Few channels on YouTube have a fan base like Dr. Pimple Popper’s. Dermatologist Sandra Lee posts close-up skin procedures that rack up views in the millions, and her audience calls itself “popaholics”. But why do so many people press play, and is there anything useful to learn from the clips?
This guide looks at what her most-watched videos are, why they work, how patients are protected, and what you should and should not copy at home. We have kept the first page of this article calm for all readers. The one extraction video we include sits on page 2, behind a clear warning.
Quick answer: what are Dr. Pimple Popper’s most-watched videos?
- Her most-viewed uploads are close-up extractions, such as large blackheads and cysts, collected in a “Most Popular Pops!” playlist on her channel.
- One giant blackhead extraction video shows more than 70 million views on her channel at the time of writing.
- She also posts Q&A sessions, TV clips and skin care tips that are much easier to watch.
- Dr. Lee says the videos are posted for education and patients give consent.
- Learning from them does not mean you should copy them at home.
Why people cannot stop watching
Dr. Lee has her own theory. In a 2019 interview with SELF, she said the videos “make people happy”. Some viewers find it cleansing, like removing something that should not be there. Others compare it to a roller coaster or a scary movie: a rush of excitement, followed by relief when the problem is resolved. She also said that some viewers tell her the sound of her voice is like ASMR and relaxes them.
She added that she does not think the videos would have lasted if they were just disgusting. The calm explanations, the clear before-and-after and the sense of a problem being solved are a big part of the appeal.
What the videos actually teach
If you look past the satisfying part, the clips are a free lesson in skin anatomy. According to Dr. Lee, a blackhead is an open pore, which is why it looks dark, while a whitehead is covered by a thin layer of skin. She has also explained that pimples progress in stages, from blackheads and whiteheads, through red inflamed bumps, to deep cysts and nodules that carry the highest risk of scarring.
She told SELF that one result of her work is that many people now know the difference between a blackhead and a whitehead, or between a cyst and a lipoma, and can seek the right treatment. For a practical guide to the mildest of these problems, see how to get rid of blackheads safely.
How patients are protected
A fair question is whether the videos exploit patients. Dr. Lee addressed it directly in the SELF interview. She said patients are asked whether a staff member may film the procedure and sign a consent form, that the team tries to keep the video and audio anonymous, and that identifying areas are covered with surgical towels. She said she will not film if a patient is underage, very emotionally sensitive, or has a growth in a private area, and that patients may ask for a video to be removed later.
Watch her in a mainstream interview
If you prefer a gentler introduction, this talk-show appearance covers the phenomenon in conversation.
To learn more about the person behind the channel, read who is Dr. Pimple Popper.
What not to copy at home
Dr. Lee’s own advice is cautious. She told SELF: “I’m going to be like all dermatologists and say don’t pop anything”, while admitting she explains how to do it because many people will try anyway. The videos are performed by a trained surgeon with sterile tools and a clinic setting. At home, squeezing can cause scars, dark marks and infection, and deep bumps can get worse. Our guide on why you should not pop pimples explains the risks, and our article on Dr. Pimple Popper’s advice on popping pimples at home sums up what she recommends instead.
Frequently asked questions
What is Dr. Pimple Popper’s most-watched video?
Her “Most Popular Pops!” playlist lists a giant blackhead extraction among the most viewed, with more than 70 million views at the time of writing. View counts change daily.
Do patients agree to be filmed?
Yes. Dr. Lee told SELF that patients sign a consent form, that the team keeps the videos as anonymous as possible, and that patients can ask for a video to be removed later.
Why are pimple popping videos satisfying?
Dr. Lee suggests it is a mix of release, excitement followed by relief and a calming voice. Other people simply find the problem-solving rewarding.
Is it safe to copy what she does in her videos?
No. Procedures like cyst removal are done by a trained dermatologist with sterile tools. Dr. Lee herself says dermatologists generally advise not to pop anything.
Where can I watch a calmer version of her content?
Look for her Q&A videos, talk-show interviews like the one above and the skin care tips on the SLMD Skincare channel. They explain her advice without extended close-ups.
When to see a dermatologist
See a dermatologist for any lump that grows, hurts, bleeds or changes, and for deep acne that scars. This article is general information, not medical advice, and Video Spotter is not affiliated with Dr. Sandra Lee.
