It is almost impossible to find someone who has never tried to rid themselves of an unsightly blemish by popping it. It is hard to resist the temptation, given that pimples can feel so noticeable. This is especially true when they show up right before an important event.
Unfortunately, popping pimples is not only ineffective, but it can actually make your acne worse.
How can that be?
Popping and Picking Can Lead to More Breakouts
Well, when you pop a pimple, you are rupturing the wall of the pore. Not only does that prevent you from getting all the bad stuff out, but this also can push the bacteria, dead skin cells, and pus deeper into your skin. And this causes all sorts of inflammation which can lead to more breakouts.
Further, popping pimples requires you to touch your face, which can spread bacteria and oil into previously clear pores. This can cause new breakouts or exacerbate existing ones.
Not only that, but when you pop a pimple, you also increase your risk of developing scars. This is because every time you injure your skin, there is a chance that tissue will be lost as it heals. That tissue loss leads to pitting and indentations in the skin that can be difficult to get rid of.
Even if you don’t get a scar, you may end up with dark spots known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The inflammation from the popped pimple causes these dark patches. They can linger months to years after the blemish has healed.
Squeezing an acne lesion is a lot like picking at an open wound. You increase your chances of developing an infection, making it take longer for the injury to heal.
Resist the Urge to Pop
So, the next time you are tempted to pop a pimple, resist the urge. It is much better to let it run its course. If you absolutely cannot stand it, wash your hands thoroughly and use clean instruments to avoid further infection.
Also, stick only to popping your blackheads. Those lesions are already open to the surface of your skin. Thus, they are the type of acne that is least likely to result in more irritation.
Treat With Medications
Better yet, treat your acne with appropriate medications. There are many natural, over-the-counter, and prescription options available. These can help clear up your skin and prevent new breakouts.
For example, you can try using a spot treatment containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to dry up an active pimple.
Or you can work to stop future breakouts by using a preventative measure like a retinoid cream or gel.
There are also oral medications that are used to treat acne. These include antibiotics, hormonal therapy, and isotretinoin.
If you are struggling with acne lesions, it is best to consult a physician to find the best treatment option for you.
Popping pimples to make them go away is a myth that needs to be put to rest. Popping pimples does not make them go away any faster. In fact, it can actually cause more inflammation and redness and can even lead to scarring. So save yourself some trouble and leave those pimples alone.
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