Skin health: Risks of popping acne

Popping or squeezing acne can worsen skin conditions rather than resolving them. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), this habit can make acne more visible, increase pain, and raise the risk of infection and permanent scarring.

Squeezing can exacerbate inflammation because pressure may push the contents of the acne deeper into the skin, causing increased redness, swelling, and pain. This is particularly risky for deep acne types such as nodules and cysts. Additionally, bacteria from hands or the environment can enter the skin through wounds caused by pressure or nails, leading to infection. The NHS also notes that such actions can lead to the formation of scar tissue.