Hey y'all! As all of you know, dermatology is a big interest of mine... hence the blog (: However, I've never talked about any of my other interests. As of now, I am interested in dermatology, psychology, and also architecture! Sometimes it can feel overwhelming to have many ideas about what you want to major in at college and what career path you want to pursue, however lately I have been trying to see it as a blessing! With so many options of what we can study in college, we have so many opportunities and the choice to do what it is that we want to do!
With that being said, this article is going to combine my passions for skincare and understanding the way the brain works that drives humans to make certain actions! (Dermatology & Psychology). Let's talk about the science behind why you pop your pimples...
WHY DO WE POP PIMPLES?
The act of popping pimples is actually believed to be evolutionary, and to have come from our ancestors who picked parasites and insects out of their skin to prevent disease. While humankind has evolved and this action is no longer required for our survival, the brain still releases dopamine when we pick our skin. The action of picking our skin is called indematillomania, however when this leads to excessive picking, it becomes known as dematillomania, which is most common in people with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Because the brain interprets skin picking as removing invaders from the body, dopamine is released, causing the brain to become more and more dependent upon the action.
WHY NOT TO POP YOUR PIMPLES...
Though popping pimples releases dopamine to the brain and also gives us a sense of immediate gratification, it's actually really bad for our skin! Popping pimples causes damage to the various layers of the skin, and can also push more dirt and oil into the skin's pores.
WHAT TO TAKE AWAY...
Popping your pimples might seem like a good idea, but in reality can lead to scaring and increased inflammation. Next time you go to pop... ask yourself if it is worth the added damage, and try instead to find a different activity to do that releases dopamine, such as organizing, cleaning, exercising, or something else that you enjoy!
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