It’s tempting to pop a pimple, especially when it’s right in front of you. But before you squeeze, it’s important to know what happens and why doctors say no1. Popping pimples might seem like a quick solution, but it can cause more problems like breakouts, discoloration, and scarring1.
When you pop a pimple, you push the dirt and bacteria deeper into your skin. This causes inflammation and can spread the infection to other pores1. This can make your acne worse and take longer to heal. In fact, a pimple usually heals in 3 to 7 days, but a popped one can take weeks or even leave scars2.
Squeezing and picking at your skin can also damage the tissue. This can lead to discoloration and different kinds of scars, like depressed or pitted scars1. These scars are hard to treat and can be worse than the original pimple. It’s also risky to pop pimples in the “danger triangle” of your face. This area includes the corners of your mouth to the bridge of your nose. A serious infection here could lead to serious health issues like cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST)3.
Key Takeaways
- Popping pimples can push bacteria deeper into the skin, causing more inflammation and potential scarring.
- Pimples typically heal on their own within 3 to 7 days, while improperly popped pimples may linger for weeks.
- Picking at pimples can lead to discoloration and various types of scars, including depressed or pitted scars.
- Popping pimples in the “danger triangle” of the face can be particularly risky due to potential complications.
- Dermatologists and trained estheticians are best equipped to safely extract a pimple when necessary.
The Temptation to Pop Pimples
Pimples often show up at the worst times, like before a big event. The urge to squeeze them is strong, but it’s not a good idea. It can cause infection, scarring, and make acne worse4. Dr. Jamuna Pai says picking at pimples can harm your skin, leading to scars5.
Squeezing a pimple can push the core deeper into the pore4. This can burst the pore wall, spreading infection4. Only experts should try to remove pimples to avoid scarring5.
To avoid popping pimples, try doing something else, like talking to a friend or watching a movie5. Use a stress ball or rubber band to keep your hands busy5. Avoid looking in mirrors too much to stop thinking about pimples5.
Instead of popping pimples, try these safer ways to treat blemishes:
- Use OTC products like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide on blackheads6.
- Apply acne treatments with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide daily6.
- Use a cold compress or ice for pain and swelling6.
- Warm compresses can help heal clogged pores6.
Remember, damaging your skin can lead to scarring4. Trying to pop pimples can make breakouts worse and increase scarring and infection risk4. If you have frequent or painful acne, see a dermatologist6.
Why You Shouldn’t Pop Pimples
It might seem like a good idea to pop pimples yourself, but it’s not. Squeezing pimples can push bacteria deeper into your skin. This can cause more inflammation, redness, and even infection7.
Pushing Bacteria Deeper into the Skin
When you pop a pimple, you push debris and bacteria deeper into your skin. This can lead to more inflammation, swelling, and redness. In rare cases, it can even cause serious health issues like a blood clot in the cavernous sinus7.
Increased Inflammation and Redness
Poppping a pimple causes trauma to your skin. This trauma can make the pimple look worse. Dr. Alok Vij says popping pimples, especially in the danger triangle of the face, should be avoided. It can lead to inflammation, dark spots, and scarring7.
Potential for Infection
Popping pimples can introduce bacteria into the wound, leading to infection. While some pimples like blackheads and whiteheads may be okay to pop, harder bumps should not be. If you do pop a pimple, apply an antibiotic spot cream to prevent infection8.
Instead of popping pimples, try using a warm compress for 10 to 15 minutes. This can help draw pus to the surface and speed up healing7. If you have a pimple in the danger triangle of your face, see a dermatologist. They can offer safe and quick treatments like cortisone and antibiotic injections7.
The Pimple Life Cycle: Letting It Run Its Course
When dealing with acne and blemishes, sometimes the best thing to do is wait. A pimple goes through three stages: initial, middle, and final9. It can last from 3-6 weeks, depending on how bad it is and the treatments used10.
The middle stage, known as inflammatory acne, can last up to a week9. During this time, the body fights off bacteria, causing the pimple to fill with white fluid9. Untreated pustular or cystic lesions may stay for four to six weeks10.
It might be tempting to pop a pimple, but dermatologists advise against it. Popping can make the infection worse, increase inflammation, and lead to scarring119. Popped pimples can take 4-5 weeks to heal and may cause more inflammation if not done right10.
For the best skin care, it’s important to know the type of pimple and its stage. This helps choose the right treatment or get professional help10. Non-inflammatory comedones may stay without treatment, needing a retinoid to remove excess keratin10. Cystic breakouts are harder to treat and often need a dermatologist’s help with various therapies10.
| Pimple Type | Duration | Recommended Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Comedones (blackheads/whiteheads) | Persistent without treatment | Retinoids, benzoyl peroxide face washes |
| Papules | Up to 6 weeks | Avoid drying spot treatments |
| Pustules | 4-6 weeks untreated | Allow to heal naturally, use topical treatments |
| Cysts | Longer-lasting, can linger beneath skin | Dermatologist intervention, prescription medications |
Prevention through proper skincare is better than aggressive treatments like pimple popping11. Using ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide, or zinc can help reduce redness and blemishes11. Regularly check your skincare routine, use acids for exfoliation, and get advice from dermatology experts for long-term skin health11.
