ONCE YOU POP, YOU CAN’T STOP
ARE AT-HOME PIMPLE EXTRACTION TOOLS SAFE?
Inexplicable to some and irresistible to others, pimple-popping videos have a strong following on social media, and television shows are even dedicated to the practice. Professional poppers often use comedone extractors or blackhead tweezers, and you can purchase them yourself online and in stores. But are they safe to use at home? You’ve probably heard since puberty that popping your pimples will lead to infection and scarring, and it’s best to let the blemish heal on its own. So, the advent of professional pimple popping is somewhat puzzling. Using blackhead tweezers or comedone extractors implies that popping your pimples isn’t so bad as long as you use the right tools. The reality is a lot fuzzier.
The tools receive mixed reviews from dermatologists. Most agree they are safe in the hands of professionals, but amateur use poses problems. Inexperienced poppers can bruise their skin, create scarring, or even cause an infection. At the same time, experts agree that an extraction tool is a better option than the old-fashioned method of popping with your fingers. Tools are safer, cleaner, and less likely to do widespread damage. So, most dermatologists think it’s best to exfoliate, treat, and refrain from picking your blemishes. But if you insist on at-home extraction, you can make the process somewhat less dangerous by always cleansing and steaming your face first, rewashing your face after extraction, and sterilizing tools after every use. Though it still poses a risk, it’s the second-safest option to just leaving it alone. Ultimately, leave pimple-popping to the professionals. Most of us should be patient and wait for acne to resolve naturally. Those who suffer from more than an occasional breakout should visit a dermatologist for medically approved acne‑clearing treatments.
First, what are these devices? Comedone extractors are typically small metal wands with a flat loop at the end. You use the tool by putting the loop around the pimple and pressing down. Ideally, the contents will come bursting out. More recently, blackhead tweezers have also gained a dedicated following. Blackhead tweezers have curved tips, giving you a gentler edge to press down on either side of your blackhead. A small squeeze can help release the blackhead more easily than a traditional extractor.
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If you miss this six-month window and have a preexisting condition, you may never be able to get onto original Medicare and will have to be put on a lesser quality HMO or PPO plan. No. 3: The Secret to Switching Coverage Everyone always thinks this open enrollment window from Oct. 15–Dec. 7 is the only time you can switch your coverage. That isn’t true. If you’re on original Medicare with a Medigap plan, you can change coverage anytime. For example, if you’re on the Medigap G plan and prices go up, you can switch to the N plan whenever you want. Even if you are outside of the open enrollment window, you can move between Medigap plans freely to suit your needs as long as you make your payments.
Inspired by TasteMade.com
Ingredients
• 1/4 cup brown sugar • 1tbsp paprika • 2 tsp black pepper • 2 tsp salt • 3 tbsp olive oil • 1 5-lb bone-in rib-eye roast • 3 tbsp butter
• 2 heads of
garlic, halved • 2 bay leaves • 4 thyme sprigs
• 2 rosemary sprigs • 1/2 cup beef broth • 1 12-oz bottle of stout beer • 1 15-oz can diced tomatoes (with liquid)
Directions
There you have it, the three secrets everyone needs to know about Medicare! If you want to learn how
1. Preheat oven to 375 F. 2. In a bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, pepper, salt, and olive oil. 3. Place roast in a roasting pan and coat with spice mixture. Let marinate uncovered in refrigerator for 1 hour. 4. Place pan on stove over high heat. Brown the roast on all sides, then add butter, garlic, and herbs.
to utilize these secrets and get the most out of your Medicare strategy, visit Calendly.com/ bridgeriver to make a FREE appointment with me. I look forward to helping you! -Dan Casey
5. When butter melts, add broth, beer, and tomatoes. Bring to a boil. 6. Transfer pan to oven. Braise until meat is tender, up to 2 hours.
7. Remove roast from pan and let rest for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, strain pan juices and put back into pan and boil until reduced by half. When finished, slice roast and serve with pan sauce.
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