Is it bad to break acne?

Author: Tre Konopelski  |  Last update: Wednesday, May 7, 2025

You may be tempted to pop this unwanted guest, but it's not a good idea. Contrary to what pimple popping videos may show, squeezing your skin to extract the contents of a pimple — a mixture of oil, dead skin and bacteria — can cause scarring and infection.

Is it good to break acne?

It's tempting, but popping or squeezing a pimple won't necessarily get rid of the problem. Squeezing can push bacteria and pus deeper into the skin, which might cause more swelling and redness. Squeezing also can lead to scabs and might leave you with permanent pits or scars.

Is it bad to rip off acne?

Dermatologists advice against popping pimples. It can lead to infection and scarring. Popping a pimple can cause infection and scarring, and it may make the pimple more inflamed and noticeable. It also delays the natural healing process.

Is it okay to peel off pimples?

Picking at pimples can spread infection and worsen acne. A "hands-off" policy is best when it comes to caring for acne-prone skin. Fortunately, there are safer ways to achieve clear skin.

Is it better to pop or leave a pimple?

It's best to leave pimples alone to heal. Attempting to pop one may prolong your breakout and lead to scarring and infection. If you are going to go ahead and pop a pimple, take steps to minimize the risk of skin damage and a worsened infection.

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Should I pop my pimple if it's yellow?

If you squeeze or pop a pimple in the wrong way, it can result in ugly scars. Just as it can cause scars NOT to pop and press a yellow and inflamed pimple. So you MUST and SHOULD pop inflamed pimples! You need to press and pop yellow and inflamed pimples - also known as mature pimples.

Are acne scars permanent?

And if you do (one in five people with acne will also have scarring), the good news is that not all acne scars are permanent! Treatments are available. Some treatments nearly remove the scars while others help the skin heal itself with its own collagen.

What happens to pimples if not popped?

"It's best to let a pimple run through its life span," Rice says. Left alone, a blemish will heal itself in 3 to 7 days. Popped improperly, it can linger for weeks or lead to scarring.

What to do if I popped a pimple in the Triangle of Death?

Avoid picking or squeezing the popped breakout to let your skin heal naturally. If you notice any signs of potential infection like redness, increased pain, pus, or inflammation surrounding the blemish, contact a healthcare professional immediately.

Do pimple scars go away naturally?

Most of the time, those reddish or brownish acne marks that are left behind after pimples clear up will fade with no need for treatment. Picking or squeezing acne can increase the risk for scarring, though. Acne scars take two forms: scars with a gradual dip or depression (sometimes called "rolling" scars)

Are you still attractive with acne?

Faces with acne were perceived as significantly less attractive, less trustworthy, less successful, less confident, less happy and less dominant.

What is the hard white stuff in pimples?

Pustules: These are pus-filled pimples that look like whiteheads surrounded by discolored rings. Picking or scratching your pustules can cause scarring. Cysts: These are pimples filled with a thick, yellow or white fluid composed of dead white blood cells, small pieces of tissue and bacteria (pus).

Is it bad to scrape off acne?

By trying to pick away or pop your acne, you risk permanent damage that may take many trips to the dermatologist to improve. The better choice is to see a dermatologist as soon as you're troubled by acne.

What age is acne worse?

About 95% of people aged 11 to 30 are affected by acne to some extent. Acne is most common in girls from the ages of 14 to 17, and in boys from the ages of 16 to 19. Most people have acne on and off for several years before their symptoms start to improve as they get older.

Is it good to purge pimples?

Skin purging is part of the process of treating acne and is not usually a cause for concern. If you find that your acne products aren't helping or that they aren't giving you complete results, talk to a dermatologist.

Why do some pimples squirt blood?

It can happen when you pop, squeeze, scratch or over-exfoliate a pimple, breaking the surrounding blood vessels. If you have frequent blood-filled pimples or other acne problems, talk to your primary care provider or dermatologist. Several remedies are available over the counter and by prescription.

What is the danger zone for pimples?

They break down the science of how to deal with aggravating acne at home, and when to get help from a dermatologist. The "triangle of death" refers to the zone of the face between the corners of one's mouth and the top of one's nose.

Where should you never pop a pimple?

The section of your face from the bridge of your nose to the corners of your mouth is sometimes known as the “danger triangle of the face,” or even the “triangle of death.” And it's one place where you should never pop a pimple, as it can lead to an infection in your brain.

Why do pimples hurt until you pop them?

The redness, swelling, and inflammation cause the pain. The body knows that the dead skin, oil, and bacteria are supposed to be in the hair follicle (which is outside the skin). So, as your body tries to push it out, you end up with more sensitivity in the area.

What's the difference between a zit and a pimple?

Both zit and pimple refer to the same thing: a small, red, swollen spot (or “inflamed elevation,” if you're fancy) on the skin. Zit is generally considered an informal or slangy synonym of pimple, which itself is less formal, medically speaking, than either papule or pustule.

Will acne scar if you don't pop it?

scarring can happen whether you pick at your acne or not, but here's why you should still avoid the urge to pop. "Inflammation-related acne scarring aside, aggressively pinching or squeezing a pimple or whitehead just makes the underlying inflammation worse. This, in turn, makes scarring even more likely.

Are acne scars unattractive?

People with acne scars are perceived as less attractive, confident, happy, healthy, successful, and less likely to lead promising futures compared to people with clear skin.

Where does the pus go if you don't pop a pimple?

Your body can gradually break down pus and reabsorb its components. That's why small accumulations of pus (like in a pimple) often don't need treatment.

Will drinking water help acne scars?

Proper hydration can help improve skin texture and elasticity, potentially reducing the appearance of acne scars. Well-hydrated skin may heal more effectively, leading to less noticeable scarring. Drinking water supports collagen production, which is essential for skin repair and regeneration.

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