Do Pimples Go Away Without Popping Them?

If you've ever had a big, red pimple pop up right before an important event, you know the temptation to pop it is real. Most people think that by popping a big pimple, there will be immediate relief and that it will magically disappear in no time. Plus, popping a pimple is incredibly satisfying (yes, we said it), even though squeezing a whitehead or big zit shouldn't be part of your anti-acne routine. However, the question remains: do pimples go away without popping them? Surprisingly, yes, they do. Understanding why you should not pop your pimples may be the key to saving your skin from damage, making said pimple worse and even scarring.

Why Do I Have the Urge to Pop Pimples?

We get it. Pimples are frustrating. But just because you get pimples does not mean you have to live with them.

When you see a pimple on your face, your first instinct might be to squeeze and pop it until whatever is inside comes spewing out, thinking it will solve the problem quickly. However, dermatologists and aestheticians strongly advise against this. Popping pimples can push bacteria deeper into the skin, leading to more inflammation, infection, and potentially worse outcomes. What happens when you pop a pimple is that you can also introduce new bacteria from your fingers into the pore, making the situation at hand way worse than it already is.

What Happens to a Pimple if You Don't Pop it?

So, do pimples go away without popping them? Absolutely. Pimples result from clogged pores filled with excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, accompanied by inflammation. Your body has a natural way of dealing with a pimple. The immune system fights off the bacteria, and the skin will gradually heal itself. But if you want to speed up this process, applying a topical spot treatment, like Zit Ain't Cute. The key is to support your skin's natural healing process with the right skincare products.

The Risks of Popping a Zit

Before you even think about squeezing, popping, and picking at your pimples, consider the risks involved with popping pimples—the same risks apply even if you try popping pimples with tools:

1. Infection: Popping pimples can introduce bacteria into the deeper layers of the skin, leading to more severe infections that are harder to treat.
2. Scarring: The trauma caused by squeezing a pimple can damage the skin, resulting in permanent scars that are often more noticeable and difficult to manage than the pimple itself. The scars can cause pitted indentations in the skin or hard-to-lighten red or pink discoloration.
3. Inflammation: Popping can cause further irritation and swelling, making the pimple more prominent and painful.
4. Delayed Healing: Instead of speeding up the healing process, popping can prolong the presence of a pimple by causing additional damage. So, if you think popping a pimple will make it go away fast, it likely won't.

The Bottom Line on Popping Pimples

The next time you wonder, "Do pimples go away without popping them?" remember that they will. Pimples will naturally heal without popping, and with the right skincare routine and pimple spot treatment products, you can get closer to achieving clearer skin.