Acne-prone skin not only affects our confidence but also poses a risk of permanent pitted scars if not treated properly. One common concern among acne sufferers is: Not popping pimples will cause pitting? Let HBIO Clinic walk you through the causes of acne scars and how to take care of your skin the right way.
Not popping pimples will cause pitting?
The answer is: Yes, it can cause pitting, especially if the process of popping pimples is not done correctly. Using too much force, touching with unclean hands, or using non-sterile tools can spread the damage, rupture the follicular structure and dermis — which are the main causes of pitted scars.
Whether or not scarring occurs depends not only on the acne condition but also on the level of inflammation, the skin’s ability to heal, and your daily skincare routine. In some cases, even without popping, if the skin is inflamed for a long time and not treated promptly, the risk of pitted scarring remains high.

What Causes Pitting After Popping Pimples?
Besides not popping, many people have the habit of popping pimples at home. This is one of the most common reasons why popping pimples will cause pitting:
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Popping at the wrong time: When the pimple is still inflamed or hasn’t formed a head, applying pressure can spread bacteria and damage skin tissue.
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Non-sterile tools: Bacteria can easily enter open wounds and cause more severe inflammation.
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Using unclean hands: A common habit that spreads bacteria from the hands to the damaged skin area.
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Applying too much force: This can rupture follicles and connective tissue under the skin, leading to deep pitted scars.
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Lack of aftercare: Skipping steps like soothing and healing the skin after popping can slow down recovery and increase the risk of scarring.
Types of acne that carry a high risk of pitting if treated improperly include: inflammatory acne, cystic acne, pustules, and nodules — all of which lie deep under the skin. Even blackheads and whiteheads, if squeezed too hard, can enlarge pores and damage the skin.
So, popping pimples too much will cause pitting? – The answer is YES. Repeated mechanical impact on the skin using hands or unsanitary tools leaves no time for the skin to heal properly, eventually leading to deep and difficult-to-repair damage.

How to Effectively Prevent Pitted Scars from Acne
To minimize the risk of pitting — whether you pop pimples or not — it’s essential to follow a medically approved skincare and treatment routine. Below are the key principles:
Treat Acne Properly and at the Right Time
As soon as inflammatory acne appears, you should visit a professional clinic like HBIO Clinic for consultation. Early treatment helps prevent inflammation from spreading and reduces the risk of scarring.
Avoid Popping Pimples on Your Own
You should not attempt to extract pimples at home, especially inflamed ones. If necessary, learn how to pop pimples without causing pitting, which includes properly sanitizing your hands and tools, and following a sterile technique.

Follow a Proper Skincare Routine
Cleansing, balancing the skin, using acne treatment serums, applying suitable recovery products, and wearing sunscreen are essential steps. Healthy skin has a better ability to recover after acne.

Maintain a Healthy Diet and Lifestyle
Add vitamins A, C, and E through foods like carrots, oranges, and broccoli. Drink plenty of water and get enough sleep to help the skin regenerate faster.

Avoid Unregulated Skincare Products
Mixing creams containing corticosteroids can thin the skin, cause dependency, and accelerate the formation of pitted scars.
Many people believe that not popping pimples is completely safe. However, as analyzed above, not popping pimples will cause pitting? – It still can, if inflammatory acne persists and is not treated properly.
Pitted Scar Treatment at HBIO Clinic
Once pitted scars have formed, regular skincare products are often ineffective. At this stage, advanced professional treatments become essential.
At HBIO Clinic, each client receives a thorough consultation to assess the severity of the scarring and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Pitted scar treatments at HBIO Clinic include:
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Microneedling: Creates micro-injuries that stimulate natural collagen production, helping to fill in pitted scars and improve skin texture.
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Fractional CO2 Laser: Penetrates deep into the dermis to restructure the skin surface, reduce scarring, and increase skin elasticity.
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PRP – Platelet-Rich Plasma: Uses platelets from the client’s own blood to regenerate skin cells and repair scar tissue from within.
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Advanced Chemical Peels: Exfoliates dead skin cells and promotes the regeneration of new epidermal layers, resulting in smoother and more even-toned skin.
All procedures are performed under sterile conditions, ensuring absolute safety and delivering visible improvements after each session.

Not popping pimples will cause pitting? – Yes, if you don’t treat acne properly and let inflammation persist. On the other hand, popping pimples incorrectly can cause even deeper skin damage and leave scars that are difficult to heal. If you’re dealing with inflammatory acne, pitted scars, or want personalized consultation, HBIO Clinic is always here to support you.
Dr. Thai Nguyen – Founder and Medical Director of HBIO Clinic. As an expert in aesthetic dermatology, she regularly shares in-depth knowledge and practical experience to provide valuable and insightful information for those seeking better skin health.