You’ve got a pimple.
We get it: once you see the trademark swelling of an incoming pimple, it’s hard not to panic. For some of you, the only thought in your head may be: get rid of it. And even though you know you could just wait for it to go away, it’s hard to resist the urge to just…pop it. So, should you?
Short answer: no. Extractions, or the process of clearing compacted or clogged pores, are best left in the hands of a skincare professional or esthetician. And as simple as it may seem to squeeze that spot, blackhead, or pimple until it disappears, it can have lasting effects on your skin. But! We know resisting is easier said than done, so we’re gonna walk you through the risks of popping, what happens when you pop, and what you should do instead.
A note before we begin: let’s make it clear that the urge to pop a random pimple is not the same as chronic skin-picking disorders. If you have a compulsion towards picking your skin and find yourself being unable to stop, you may be experiencing a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder and should get in touch with a trusted health professional. Know that we’re not talking about you or your journey here!
What is a Pimple, Anyway?
Pimples are small, inflamed bumps on the skin—and they form when debris like sebum (oil), bacteria, and skin cells become trapped in your pores. There are a few different types of pimples, such as:
- Whiteheads, or closed comedones;
- Blackheads, or open comedones;
- Papules, or raised bumps on the skin with no whitehead;
- And more.
Why It’s Satisfying to Pop Pimples
Let’s acknowledge the truth: popping pimples can be satisfying. In fact, a recent study reported in Popular Science found that pimple popping can activate the brain’s reward center.1
The immediate relief you feel after squishing that zit makes sense. You’re finally done with something that may have been causing you stress, and taking control makes us feel good! But when you pop a pimple, you are disrupting your body’s natural healing process. The risks far outweigh the relief.
The Risks of Popping That Pimple
Pushing bacteria in further. Even if you’ve binge-watched every episode of Dr. Pimple Popper, you should not be squeezing at your zits if you’re not a dermatologist or esthetician. Without a sterile environment and professional technique, you could very likely push debris and bacteria from that affected pore deeper into your skin layer in the process. The result? Further inflammation, potential infection, and worsening the blemish you’re trying to get rid of. Not ideal!
Developing scarring. If you’re frantically squeezing at papules, you’re actually forcing your skin to open—creating a wound that your body now needs to work to heal. Now you’ve got a scab and discoloration is part of that process.
Messing with the danger triangle. You shouldn’t be popping pimples in any area of your face—but dermatologists refer to the skin from the bridge of your nose to the corners of your mouth as the “danger triangle.” Why? Because it’s right on top of a direct line to your brain — your cavernous sinus, “a network of large veins behind your eye sockets.”2 In short: you do not want to cause an infection in this area. Skincare professionals recommend you keep your hands off.
You could stress your skin out — permanently. The more you damage your skin while pimple-popping, the more tissue you risk losing. For many, this can mean pitted acne scars, or deep depressions in the skin caused by continuous tissue loss.
What You Should Do Instead
We know that struggling with hormonal pimples, frequent breakouts on the jawline and back, and dealing with acne from day to day isn’t easy. But popping isn’t the way to take control. Here are some other things to try the next time you spot a pimple and feel the urge to panic:
Remember you’re not alone. This is a soft reminder that everyone gets pimples. Seriously, acne should never stop you from entering any room. If you’re breaking down because of a breakout, just know that no one’s seeing your insecurities the way that you do—and everyone’s likely stressing about their own.
Quick Tips for Success
Slap on a pimple patch. Pimple patches, or hydrocolloid patches, are a fave solution of ours for two reasons. One: they stop you from making direct contact with your blemish if you touch your face often (we’re guilty of this, too!) Two: they cover blemishes that you might be anxious about anyone seeing. Ready to try ‘em out? Check out our Pimple Patches at FLO.
Consider adding a supplement in. Looking for a longer term solution for hormonal acne? You may want to add a supplement into your daily routine. Scan shelves for something that supports your immune system and fights inflammation—and if you’re a fan of natural ingredients, FLO Acne Capsules may be a fit for you. Star ingredients include the vegetarian protein lactoferrin, zinc to support healthy oil production, and Vitamin E to combat free radicals.*
