Worried about acne on face? Most of us will get acne at some point in our life. It is not only irritating but annoying – as it ruins the entire look. Sometimes, it can be painful and itchy.
It is estimated that 80% of people will have mild to moderate forms of acne. It mainly affects teenagers and youngsters. The most common spot where you might have acne is the face, forehead, shoulders and chest.
The best way to treat acne depends on its severity. From blackheads to pustules, nodules and cysts – acne can take several forms.
Things to STOP doing to prevent acne on the face
Acne and pimples are usually triggered by hormones and there is no sure-fire way to prevent them. But, there are a few things that you should never do when you have acne on the face.
Doing any of the below things not only make it worse but leave acne scars. Here are the 6 skincare habits that you should stop doing when you have acne on the face.
1. Picking or popping
Popping or picking the acne can give a sense of relief. However, most people end up hurting their skin by popping a pimple.
Whether it is fresh acne or healing acne, one should avoid touching, picking or poking the acne. Resist the temptation to pop or poke acne. The best thing is to leave it untouched for a few days.
2. Hot compress
People often assume that applying a hot compress can help the acne heal faster. The fact is, it doesn’t help heal the acne. It can irritate the skin and delay the healing process. Heat tends to aggravate acne
You can use an ice pack to calm down the inflammation and speed up the healing process.
3. Sleeping with Makeup
If you have the habit of using makeup to cover acne and pimples, chances are that the acne will take time to heal. Makeup often clogs the skin pores and even causes rashes.
Covering the acne with concealer incorrectly is another thing you should STOP Doing When You Have Acne on your face. Particularly, the under-eye skin tends to be dry and it is not advised to conceal acne.
Wash the makeup as soon as possible to worsen the acne on your face. Even if you have acne-free skin, you should clean the makeup.
4. Over cleaning
You should regularly wash your face i.e. 1-2 times a day. Avoid washing more than that – as it causes your skin to dry out. Over cleaning can irritate the blemishes and aggravate the delicate facial skin.
Scrubbing and exfoliating can help prevent acne. But, scrubbing acne may worsen the skin and irritate, leading to increased breakouts.
5. Dirty makeup brushes
Dirty brushes are a breeding ground for bacteria and easily transfer the bacteria to your skin and cause the breakout. The build-up of dirt on makeup brushes can cause the acne to break and even turn into a skin condition.
Gently rinse the makeup brush in warm water. Try using a tiny amount of cleanser and massage the bristles. Avoid using a makeup brush too often.
6. Self-diagnosing
Many people try to self-diagnose acne and use over-the-counter products. Avoid treating mild to moderate acne with non-prescription products.
There are different acne types and each type should be treated differently. Avoid buying acne face wash without knowing your skin type. Consult a specialist to know your skin type and how to address them. Give the acne treatment some time to work. You must use the product for at least 6-7 weeks to see some improvement.
Bottom Line
Acne is a common condition that is driven by hormones. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables will help reduce inflammation and speeds up the healing process. When the acne penetrates the skin – it damages the deeper layers and results in scarring.
Many people can control their acne by following the above tips. When your acne doesn’t improve within a couple of weeks, you should consult a dermatologist or healthcare provider. Depending on the severity, age and health condition – your healthcare provider may suggest some over-the-counter medications.
With the right help, you can get clearer skin.
