Can Popping Pimples Cause Permanent Scars?
Many people reach for a pimple with their fingers, hoping to make it disappear fast. That satisfying pop might clear the spot for a day or two, but it often leads to bigger skin problems down the road. The short answer is yes, popping pimples can cause permanent scars, especially if you do it often or squeeze too hard.[1][2]
Here’s what happens under your skin when you pop a pimple. A pimple forms from clogged pores filled with oil, dead skin, and bacteria. The area is already red and swollen. When you pinch it, you push some of that gunk deeper into the skin layers. This spreads the infection and ramps up inflammation, turning a small bump into a bigger, deeper cyst.[1]
The squeezing also damages the skin’s surface. It tears the protective barrier, letting in more bacteria and germs. As the skin tries to heal, it does so in an uneven way because the area is irritated. Over time, this creates scars with changed texture, like pits or raised spots. For folks with sensitive or darker skin, you might also get dark marks that stick around for months or longer.[1][2]
Not every popped pimple leads to a scar right away. A gentle whitehead might heal fine. But deeper pimples, like cysts or nodules, are riskier. Picking or squeezing them breaks down collagen, the protein that keeps skin smooth. Without enough collagen, the healed spot stays bumpy or indented forever.[2][3]
Doctors who treat acne see this a lot. Patients come in with scars from years of popping at home. These are not just flat dark spots, which can fade on their own. True scars change the skin’s structure and usually need treatments like lasers or peels to improve.[2][3]
The best way to avoid scars is to leave pimples alone. Wash your face gently twice a day, use over-the-counter treatments with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, and see a dermatologist for stubborn acne. Hands off means smoother skin in the long run.[1]
Sources
https://www.skincenterofsouthmiami.com/2025/12/why-popping-pimples-can-make-things-worse/
https://www.kins-clinic.com/blogs/what-are-the-main-acne-scar-types-a-skin-friendly-guide-with-treatment-options
https://urbanskinhairclinic.com/acne-scars/
