Why is picking pimples so satisfying?

Author: Robbie Hill  |  Last update: Friday, January 23, 2026

Popping pimples releases dopamine A lot of people find popping pimples satisfying. After feeling and hearing that “pop”, some people get an immediate sensation of pleasure and relief. That's because dopamine — the happy-hormone — is released when you feel a sense of accomplishment.

Why do I get pleasure from popping pimples?

When watching the pimple popping ,the dopamine hormone rush caused by it gives us a feeling of satisfaction. In the pandemic, specially people were at home with not much to do, pimple popping videos were a dramatic relief for most and helped others with a sense of control over these mundane problems like acne.''

Why do I like picking my pimples?

When you pop a pimple, the brain releases dopamine, and you end up getting addicted to that feeling. For others, it is a response to some form of stress and can be a coping mechanism to feel like one has some semblance of control.

Why am I addicted to watching pimple popping?

When watching the pimple popping ,the dopamine hormone rush caused by it gives us a feeling of satisfaction. In the pandemic, specially people were at home with not much to do, pimple popping videos were a dramatic relief for most and helped others with a sense of control over these mundane problems like acne.''

Why do zits feel better after popping?

When you pop a yellow and inflamed pimple you remove the pressure and bacteria. This means that the bacteria, waste and fat are removed from the pimple and the pressure is relieved and the pressure on the skin will disappear.

The Science Behind the Pimple Popping Phenomenon

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.

Should I squeeze blood out of a pimple?

Don't pop or squeeze a blood-filled pimple. That can cause: Infection. More pimples.

Why do pimples make noise when they pop?

"Sometimes when you remove contents from the skin and the skin is a little bit floppy, it can make noises," Lee explains in the episode.

What is a love pimple?

The Possible Meanings of Love Pimples

In some cultures, love pimples are seen as a sign of romantic thoughts or feelings towards someone. Others believe that the location of the pimple can indicate which person is thinking about you - for example, a pimple on your forehead might mean someone has a crush on you.

What do you call someone who is obsessed with popping pimples?

Skin picking disorder is a body focused repetitive behavior (BFRB) that affects about 1.4% of adults in the United States. People with skin picking disorder may repeatedly pick, pull, or tear at healthy skin, pimples, blisters, or scabs. Skin picking disorder occurs more frequently in females than males.

Why do some zits shoot out?

A break in the pore can occur when the follicle fills with dead skin cells and oil. Pressure from squeezing a blackhead or blocked pore can also cause a rupture.

What is a blind pimple?

A blind pimple is a pimple (zit) that forms under your skin. Unlike other types of pimples that form a visible whitehead, blackhead or red bump, blind pimples develop under the surface. Some blind pimples eventually come to a head and “erupt” from underneath your skin's surface, forming a visible blemish.

Why do I eat my skin on my fingers?

Skin biting or dermatophagia is a condition where people chew and bite their skin, often linked with OCD. Researchers believe it's related to anxiety, as many body-focused repetitive behaviors are rooted in anxiety. Dermatophagia isn't well understood or researched.

Why do zits pop twice?

The other half of the pus gets sucked inside since you're putting pressure when you release. It just stays there. You can't get it out anymore because it's inflamed and irritated. That's why pimples come back on the same spot, sometimes bigger than the one before it.”

Why does my girlfriend pop my pimples?

“For many, the skin itself can be a metaphor for the person or the relationship,” says Traube. The pimple, therefore, represents an irritation or imperfection — “things that you somehow think need to be cleaned up or organized or otherwise taken care of,” he says. “It's kind of analogous to finding a solution.

What is the science behind pimples?

Pimples are raised red spots with a white center that develop when blocked hair follicles become inflamed or infected with bacteria. Blockages and inflammation deep inside hair follicles produce cystlike lumps beneath the surface of your skin.

What are pimple pearls?

Dr. Lee uses the video to educate about the difference between a whitehead and a milia, which can sometimes appear quite similar. Milia are bumps containing keratin that has been trapped underneath the skin, and are sometimes called “baby acne” or “Epstein pearls."

Can you kiss pimples?

No, Acne Is Not Contagious

Common acne (what's called acne vulgaris in med-speak) can't be passed from person to person like a cold or flu can. You can touch, hug, and kiss someone with acne without fear of catching the skin disorder.

Why do we like squeezing pimples?

These feelings can become addictive, so if you feel as if you don't have the willpower to resist squeezing on your spots and blemishes, this is likely why. Repeatedly popping our spots can make us crave the feelings triggered by the dopamine boost in spite of the damage it could be doing to our skin.

Do zits heal faster when popped?

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.

What do you do if you popped a pimple in the triangle of death?

When a pimple pops, keeping the affected area clean and dry. 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.

Why do pimples refill after popping?

Plus, if you squeeze a zit that isn't ready, it could smear all the bacteria to adjacent locations, causing the spot to flare up again.

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).

Why did my pimple squirt blood?

The most common reason behind the formation of a blood-filled pimple is accidental popping or squeezing of the regular one. So, when you squeeze or pop a pimple, it not only forces out the pus, but also damages the underlying fine blood vessels, causing them to burst.

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