While it may be tempting, you’ve likely heard that popping a pimple is a bad idea.

But with November marking National Healthy Skin Month, why is that exactly?

“When you pop a pimple, things are not only coming out, but they’re going inside as well. You’re pushing that puss, bacteria and inflammation deeper inside the skin, which makes you more likely to have a mark or scar afterward,” explained Jennifer Lucas, MD, a dermatologist for Cleveland Clinic.

Along with scarring, Dr. Lucas said popping a pimple can cause bacteria and pus to spread and potentially lead to new breakouts.

Infection is also a risk since bacteria from your hands can get in through the broken skin.

To avoid all this, Dr. Lucas suggested trying an over-the-counter acne treatment to address a new blemish rather than picking at it.

You can also give pimple patches a try, which keep acne spots covered and often contain ingredients designed to help treat them.

If you do have acne scarring from popping pimples, this often gets better with time, according to Dr. Lucas.

“You need to give a scar a year to mature to what it’s finally going to look like. It may look more red or brown in the beginning, but a lot of that improves with time,” she said.

If you’re struggling with acne or scarring, Dr. Lucas said a dermatologist can help you find a treatment that accounts for the many different factors that can impact your skin.