Remember, patience is key when it comes to treating acne. Letting the pimple life cycle run its course and using the right treatments can prevent scarring. This way, you can keep your skin healthier and clearer.
Safer Alternatives to Popping Pimples
It’s tempting to pop pimples, but dermatologists say no. It can cause scarring, infection, and damage your skin for good1213. Instead, there are safer ways to handle breakouts without harming your skin.
One safe choice is using non-comedogenic makeup. These products cover pimples without clogging pores, keeping your skin clear. Pick a concealer that matches your skin tone and use a dry formula with a flat brush.
Applying Spot Treatments
Spot treatments are another good option. Products with salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or sulfur can dry out pimples without popping them12. The Mayo Clinic suggests using a low-strength benzoyl peroxide for acne12.
There are also home remedies that work well, like:
- Baking soda
- Tea tree oil
- Charcoal masks
- Hydrogen peroxide
While many treatments and remedies are available, the best way to get rid of a pimple is to let it heal naturally12. Avoid popping pimples to stop bacteria from spreading and causing more problems.
| Spot Treatment Ingredient | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Salicylic Acid | Unclogs pores, reduces inflammation |
| Benzoyl Peroxide | Kills acne-causing bacteria, dries out pimples |
| Sulfur | Reduces oil production, exfoliates skin |
If you have a lot of breakouts or severe acne, see a dermatologist. They can suggest the right treatments, diet changes, and skincare for you13. Choosing gentle treatments over popping pimples helps manage acne and protects your skin.
What Happens Under the Skin When You Pop a Pimple
When you feel the urge to pop a pimple, it’s key to know what’s happening under the skin. Pimple popping videos might seem fun, but it can actually harm your skin.
Dr. Benjamin Barankin, a dermatologist, warns that popping pimples the wrong way can cause scarring and make pimples last longer. It can also lead to skin discoloration and infections14. When you squeeze a pimple, the dirt gets pushed deeper into the follicle, causing it to burst15.
Rupturing the Follicle Wall
The pressure from popping can burst the follicle wall. This spills infected material, like pus and neutrophils, into the dermis, the skin’s lower layer15. This can cause more inflammation, redness, swelling, and heat in the area.
Spilling Infected Material into the Dermis
When infected material gets into the dermis, it can start a stronger inflammatory response. P. acnes bacteria mix with sebum and dead skin cells, causing infection in hair follicles15. This can lead to bigger or new pimples and scarring.
| Pimple Type | Popping Risks |
|---|---|
| Comedonal (blackheads, whiteheads) | Scarring, prolonged duration |
| Inflammatory (pustules, cysts, nodules) | Infection, skin discoloration, scarring |
Dr. Palep says not to pop red and tender pimples in the first two days to avoid infection15. Instead, let pimples heal on their own, use hot compresses, or see a dermatologist for safe removal1514.
It’s highly unlikely that popping pimples will hurt in the long run, but the vast majority of the time, popping them will make things worse.
Knowing the risks of pimple popping helps you make better choices for your skin. It’s wise to seek professional help for safe skin care to keep your skin healthy and clear.
The Risks of Repeated Pimple Popping
It might seem tempting to pop a pimple, but dermatologists advise against it. Pimples are common in both teens and adults16. Squeezing pimples can lead to acne nodules or cysts, which are painful and deep.
Popping pimples, especially those without a white head, can cause scabbing and dark spots. This can make the problem worse, leading to more swelling, redness, and infections16. It also raises the risk of permanent scars17.
Using fingers or nails to pop pimples can introduce bacteria, causing more infections and inflammation18. Pimples have pus, and improper popping can lead to deeper infections and more inflammation18. After popping, the skin may heal slowly, making the breakout last longer17.
To manage acne and avoid damage, a good skin care routine is key. This includes regular cleansing and moisturizing, using products to control oils, and applying treatments recommended by dermatologists16. Spot treatments can target blemishes without irritation, and exfoliation helps prevent clogged pores and promotes healthy skin17.
In severe cases, more treatments may be needed. Dermatologists at the Dermatology Center of Northwest Houston offer treatments for recurrent pimples and mild to severe acne16. They may include draining large pimples or cysts and using corticosteroid injections for infections18. For more severe cases, antibiotics and other medications may be prescribed16.
If over-the-counter treatments don’t work in 4-6 weeks, seeing a dermatologist is a good idea18. A board-certified dermatologist can create a personalized skincare plan to prevent pimples and keep your skin healthy17. Remember, patience is key to avoid making the problem worse and to prevent scarring18.
How Popping Pimples Can Lead to Scarring
Understanding the risks of acne treatment is key. Popping pimples can cause permanent scarring, infection, and make acne worse18. About 40-50 million Americans deal with acne each year. So, good skin care and managing acne is vital18.
