Skin Saboteurs You Need To Know: Picking, Squeezing, and Popping Blemishes

Welcome back to the Livara blog! If you’ve been keeping up with our series on skin saboteurs, you’ve already tackled alcohol, sugar, and lack of sleep. Now, let’s talk about a habit that’s harder to break than a bad Netflix binge—picking, squeezing, and popping blemishes. You know those moments when you’re standing in front of the mirror, self consciously staring at the pimple that’s stuck to your face, convincing yourself, “If I pop it, it won’t be so bad. It’ll go away and no one will see it.” Spoiler alert: it can lead to more breakouts. Picking, squeezing, and popping blemishes usually does much more harm than good. A pimple typically takes about 3 to 7 days to go away on its own without popping it. However, deeper or more severe blemishes that come as a result of popping them, like cysts, can take some weeks to fully heal.

So, before you give in to the urge to play Dr. Pimple Popper, let’s take a closer look at how this seemingly innocent habit can wreak havoc on your skin. Buckle up, because it’s time to explore why keeping your hands off your face might be one of the best skincare decisions you can make.

The Science Behind Picking and Popping

It might seem like picking at that blemish is a shortcut to clearer skin, but here’s what’s really happening beneath the surface:

1. Introducing Bacteria and Dirt

When you pick at a blemish, you’re essentially transferring all the bacteria and dirt from your hands into the affected area. Even if your hands are clean (or at least you think they are), touching your face can bring unwanted microbes to the party. This can lead to further infection, inflammation, and even more breakouts. It’s like adding fuel to a fire—only the fire is your skin.

2. Disrupting the Skin’s Healing Process

Your skin has a natural way of healing itself, but when you squeeze a pimple, you’re disrupting this process. Pushing and prodding can force bacteria and oil deeper into your pores, making the inflammation worse and prolonging healing time. Instead of clearing things up, you’re likely to end up with a bigger, angrier blemish.

3. Causing Scarring and Hyperpigmentation

Repeatedly picking at blemishes can lead to scarring and hyperpigmentation. Scarring occurs when the skin is damaged, and your body tries to repair it by producing excess collagen. This can result in raised or indented scars. Hyperpigmentation, on the other hand, is the dark spots that appear as your skin heals and produces excess melanin. Both can be tricky (and frustrating) to treat and might stick around longer than the original blemish.

Immediate Effects of Picking and Popping Blemishes

The damage from picking or popping isn’t always visible right away, but here’s what can happen in the short term:

1. Increased Inflammation and Redness

When you pick or pop, it causes an immediate consequence of increased inflammation. Your skin reacts to the irritation by becoming more swollen and uncomfortable. It’s like poking a beehive—except the bees are your skin cells.

2. Potential for Infection

When you pop a pimple, you’re creating an open wound, which raises the risk of infection. This can lead to more severe breakouts or even the formation of painful cysts. What started as a minor blemish can quickly turn into a bigger, painful pimple.

3. Formation of New Blemishes

Disrupting your skin’s natural barrier can spread bacteria and oil to nearby areas, causing additional breakouts. Instead of just dealing with one pimple, you might end up with several new ones. It’s like throwing a small get-together and suddenly having the entire neighborhood show up—definitely not the kind of crowd you were hoping for.

Long-Term Consequences of Picking and Popping

If you think the effects of picking and popping are just temporary, think again. Here’s how these habits can haunt your skin in the long run:

1. Persistent Scarring

Frequent picking and popping can lead to persistent scars. These scars can be challenging to treat and may require professional interventions like laser therapy or chemical peels to improve their appearance. It’s like having a long-term reminder of those bad skincare choices.

2. Chronic Skin Issues

Constantly picking at your skin can exacerbate existing conditions or create new problems. Conditions such as acne, eczema, or dermatitis can become more severe due to the ongoing irritation and inflammation. It’s a recipe for chronic skin trouble.

3. Skin Barrier Damage

Your skin’s barrier is crucial for protection against environmental stressors and retaining moisture. Picking and popping can damage this barrier, making your skin more vulnerable to irritants. Imagine it as your skin’s personal security system—every time you pick, you’re leaving the door wide open.

How to Break the Habit and Care for Your Skin

Breaking the habit of picking and popping isn’t easy, but it’s definitely worth the effort. Here are some tips to help you resist the urge and take better care of your skin:

1. Keep Your Hands Busy

Find something to keep your hands occupied. Whether it’s a stress ball, a fidget spinner, or diving into a new hobby, keeping your hands busy can reduce the temptation to pick at your skin. It’s like giving your hands a job that doesn’t involve your face.

2. Practice Proper Skincare

A consistent skincare routine can help manage breakouts and keep your skin healthy. Gentle cleansing, toning, and moisturizing are key. Using products suited to your skin type can help prevent future blemishes and promote overall skin health.

3. Use Spot Treatments

Instead of reaching for your blemishes, apply targeted treatments designed to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Look for ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or tea tree oil. These products can help tackle blemishes without the need for picking.

4. Seek Professional Help

If you’re dealing with persistent acne or find it hard to resist picking, consider seeing a dermatologist. They can offer special advice for you and treatments to address your skin concerns and help you break the habit.

5. Adopt Mindfulness Techniques

Mindfulness practices, like meditation or deep breathing exercises, can help manage stress and reduce the urge to pick at your skin. Recognizing triggers and finding healthier ways to cope can make a significant difference in your skin’s health and your overall well-being.

Conclusion: Keep Your Hands Off

Picking, squeezing, and popping blemishes might feel like a quick fix, but the damage it can cause often outweighs the benefits. By understanding the negative impacts of these habits and adopting healthier alternatives like the ones we’ve suggested above, you can promote clearer, healthier skin and avoid unnecessary damage.

As we wrap up our series on skin saboteurs, remember that achieving and maintaining healthy skin involves more than just using the right products. It’s about making mindful choices and taking care of your skin as a whole. So, keep those hands off your face and embrace a blemish-free, healthy complexion. Your skin will thank you! Remember, you are a GEM.