We’ve all been there. You wake up with a giant pimple right before a big event, or you catch a glimpse of a whitehead in the mirror and can’t resist the urge to squeeze. It’s tempting – the instant gratification of popping a pimple can be oh-so-satisfying.

But is popping pimples really a good idea? Or is it causing more harm than good? We asked our very own board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Rich, to weigh in and give us an expert opinion.

Is it better to pop a pimple or not?

In a word, no. While popping a pimple might seem like a quick fix, it’s usually a bad idea. Dr Rich explains that popping a pimple can worsen inflammation, potentially leading to longer healing times and more noticeable redness.

Furthermore, the pressure from popping can rupture the pimple under the skin, forcing bacteria and pus deeper into the tissues. This can result in a more severe infection and increase the likelihood of acne scarring.

And let’s not forget the bacteria on our hands. Popping a pimple with unwashed hands can introduce new bacteria into the broken skin, worsening the infection or even causing new breakouts.

Does popping pimples cause scars?

This is one of the most common questions dermatologists hear. Unfortunately, the answer is that it can. Every time you squeeze or pick at a pimple, you increase the chance of damaging the surrounding skin. This damage can lead to permanent acne scars or leave behind dark or red marks known as post-inflammatory pigmentation. The deeper the inflammation goes into the skin, the greater the risk of scarring.

While it might feel like popping a pimple helps it disappear more quickly, it often has the opposite effect. The inflammation may worsen, healing may take longer, and you may be left with a mark that lasts far longer than the original blemish.

Where does the pus go if you don’t pop a pimple?

If you leave a pimple alone, your body’s natural healing process takes over. White blood cells rush to the site of the infection to fight off the bacteria. These white blood cells, along with dead skin cells and sebum (oil), form the pus you see in a pimple.

Over time, the inflammation subsides, and the pimple either comes to a head and drains on its own or is reabsorbed by the body. This process might take a few days or even weeks, depending on the pimple’s severity. While it might not be as satisfying as popping, allowing the pimple to heal naturally is ultimately the best way to minimise scarring and prevent further breakouts.

Dr Rich reassures us that the body’s immune system will eventually eliminate the pus, even without popping it. 

What happens if you don’t pop a pimple?

Many people worry that if they leave a pimple alone, the pus will simply stay there. Fortunately, that’s not how your body works. Your immune system is designed to deal with inflammation. As your white blood cells fight the bacteria causing the pimple, your body gradually breaks down and reabsorbs the inflammatory material. In many cases, the pimple will either come to a head naturally before draining on its own or simply settle without ever needing to be squeezed.

Although waiting requires patience, not popping a pimple is usually a better outcome than trying to force it. The skin experiences less trauma, the risk of infection is lower and you’re less likely to develop permanent acne scars.

How to get rid of a pimple overnight – is it possible?

If you’ve ever searched “how to get rid of a pimple overnight,” you’re certainly not alone. Unfortunately, there is no proven way to make a pimple completely disappear overnight. Acne develops beneath the surface of the skin, and even the best treatments need time to reduce inflammation and allow the skin to heal. However, there are several things you can do to help reduce the size and redness more quickly:

• Avoid touching or squeezing the pimple.
• Apply a cold compress for a few minutes to reduce swelling.
• Use a targeted spot treatment containing ingredients such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
• Protect the area with a hydrocolloid pimple patch if appropriate.
• Continue with a gentle skincare routine rather than using harsh scrubs or drying products.
• Try a spray or drop of ENRICH Glycolic Solution on the affected area and leave overnight.

Trying to aggressively dry out or squeeze a pimple often delays healing rather than speeding it up.

Effective pimple treatments

We understand that waiting for the natural healing process can be frustrating, especially when dealing with a stubborn pimple or a full-blown breakout. If you can’t resist the urge to take action, Dr Rich recommends the following:

Consultation with a dermatologist

They can help you get to the root of your acne problem and prescribe the proper treatment based on your skin type and specific needs. This might include prescription medications, topical creams, or other therapies.

Getting quick fixes

If you’re looking for an over-the-counter solution, look for products containing ingredients like salicylic acid, retinol, or benzoyl peroxide. These can help reduce inflammation, unclog pores, and kill bacteria. Our ENRICH Glycolic Skin solution, sprayed onto a cotton wool pad and dabbed on the pimple, also works.

Why home remedies aren’t recommended

When you’re trying to work out how to get rid of a pimple overnight, it’s easy to come across countless home remedies online. Toothpaste, lemon juice, rubbing alcohol, bicarbonate soda and even garlic are often promoted as quick fixes. The problem is that these remedies have little scientific evidence to support them and may actually make your skin worse. Many household ingredients can disrupt your skin barrier, causing irritation, burns, increased redness and delayed healing. Toothpaste, for example, is designed for your teeth—not your skin—and modern formulations often contain detergents, flavourings and whitening agents that can irritate acne-prone skin.

