Dr. Pimple Popper shares her secrets to getting perfect skin

Whether a fan of zit-popping videos or not, chances are you’ve heard of Sandra Lee, MD — the fearless face behind the hit TLC show Dr. Pimple Popper. A dermatologist based in CA., Lee first gained fame for an Instagram post of her extracting a blackhead in 2014. Since then, she’s built a loyal following — 4.8 million strong on YouTube — who jump at the opportunity to see her rescue a pimple or blackhead. But what about preventing the need for her expert care? If you’re curious what the Pimple Popper herself has to say about preventing breakouts and other skin emergencies, you’re in luck. Lee sat down with Yahoo Lifestyle to discuss five wellness tips that she recommends her followers take on in January. The first one, she says, might surprise you. “As a dermatologist I will always say, try not to pop your pimples!” Lee says. “If you absolutely must, there is a correct way to do it — but you have to know when to stop to avoid your risk for scarring and infection.” If you can’t resist the urge to pop your own zits, Lee recommends that you at least commit to treating your skin correctly. “A good skincare routine shouldn’t be complicated if you use the right products on a consistent basis,” says Lee. “Even if you don’t suffer from acne, it’s important to assess your skin and the products you use. Good products take time to work their magic! If you’re constantly switching it up you may be missing out on long-term benefits of use.” Lee is also a big fan of using exfoliants. “Exfoliation aids in skin cell turnover, meaning you’re sloughing off dead skin to allow new skin cells to shine through,” she says. “Exfoliating is key for everything from acne management, to anti-aging. You can use a cleansing brush, or apply an exfoliating acid — like salicylic or glycolic acid. And don’t forget the rest of your body! Invest in a decent loofah or body scrub and use in the shower to keep your skin smooth from head to toe.” To hear the final two tips Lee has to offer, tune into Yahoo Lifestyle’s Wellness Wins video. And if you’re still hankering for more pimple talk after that, head over to her YouTube channel.