Should hidden pimples be squeezed? Safe methods for treating hidden pimples at home.

Small, hidden acne spots under the skin can make the surface rough, less smooth, and prone to turning into acne clusters if not handled properly. Many people have the habit of popping pimples at home to remove acne cores, but is this a safe solution? Should hidden acne be popped? Let’s explore this topic with WEDO in the following article.

Should hidden acne be popped?

According to Dr. Luu Thi Quynh, Level I Specialist in Dermatology – Immunology and Allergy at 19-8 Hospital, hidden acne is a type of non-inflammatory acne that often forms due to the accumulation of sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria, leading to clogged pores. This type of acne not only makes the skin rough and less smooth but also carries a risk of infection if not handled correctly.
Therefore, many people tend to pop pimples at home or visit dermatology clinics or spas to remove acne cores. But should hidden acne be popped? The answer depends on the condition of the acne and the appropriate timing.

When should hidden acne be popped?

According to dermatologists, hidden acne should only be popped when:

• The acne has matured, with a clear white head visible on the skin’s surface.
• The skin is not inflamed and shows no signs of irritation.
• Tools and hands have been thoroughly sanitized to ensure safety.
• The pimple-popping process is performed by a doctor or experienced technician to avoid skin damage.

When should hidden acne not be popped?

• The acne is not ripe, and the core is still deep under the skin.
• The skin is inflamed, red, or shows signs of infection.
• Tools are not sterile, increasing the risk of bacterial infection.
• Excessive force is used, causing skin damage or even rupturing capillaries.

Risks of popping hidden acne at home

Many people habitually pop pimples without realizing that this can worsen their skin condition. Below are some common risks:

• Skin infection: If hands or tools used for popping pimples are not properly sanitized, bacteria can enter the skin, causing inflammation, redness, and even spreading acne. Particularly, popping unripe pimples may leave the core partially inside, leading to prolonged infections.

• Dark spots and pitted scars: Using excessive force when popping pimples can severely damage the skin, resulting in dark spots, pitted scars, or even permanent depressions.

• Delayed wound healing: Popping hidden acne can slow down the body’s natural healing process, prolonging the presence of acne on the skin.

• Pushing acne deeper: Incorrect popping techniques can push the acne core deeper under the skin due to improper force, clogging pores, and increasing the risk of subdermal inflammation and acne outbreaks.

Expert advice:

Self-popping pimples without proper sanitation and correct procedures can worsen skin conditions, leading to recurring acne and even permanent scars. Therefore, unless absolutely necessary, it’s best to avoid the habit of popping pimples at home.

Instead of self-handling acne, focus on proper skincare and using suitable acne treatment products. If acne persists or worsens, visiting reputable dermatology clinics is a safe and effective choice.

At professional facilities, dermatologists will examine, identify the causes of acne, and develop personalized treatment plans. With the support of modern technologies like skin analysis machines, acne treatment lasers, or medical-grade chemical peels, the treatment process will be more effective while minimizing the risks of infections, dark spots, or recurring acne.

Treating acne doesn’t stop at advanced methods but also requires combining scientific skincare routines. Following doctors’ instructions, maintaining proper cleansing habits, and choosing suitable products will help you quickly regain healthy, smooth skin.

How to effectively treat hidden acne and prevent recurrence

To completely eliminate hidden acne, you need to combine proper skincare at home with advanced treatments at reputable dermatology clinics or spas. Professional methods such as acne extraction, chemical peels, or laser treatments can help quickly and safely remove acne. However, maintaining an appropriate skincare routine at home is also crucial to optimize treatment results, prevent acne recurrence, and support better skin recovery. Below are the steps to support the process of thoroughly treating hidden acne.

Follow proper skincare steps

A standard skincare routine includes the following steps:

• Step 1 – Cleanse your skin: This is the first and most important step to prevent hidden acne from appearing. First, use makeup remover to remove dirt, sebum, makeup, etc., that has accumulated on your skin throughout the day. Then, use a facial cleanser containing BHA/AHA or green tea extract to deeply cleanse pores.
• Step 2 – Exfoliate: Use products with AHA, BHA, or natural enzymes to remove dead skin cells, helping your skin become more breathable.
• Step 3 – Apply toner: Toner helps balance your skin’s pH levels, provides hydration, and makes your skin smoother.
• Step 4 – Moisturize: In the final step of your skincare routine, use moisturizing products such as serums or creams containing Niacinamide to hydrate, control oil production, and support skin recovery.

Use specialized products for hidden acne

After cleansing and moisturizing, you should use specific ingredients to combat hidden acne:

• Retinol: Stimulates skin regeneration, helping to push acne cores to the surface.
• BHA: Dissolves sebum and prevents clogged pores.
• Benzoyl Peroxide: Eliminates acne-causing bacteria and effectively reduces inflammation.

Note: When using these active ingredients, you need to apply sunscreen thoroughly to avoid making your skin more sensitive.

Some expert tips to prevent hidden acne recurrence

• Proper skincare: Ensure a daily skincare routine after popping hidden acne. Use oil-free, non-comedogenic products, and keep your skin clean without over-drying it, as dehydrated skin can stimulate more oil production, leading to acne.

• Avoid touching your face or popping pimples: After acne extraction, avoid touching your face or popping pimples, as this can spread bacteria and make hidden acne more likely to recur.

• Monitor acne conditions and consult a doctor when necessary: If acne does not improve or worsens, visit reputable dermatology clinics for advice and appropriate treatment plans.

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle: A scientific lifestyle not only improves overall health but also plays an important role in supporting the treatment and prevention of hidden acne. Pay attention to daily habits, including nutrition, sleep, and personal hygiene, to maintain healthy skin.

Incorrectly popping hidden acne can lead to infections, dark spots, and acne spreading further. To thoroughly address hidden acne, combine proper skincare, use suitable acne treatment products, and maintain a scientific lifestyle. If acne persists, consult a dermatologist for safe and effective treatment methods.