Tie Your Hands Behind Your Back-Stop Picking at Your Acne!
Dealing with acne can be frustrating and even painful at times. It can be tempting to pick at blemishes, hoping to speed up the healing process. However, picking at acne can actually do more harm than good. Here are just a few reasons why you should avoid picking at acne:
Causes Further Inflammation: Picking at acne can cause further inflammation, making the blemish even more red and painful. This can also cause the acne to spread to other areas of the skin.
Increases the Risk of Scarring: Picking at acne can cause damage to the skin, increasing the risk of scarring. This is especially true if the acne is picked at repeatedly or aggressively.
Spreads Bacteria: Acne is caused by bacteria, and picking at acne can spread this bacteria to other areas of the skin. This can lead to more breakouts and a longer healing time.
Delays Healing: Picking at acne can delay the healing process. When the skin is damaged, it needs time to heal naturally. Picking at acne can prolong the healing time and make the blemish last longer than it would have if left alone.
Increases the Risk of Infection: Picking at acne can also increase the risk of infection. When the skin is broken, bacteria can enter the wound and cause an infection. This can be painful and may require medical treatment.
What to Do Instead:
While it can be difficult to resist the urge to pick at acne, there are other things you can do to help your skin heal naturally. Here are a few tips:
Keep the Skin Clean: Keeping the skin clean can help prevent acne from spreading and reduce the risk of infection. Use a gentle cleanser to wash the face twice a day.
Use Acne-Fighting Products: There are many products available that can help treat and prevent acne. Look for products that contain ingredients such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or retinoids.
Apply Ice: Applying ice to a pimple can help reduce inflammation and redness. Wrap an ice cube in a clean cloth and hold it on the affected area for a few minutes at a time.
Wait it Out: Acne can take time to heal naturally. Instead of picking at a blemish, give it time to heal on its own. It may take a few days or even a week, but it will eventually go away.
Picking at acne may seem like a quick solution, but it can actually do more harm than good. By avoiding the temptation to pick at blemishes, you can help prevent further inflammation, scarring, and infection. Instead, focus on keeping the skin clean, using acne-fighting products, and giving your skin time to heal naturally. If you're struggling with acne, schedule an appointment with us to talk about treatments that may be effective for you.
xoxo,
M
