Skincare Retinol Resurfacing Serum ($30)
Dr. Lee stresses that nothing permanently shrinks your pores where pimples live, but there are agents you can use to help keep them clean from any debris, like this retinol serum from SLMD Skincare. Formulated with retinol and vitamin A derivatives, this nighttime treatment helps improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation and encourages exfoliation to prevent clogged pores. "You can use retinol or Retin A at night, which is great to help minimize pores. If you want something more drastic, sleep in a freezing room or go on a cold plunge — that will shrink them for sure."
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Best Sunscreen For Acne
SLMD Skincare Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15 ($30)
Dr. Lee notes that chemical sunscreens are the best option instead of physical sunscreens. "Chemical sunscreens are potentially better than physical ones because they're not as heavy [nor are they] occluding your skin like physical sunscreens." This one from her brand is a lightweight formula that's safe for all skin types and has nourishing ingredients like vitamin E and green tea extract. She also highlights that chemical sunscreens are to be used with caution if you have rosacea because they take sunlight and convert it to heat, which can increase your skin's temperature.
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Best Treatment for Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
SLMD Skincare Vitamin C Serum ($35)
Another one of her brand's bestsellers, this vitamin C serum brightens and evens the skin tone through a blend of potent antioxidants. It's also infused with hyaluronic acid that delivers deep hydration and locks in moisture while conquering fine lines. "Vitamin C is a great brightener, and my serum helps to brighten your skin and lighten those brown spots. It's more of an antioxidant."
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Naomi Parris is the assistant shopping editor at PS, based in New York. With over eight years of experience and previous roles held on the brand's Beauty and Operations teams, she enjoys telling stories that merge fashion, beauty, and Black culture. Naomi has also lent her skillful pen to Essence Girls United, Elle, Bustle, and Elite Daily. When she's not crafting shopping roundups, high-profile features, beauty op-eds, or trend guides, you can find Naomi behind her blog "Eli-Nay," where she inspires readers through style guides, cultural pieces, and innovative content on her Instagram.