Is Popping Pimples Good for Your Skin? – Insights from a Dermatologist

Pimple popping is a common practice to remove pimples quickly, but is it beneficial or harmful to your skin? Does it cause inflammation and swelling? Discover the insights shared by a renowned dermatologist to gain a deeper understanding of this topic and explore scientific acne skincare routines.

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What Dermatologists Say About Popping Pimples

According to Dr. CKI Dermatologist Tran Thi Huyen Trang (O2 SKIN Clinic), properly extracting pimples can quickly improve skin texture and help reduce acne without damaging the skin. Some benefits of proper pimple extraction include:

– Cleansing the skin: Extracting pimples helps clear the pores and improve skin texture.

– Avoiding the pitfalls of improper pimple-popping: Doing it right reduces the risk of scarring, infection, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation compared to picking or squeezing pimples with your hands.

– Enhancing absorption of acne treatments: A clean surface allows for better absorption of skincare products, especially prescription medications, leading to more effective treatment outcomes.

– Shortening acne treatment time: Proper extraction prevents acne from worsening, allowing for faster control and treatment.

Proper pimple extraction is key to avoiding skin damage.

The Dangers of Improper Pimple-Popping

Popping pimples may seem like a simple task, but applying too much pressure or using unclean hands and tools can have detrimental effects on the skin.

Unfortunately, this is a common habit among young people. At O2 SKIN Clinic, we have encountered numerous cases over our 9+ years of operation where patients presented with aggravated acne and infections due to popping pimples that were still inflamed and not ready to be extracted.

A representative case is that of Thuy Kieu (a student from Can Tho), who visited O2 SKIN with inflamed acne lesions spreading across her cheeks and jawline, along with noticeable scarring. This significantly impacted her self-esteem and social interactions.

Similarly, Phuong Thao (also a student from Can Tho) developed a habit of picking and popping her pimples, which led to a severe acne outbreak with extensive scarring. It was only when her condition started affecting her psychologically and interfering with her daily life that she sought medical help.

Dr. Trang warns that improper pimple-popping can lead to several issues, including:

– Severe inflammation and spreading of acne to surrounding areas. Bacteria from the hands can also be transferred to the skin, exacerbating the condition.

– Enlarged pores: If proper skincare is not maintained after pimple extraction, pores can become clogged with sebum and dirt, leading to the formation of new pimples. Continuous popping can also stretch and enlarge pores.

– Scarring: Skin damage from improper pimple-popping increases the likelihood of developing permanent scars, which are challenging to treat.

In Thuy Kieu’s case, after a thorough examination and diagnosis, Dr. Trang designed a treatment plan that included IPL, phototherapy, oral medication, and topical treatments. After 4 months of dedicated treatment, Kieu’s skin showed significant improvement, with reduced inflammation and fading scars. Kieu shared that her efforts had paid off, and she no longer felt the need to hide her face behind a mask.

Thuy Kieu’s skin transformed with consistent treatment following the doctor’s protocol.

As for Phuong Thao, her use of unknown products led to Corticoid exposure, and her habit of caying and popping pimples caused skin damage, inflammation, and scarring. Dr. Trang prescribed oral and topical medications along with scientific pimple extraction and electrolysis. Within 2-3 months, Thao’s skin showed remarkable improvement, with reduced inflammation, fading scars, and a brighter complexion. Thao shared that her life had changed for the better, and she no longer felt shy or embarrassed when meeting friends, thanks to her clear skin.

Phuong Thao’s skin transformed, revealing a clear and radiant complexion.

While pimple extraction can indeed shorten acne treatment time, as mentioned earlier, it is crucial to follow proper medical protocols to ensure safety, prevent cross-contamination, and only extract certain types of pimples. Improper techniques can cause harm. Therefore, instead of attempting extraction at home, it is advisable to visit reputable acne treatment clinics to have pimples professionally extracted, minimizing the risk of infection and unwanted scarring.

Website: https://o2skin.vn/ 

Hotline: 1900 3147

District 3: 292/15 – 292/15A Cach Mang Thang Tam, Ward 10, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.

Binh Thanh: 2 Vo Oanh, Ward 25, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City.

Thu Duc: 13A – 13B Thong Nhat, Binh Tho Ward, Thu Duc City.

Go Vap: 36 Street 8, KDC Cityland Park Hills, Ward 10, Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City.

Can Tho: MG1 – 12 Vincom Shophouse Xuan Khanh – 209 30/4 Street, Xuan Khanh Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City.

Frequently asked questions

No, popping pimples is not good for your skin. While it may be tempting to squeeze and pop pimples, doing so can actually make the problem worse. Popping pimples can spread bacteria and inflammation to surrounding areas, leading to more breakouts and potentially causing scarring.

Pimples form when hair follicles become clogged and infected with bacteria. This can happen as a result of excess oil production, dead skin cells, and bacteria buildup on the skin’s surface.

There are a few things you can do to treat pimples at home, including washing your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser, using over-the-counter acne products that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, and avoiding touching or picking at your pimples.

If your pimples are severe, painful, or not responding to home treatment, it’s best to see a dermatologist. They can provide prescription-strength medications and other treatments to help clear your skin.

Yes, popping pimples can lead to scarring and dark spots on the skin. It can also increase the risk of infection and may even cause pimples to become more inflamed and painful.
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