Flashback to 2015 where Dr Pimple Popper – also known as Dr Sandra Lee – was all over your social feed whether you liked it or not, becoming one of beauty’s biggest talking points. Since then, the hashtag #PimplePopping has logged 19.9 billion views on TikTok alone. Today, the act of squeezing spots has been normalised within skincare routines. But what are the long-term harm it can have on the skin? 

Hero Cosmetics’ Dermatology Expert Dr Sonia Khorana, who are best known for their Mighty Patch™ range, weighs in on this topic:

  1. What do picking spots actually do to our skin? “Picking spots can lead to swelling and redness. Squeezing also can lead to scabs and might leave you with permanent pits or scars. You also have an “open wound” which can also put you at risk of skin infections.”

  2. How can we resist the urge to pick our spots? “Using a hydrocolloid pimple patch (like Hero’s Mighty Patch™ range) can act as a barrier and help you stop picking your spots. They also foster a moist environment meant to allow for faster and improved healing time.”

  3. Does pimple popping really create or even prolong spot scarring? “When you pop a spot, you end up breaking your skin barrier and you risk permanent acne scarring/pitting. You also run the risk of an infection as there is an open wound and prolong how long your skin stays/red/swollen/irritated for.”

  4. Could there be a ‘safe’ way to pop a pimple, or speed up the healing process? “Squeezing spots can feel very gratifying but it can lead to scarring, infection and you can make the spot worse. I would advise against popping spots. It is better to let it heal in a moist environment like a hydrocolloid pimple patch.”

  5. Why does TikTok have a growing obsession for pimple popping videos? “Watching such videos can release dopamine (the feel-good hormone), stimulate a range of emotions and sensations in people and I think this also brings a cathartic rush of satisfaction. Although recently, videos of peeling off pimple patches (hydrocolloid patches) with gunk/pus on it have been very popular too. So, I think people are learning to respect the skin barrier and hopefully videos of removing spot stickers will be more of a trend!”