Some people say that popping pimples will make the pimples more severe. Some people say that it will make them go away faster. Both cases are true, but it depends on the timing and the method of how you pop them. Let's start by examining the first case.

When you pop a pimple, you make an entry to the inner skin called dermis. Your hands, fingers, nails, or the air have bacteria. These bacteria can now go inside the popped pimple and invade the dermis. What results are you get a bigger pimple, and you may even get more pimples. The invaded spot can become a host for bacteria to multiply and more pimples to emerge.

The worse is not yet over. After a while, dark redden nodules called cystic acne can emerge. These nodules tend to stay on the skin for a very long time and, more often than not, they lead to acne scars. Acne scars are often permanent. Just imagine you are cut by a knife, when this spot heals, does it become like normal as before? Do you still want to pop pimples now? I recommend not to do so.

On the other hand, sometimes popping pimples would work only if the pimples have surfaced and matured into whiteheads. When you squeeze the whiteheads, pus would come out. The pimples would flatten, and the pimples would heal itself overtime. Now I should mention that it doesn't matter if you squeeze the whiteheads or not, it will still heal.

The only reason you would want to pop them is when you think they greatly affect your look. Always remember do not squeeze whiteheads with your fingers. Your fingers have bacteria. It is best to use a sterilized pin or a gauze pad. If the pus does not come out and the pimple becomes irritated and redden, stop immediately to avoid acne scarring. The pimple is still not yet mature in this case.

I highly recommend not to pop pimples if it's not necessary. The risk of acne scarring is too big for the little return. Most likely you will need skin specialists to treat acne scars. Pop pimples at your own risk.

Popping Pimples Blog is a website dedicated to techniques on popping pimples, acne treatments, and best practices on keeping a clean skin.