Skip to main content

Janrain User Menu
Search

You are here

Home
>
Skin Facts & Fiction
>
Acne & Pimples
squeezing pimples can spread bacteria making spots worse

What’s going on?

Spots or pimples form when your skin has too much oil, allowing bacteria to breed. The bacteria clog your pores, causing swelling and redness.

Are spots contagious?

Don’t worry, they’re not.

What’s the difference between a pimple and acne?

Some people get one or two spots once in a while, while others get frequent breakouts with lots of pus-filled pimples. If the second sounds more like you, you may have acne – a chronic or long-term condition that affects many teens and adults. But don’t panic, there are many effective treatments that help keep acne under control.

What about bacne, also known as body or back acne? 

If you have this, you’re not alone – it can affect many people! Like face acne, bacne forms when your pores get clogged by excess oil and dead skin cells, allowing bacteria to grow. Sometimes, wearing tight clothes and using heavy backpacks can trap even more dirt and bacteria, making your bacne worse.  You can treat it the same way you would treat acne on your face.

Do greasy food and chocolate make me break out?

No. But some refined carbs like white bread, pasta, chips and cornflakes might actually make spots worse if you already have them.

Will tanning or putting toothpaste on my spots make them go away?

No. This just dries out your skin, which can backfire and lead to even more spots.

Will squeezing my spots make them go away?

Not exactly. Aside from giving you scars, squeezing or popping pimples spreads bacteria, making your spots worse.

Recommended Products

1 of 1

CLEAN & CLEAR® FOAMING Face Wash CLEAN & CLEAR® FOAMING Face Wash
CLEAN & CLEAR® Active Clear Acne Marks Cleanser CLEAN & CLEAR® Active Clear Acne Marks Cleanser
Clean & Clear Active Clear Acne Clearing Cleanser Clean & Clear Active Clear Acne Clearing Cleanser

Janrain User Menu