Ask the Dermatologist: Should I Pop Pimples or Avoid Them?

There’s a reason Dr. Pimple Popper has over 16 million followers on TikTok and over 8 million subscribers on YouTube by 2024 — popping pimples can be deeply satisfying, even if you’re watching someone else do it.

But before you walk in front of the mirror and start picking at your own face, remember that Dr. Pimple Popper, also known as Dr. Sandra Lee, is a board-certified dermatologist who knows how to safely pop pimples without spreading bacteria or leaving scars on the skin.

We asked our own dermatologist, Dr. Anthony Nuara, MD, FAAD, what he thinks about this tempting habit and whether it’s safe to pop pimples at home.

The Science Behind Pimples

Every pore on the body’s surface leads to a follicle that contains hair and sebaceous glands. These glands secrete an oily substance called sebum that moisturizes the skin and hair. When pores become clogged, inflammation occurs, which can lead to breakouts. This blockage can be caused by excess oil, abnormal keratin formation, or an increased number of bacteria on the skin. 1

Although pimples are often used interchangeably with acne, they are not the same thing. Acne is an inflammatory skin disease. Pimples or comedones are simply symptoms of this disease.

Pimples may appear as open comedones (blackheads) or closed comedones (whiteheads). While pimples can appear anywhere, they are most common on the face, chest, shoulders, and upper back.

The Pros and Cons of Popping Pimples

If a pimple becomes large and raised with a whitehead on top, you may be tempted to pop it with your fingernails. We generally advise against this. Nails are sharp and full of bacteria. Inflamed skin can also tear easily and form scars.

There are definitely more cons to popping pimples than pros. Here are a few.

Disadvantages of Popping Pimples:

Bacteria Spread

Permanent Scars

Delayed Natural Healing Process

More Inflammation

Regret

Are There Any Benefits to Popping Pimples?

Instant gratification while it works

Expert advice from dermatologists

If you have a pimple that’s about to pop, do your best to hold back. Most pimples will heal on their own without you having to do anything. So, if you can wait, that’s always the wisest choice.

Secondly, you should ask yourself if the pimple is ready to pop. If it’s deep under the skin’s surface and has no head, leave it alone. Trying to squeeze it may push the contents deeper and increase inflammation. You also run the risk of spreading bacteria to the inner layers of the skin, which may make the healing process take longer.

The real key to reducing acne is not treating current pimples, but preventing future ones. For acne-prone skin, the following foundation skincare products are recommended:

Night Renewal Cream: The retinoids in this product (such as Granactive) keep pores clear, thereby preventing pimples from forming altogether. This product also contains peptide growth factors that increase collagen and elastin, which speeds up acne healing.

Niacinamide Lotion 10%: Niacinamide helps prevent acne-related inflammation while balancing sebum production, making it an important component of any acne treatment. It also helps eliminate hyperpigmentation caused by acne scars.

14% Azelaic Acid Cream: Like niacinamide, azelaic acid prevents inflammation that causes blackheads to form while killing bacteria on the skin and reducing the buildup of dead skin cells that clog pores. At the same time, azelaic acid can prevent hormonal acne by breaking the link between elevated testosterone levels and increased sebum production in the skin. 2

Hyaluronic Acid Lotion: As a powerful humectant, hyaluronic acid draws moisture into the skin and seals it. Not only does this deeply hydrate and ensure the skin is hydrated, it also speeds up the skin’s natural healing process, which can help treat current breakouts and acne scars.

All products in the Foundation Skincare range are safe to layer and will not cause irritation. It is best to apply a thin to thick layer for best results.

Safety Tips for Popping Pimples

While we generally recommend not popping pimples, there are some methods of popping pimples that you can use if you can’t resist the temptation. I recommend that my patients use two cotton swabs to gently squeeze and remove the pus. Never squeeze a pimple too hard, and stop if you see blood, as this is a sign that the pimple is too deep to remove.

Alternatives to squeezing pimples

The best option for squeezing a pimple is to wait it out. If you need to do something, you can try:

Use a patch or solution containing salicylic acid.

Apply a warm (not hot) compress to the pimple for a few minutes to loosen the pus.

Try to limit your time in front of the mirror to avoid the temptation to express yourself.

Follow a preventative skincare routine with proven acne-fighting ingredients.

FAQs

Still have questions about squeezing pimples?

Can a dermatologist remove pimples?

A board-certified dermatologist or trained esthetician can safely “pop” pimples without leaving too much scarring. You can also inject medications like cortisone directly into large pimples to calm them.

Do I need to pop a pimple if it’s white?

You should avoid squeezing pimples, but if they’re white, squeezing them is safer than popping a dead pimple. If other methods like bandages or heat don’t work, use the cotton swab technique suggested above.

What if I don’t pop a pimple?

If you leave it alone, pimples usually heal with minimal scarring. This takes about three to seven days. Deeper pimples or cysts may take several weeks to heal.

Does popping pimples cause more pimples?

While popping pimples won’t cause more pimples, it can make existing pimples worse and prolong the healing process.

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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