It happens to everyone: you wake up on the morning of an important event, look in the mirror, and see a fully formed pimple. That immediate, overwhelming urge to squeeze, pick, or manually remove the blemish is almost universal. The thought is simple—get the contents out, and the problem is gone. However, that split-second decision to perform a DIY extraction is arguably the most damaging thing you can do to your skin during an acne flare-up.
While the momentary satisfaction may feel like relief, the physical trauma inflicted on your skin can set you up for long-term problems that are far more difficult and expensive to fix than the initial pimple itself. The professional consensus from every dermatologist and licensed aesthetician is clear: do not pop your own pimple. At Mendoza Med Spa, we understand the desperation, but we strongly advocate for patience and professional care to protect the health and integrity of your complexion.
The Serious Risks of DIY Extraction and Inflammation
When you squeeze a pimple with your fingernails or unsterilized tools, you are not simply removing the debris; you are physically rupturing the delicate sebaceous follicle wall beneath the surface of the skin.2 This forced extraction creates several severe risks that worsen the acne cycle and lead to lasting cosmetic issues.
Pus, Bacteria, and Deeper Infection
The pressure from squeezing often pushes the collected mixture of oil, dead skin cells, and P. acnes bacteria deeper into the dermis rather than pulling it out. When this material is pushed deeper, it spreads the infection to surrounding tissue, which intensifies the inflammation. This means the pimple you tried to eliminate immediately becomes redder, more swollen, and significantly more painful, transforming a small surface blemish into a larger, more aggressive lesion like a nodule or cyst. Furthermore, the bacteria and dirt on your hands and under your fingernails introduce a high risk of secondary infection, causing the area to swell further and prolong the healing process.
Permanent Acne Scarring and Pigmentation
The most critical consequence of manual pimple removal is the potential for permanent scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). When the inflammation is forced deeper and the skin is traumatized by excessive, uneven pressure, the body’s natural wound healing process is compromised. This results in the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers, leading to two common types of damage.
Acne scars, which are permanent depressions (like ice pick or boxcar scars), form when tissue is destroyed. Hyperpigmentation, or dark spots, results from the intense inflammation stimulating melanin production in the area, leaving a lasting red, pink, or brown mark that takes months to fade.10 These marks are often far more noticeable and persistent than the original pimple itself.
The Safe Alternative: Professional Extraction at a Med Spa
While manual removal is dangerous, that does not mean you must simply wait for every pimple to heal on its own. Professional extraction performed by a licensed aesthetician or dermatologist is an entirely different procedure—it is targeted, safe, and effective.
During a professional extraction, your skin is first prepared with a deep cleanse and often steam or a warm compress to gently soften the pores. The aesthetician then uses sterile tools, such as a comedone extractor or a small lancet, to relieve pressure and safely remove the clogged sebum and dead cells. They apply gentle, precise pressure at the correct angle, ensuring the contents are expelled upwards without damaging the surrounding tissue or pushing debris deeper into the skin. This method instantly clears the pore, significantly reduces the chance of inflammation, and minimizes the risk of scarring or infection.
Stop Picking and Start Healing
If you are struggling with persistent acne or if you have a pimple that is causing distress, do not risk permanent scarring by attempting to remove it yourself. Your skin deserves better than a last-minute, aggressive DIY job. Professional acne management is about achieving long-term clarity, not just short-term fixes.
Let the experts at Mendoza Med Spa safely and effectively manage your acne. We offer customized acne treatments, including professional HydraFacials, and chemical peels, designed to keep your pores clear and prevent future breakouts and scarring. Contact our med spa in kenner today to schedule your consultation and learn how to break the picking cycle for good.