There are a host of reasons why popping pimples is a major no, other than the fact that an angry and irritated mound is way more difficult to disguise with concealer. In fact, there are far more serious and lasting effects to this habit than you may realize. Here, we tapped skin experts to get the inside scoop on the real reasons you shouldn’t pop. “Second is the fact that the skin cells lining the pore can be prone to slow turnover, then getting sticky and plugging up the pore,” Suarez continues. When this happens in combination with the excess oil, it creates a favorable environment for acne-causing bacteria, she says. “As this bacteria breaks down the sebum, inflammatory signals come in, causing redness, swelling, and [for some] cyst formation.” It’s important to note while this mechanism does lead to acne, the underlying causes can vary; these include hormones, genetics, certain skin care products, and more. If you want to learn more, check out our guide to the seven most common types of acne, which includes causes and treatment options. Chung emphasizes that you will certainly be left with red or brown discoloration, commonly referred to as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, should you pop your pimples. These marks can last months or even years depending on your skin type, skin tone, and which brightening products you use. Popping blackheads or whiteheads will likely result in these discolored spots, while attempting to pop cystic pimples could lead to deeper, concave divots in the skin. This is why even slightly squeezing cystic pimples is highly discouraged—these can and should only be treated by a derm. See, if you decide to pop your pimple, more inflammation will follow. This, in combination with the now broken and possibly bleeding skin, will take longer to heal than an untouched pimple. While it may be tempting, it truly will only make matters worse. What’s more, Suarez notes, “Not all acne spots are amenable to this treatment, which is why I recommend leaving it to the pros to decide which spots can be safely extracted.” If you decide to see a professional, they may even suggest an alternative treatment, like steroid injections. These targeted treatments can help reduce the size of the pimple and make it go away faster, thus reducing the chance of scarring. Usually, these injections are meant for under-the-skin pimples or tender cysts. And if you’re dealing with constant breakouts, it’s best to see a dermatologist to figure out the root cause of your acne and go from there. In the meantime, you can shop the best expert-backed acne treatments here.