Rather than experimenting with home remedies, dermatologists recommend evidence-based acne treatments that have been developed specifically for the skin.

Treatments for long-term acne issues

Patience, lifestyle changes and a good skincare routines are the foundations of clearer skin. But for persistent or recurring acne, some long-term treatment options are:

Prescription medicine

If you have moderate to severe acne, your dermatologist may prescribe medications based on your specific needs. Oral antibiotics can help reduce inflammation and kill acne-causing bacteria. Topical medications can unclog pores, regulate oil production, and prevent new breakouts.

Regular skin peels

Chemical peels, such as salicylic or glycolic acid peels, exfoliate the skin’s surface, remove dead skin cells, and unclog pores. This can help reduce the severity of acne breakouts, improve skin texture, and fade acne scars.

Dedicated skin routine with products designed for acne treatment 

Having a consistent skincare routine with products specifically formulated for acne-prone skin is crucial for managing and preventing breakouts. A dermatologist can prescribe specific products for you, but usually, these are cleansers containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, toners with witch hazel or tea tree oil, oil-free and non-comedogenic moisturisers, and spot treatments with sulphur or niacinamide.

The Secret

This procedure, also known as RF microneedling, combines the power of microneedling with radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production and rejuvenate the skin. 

Microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries to trigger the body’s natural healing response. This promotes skin regeneration and reduces the appearance of acne scars, fine lines, and wrinkles. These wave-based therapies also kill bacteria and improve overall tone and texture.

The Secret is not an acne treatment per se but for managing acne scarring. But it can be used along with acne prescription medicine for faster healing.

Why treating acne early matters

Many people assume acne is simply a teenage problem that they’ll eventually grow out of. In reality, acne can affect adults of all ages, and delaying treatment may increase the likelihood of permanent scarring.

The earlier inflammation is controlled, the better the long-term outcome is likely to be. A dermatologist can help identify the underlying cause of your acne and recommend treatments that are appropriate for your skin type, age and severity of breakouts.

Seeking advice early may also reduce the need for more intensive treatments to improve acne scarring later.

You should consider seeing a dermatologist if:

• your acne is painful or cystic
• over-the-counter treatments haven’t worked after several months
• your acne is leaving scars or dark marks
• breakouts continue into adulthood
• acne is affecting your confidence or quality of life.

Early treatment often leads to better long-term skin health.

Consult with an ENRICH dermatologist today about your acne

Acne treatment is highly individualised because the most effective approach varies depending on factors like your age and skin type.

Adults with acne, for instance, often require different treatment plans than teenagers due to differences in skin structure and hormonal activity. 

It’s best to consult with a dermatologist for personalised advice and a treatment plan.

If you’re struggling with acne or have questions about how to care for your skin, book a consultation with us via email, phone or online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you pop a pimple?

In most cases, no. While it can be tempting, dermatologists generally recommend leaving pimples alone. Squeezing increases inflammation, pushes bacteria deeper into the skin and raises the risk of infection and acne scarring.

How do you get rid of a pimple overnight?

Although no treatment can completely remove a pimple overnight, you can reduce redness and swelling by avoiding picking, using an appropriate spot treatment, applying a cold compress and following a gentle skincare routine.

Does popping pimples cause scars?

Yes, it can. Picking or squeezing pimples increases the chance of damaging collagen beneath the skin, which may lead to permanent acne scars or long-lasting pigmentation.

What happens if you don’t pop a pimple?

Your body’s immune system gradually clears the inflammation. The pus is naturally broken down or drains on its own over time, allowing the skin to heal with less trauma and a lower risk of scarring.

Why do pimples leave scars?

Acne scars develop when inflammation damages the deeper layers of the skin. The more severe the inflammation—or the more a pimple is picked—the greater the likelihood that the skin’s collagen will heal unevenly.

Can acne scars be treated?

Many acne scars can be improved with dermatologist-led treatments. Depending on the type of scarring, options may include Secret RF microneedling, laser resurfacing, chemical peels and other collagen-stimulating procedures.When should I see a dermatologist for acne?

If you’re wondering whether you should pop a pimple, the answer is almost always no. Although squeezing a pimple might seem like the quickest solution, it usually increases inflammation, delays healing and can leave permanent scars. If you’re searching for how to get rid of a pimple overnight, the best approach is to use evidence-based skincare, avoid picking and allow your skin to heal naturally. For persistent or scarring acne, seeing a dermatologist early can help you achieve clearer skin while reducing the risk of long-term damage.

ENRICH Clinic and DIV have a dedicated team of dermatologists who can help you with your acne and find a plan that’s right for you and your skin.

Book a consultation with us via email, phone or online.