Picking dilemma

I'm not sure I have acne, but I do get a lot of pimples on my face.  It seems to have gotten worse as years go by.    I am now 27 and I've been trying to stop my compulsive picking habit since I was 12.  Maybe I have body dismorphic disorder, but I see that my skin is a lot worse than other people see it.  I can tell you all the pores that if I squeeze, puss comes out.  I have picked on my whole body, but now I mostly pick my face.  What happens when you pick?  Do two grow in its place?  Is there any time when picking is appropriate?  My husband thinks that if they are ripe, white, and not tight or painful it is okay to pick them.  An esthetician told me the "proper" way to pick them is with a needle and pushing down on both sides--not squeezing.  Is this okay?  

Also, I'm currently seven months pregnant. My face has just exploded.  I want to take care of my skin, but I would prefer an alternative or natural route.  I worry that the medications prescribed or even otc medication is just masking the problem and sending harmful chemicals into the body that will try to come out through the skin anyway.  Any advice on this?

[loiloi]

Never squeeze a pimple, it can spread the infection and cause scarring. your acne is worse at the moment because of the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, the good news is whilst acne is often aggrevated at the start of pregnancy, now that you're in the third trimester your skin will improve. Do not use any acne remedies whilst you are pregnant or breastfeeding as small amounts could be absorbed by the baby or pass into breastmilk. Once you have had the baby and finished (or chosen not to) breastfeed you can clear your acne. Just because something is "natural" doesn't mean that it will work, nor that you won't have a bad reaction to it. Things made out of plants can cause allergies for many people. See a doctor or dermatologist and work together to find the right acne treatment for you. There are a wide range of topical creams he can prescribe such as Duac, Differin or Dalacin-T. There are also oral antibiotics such as erythromicin or oxytetracycline. You could also take an anti-androgen contraceptive pill such as Yasmin or Diane35. Do not use the progesterone only mini-pill or have the Depo shot as this can make the acne worse. They will offer you the progesterone only pill if you decide to breastfeed, but i would use a condom instead. Treat yourself to a facial where a beautician can use an extraction method to remove spots, but don't try this at home. Congratulations on your pregnancy and let me know how you're getting on. Loiloi x