Tissue Loss During Healing
Popping a pimple messes up the healing process. This can lead to abnormal collagen production and scarring19. Touching your face can also spread bacteria, causing more inflammation and scarring18. This tissue loss is a main reason for acne scars.
Formation of Depressed or Pitted Scars
Scars from pimples can be pitted or raised. They can also leave long-lasting redness or dark spots19. The more damage from popping a pimple, the more chance of these scars.
To avoid worse scarring, don’t pop pimples18. If home acne treatments don’t work in 4-6 weeks, see a dermatologist18. Keeping your skin clean and avoiding picking can help. This promotes better skin care practices19.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation from Pimple Popping
Even if you avoid depressed scars, you might still get dark marks called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). This happens when inflammation damages cells, leading to more melanin. PIH is more common and lasts longer in darker skin types20. A 2002 study showed that 65.3% of African Americans, 52.7% of Hispanics, and 47.4% of Asians got PIH from acne21.
Most people with acne get some PIH, affecting both men and women20. The severity and how long it lasts can vary. If the damage is minor, the darkening might go away. But, severe damage can make the marks last longer, needing treatment to fade.
To stop PIH from getting darker, use sunscreen every day21. Treatment depends on the mark’s color. For red marks, use alpha hydroxy acids and retinoids. For brown or black marks, try AHAs, arbutin, kojic acid, and hydroquinone21.
For at-home care, use vitamin C in the morning and glycolic acid at night. This gently exfoliates and brightens. Prescription retinoids and hydroquinone can also be used at home21. Over-the-counter products work for lighter marks, while prescription creams are better for deeper ones20.
Sometimes, PIH won’t fade on its own, and you might need professional help20. Treatments like chemical peels, lasers, or microdermabrasion may be needed. These treatments require several sessions, spaced two to four weeks apart, for the best results20. A dermatologist in NYC says treating marks with energy-based devices soon after they appear works best21.
To avoid PIH and other problems, manage your acne well and avoid popping pimples. Let pimples heal naturally and use gentle treatments. This way, you can keep your skin healthy and clear.
When to Seek Professional Help for Acne
Acne is a common skin issue that affects many, with 85% of teens getting it22. Mild cases can be treated with over-the-counter products like adapalene and benzoyl peroxide23. But, some might need a dermatologist’s help.
Large, painful pimples or acne that scars need a dermatologist’s care23. These deep blemishes can be hard to remove and may scar24. Pregnant or trying to conceive? Get professional advice before treating your acne23.
Severe or Persistent Acne
Severe acne can really affect your life. A study in the British Journal of Dermatology showed it’s like dealing with chronic health issues22. If acne makes you anxious or depressed, get help.
Acne Excoriée (Compulsive Pimple Picking)
Acne excoriée is a serious skin condition. Popping pimples can make healing take longer, up to 14 days24. If you can’t stop picking, see a professional to stop this harm.
Seeing a dermatologist for adult acne is always a good idea23. If over-the-counter treatments don’t work, get professional acne treatment and advice.
How to Pop a Pimple Safely
It’s often advised not to pop pimples, but sometimes it’s hard to resist. If you must pop a pimple, do it safely to avoid inflammation and scarring. Dermatologist Melissa Piliang, MD, warns that popping pimples can lead to more problems25. Yet, Dr. Piliang notes that many people still pop pimples as a way to deal with acne25.
Before popping a pimple, check if it’s ready. Only pop whiteheads when you can see the white center26. Using a salicylic acid cleanser can soften the pimple, making it easier to pop26. For blackheads, use a comedone extractor and tweezers26.
But, don’t pop cystic or nodular pimples as they can scar and get infected26. These, along with hormonal and PCOS-related acne, need a dermatologist’s care26.
Instead of popping, try using skincare with benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or sulfur26. Pimple patches can also help by absorbing fluid and reducing swelling26.
It is recommended to work with a dermatologist who can advise on the best ways to treat acne and prevent new blemishes from arising.
If you have persistent or severe acne, see a dermatologist. They can help with acne management and decide if comedone extraction is right for you25.
Conclusion
Popping pimples might seem like a quick solution, but it can make acne worse. It can push bacteria deeper into your skin, causing more inflammation and redness. This can even lead to infections27.
Repeatedly popping pimples can also cause tissue loss and lead to scars27. The inflammation from popping pimples can leave dark marks on your skin27.
Instead of popping pimples, let them heal on their own or get professional help. You can use over-the-counter spot treatments and non-comedogenic makeup to hide blemishes. If your acne is severe, see a dermatologist for advice and treatments27.
Angeline Yong Dermatology says getting professional help is key for safely removing pimples. They offer treatments like their Acne Removal Treatment to prevent future breakouts and improve skin quality28.
Remember, not touching your pimples is often the best way to keep your skin healthy. By avoiding the urge to pop pimples and using gentle skin care, you can avoid scars and more breakouts. If you struggle with picking at your skin, try wearing a rubber band on your wrist and plucking it when you feel the urge27.
With patience and the right care, you can get the clear, radiant skin you want.