There’s nothing like popping a pimple. If a blemish is rude enough to show up on your face, your fingers probably itch to have a go at it—even though you’ve likely heard that you shouldn’t pop your zits. But it’s right there, and waiting to let nature run its course isn’t a satisfying alternative.
Even dermatologists get it: Popping a pimple is “so gratifying,” New York City dermatologist Doris Day, M.D., author of 100 Questions and Answers About Acne and the upcoming book Beyond Beautiful, tells SELF.
While you may have heard a blanket recommendation not to pop your pimples, that’s just not realistic when it’s 1:00 A.M. and you’re staring at a zit through your magnifying mirror. Luckily, ignoring this advice doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to wind up doing your skin damage.
