:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/things-never-to-do-when-breaking-out-GettyImages-1343292234-59a17e2e412e4b0c8e7b177faa5699f5.jpg "6 mistakes people make when they get a pimple")
Waking up with a handful of unwanted pimples on your face is arguably one of the most frustrating skincare dilemmas to deal with. Often times, we get into a frantic “fix mode” where we’re squeezing, pinching, touching, and reaching for all kinds of skincare products while praying to the gods of our complexion. As much as you may want to nip the problem in the bud, some common mistakes can actually make things worse. To help you avoid these skincare no-nos, we asked pros what you should never do when you have breakouts.
- Cybele Fishman, MDis a board-certified dermatologist with Advanced Dermatology PC.
- Kate Deery, BSN, RNis a certified beautician and make-up artist at Clareo Aesthetics.
Kate Sept2004/Getty Images
What you shouldn’t do: Pick at your pimples
Your first instinct may be to pop or pick at new pimples, but try to hold back.
“When you pick at a pimple, you make the inflammation worse and introduce more bacteria into the skin, potentially causing an infection,” warns Cybele Fishman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Advanced Dermatology PC. “More inflammation means a longer-lasting pimple, a higher chance of scarring, and a higher chance of persistent redness in fair skin or hyperpigmentation in darker skin.”
What you should do instead: If you can’t resist picking at it, stick a hydrocolloid patch on the pimple. Dr. Fisherman says this will keep your fingers away, keep bacteria away, and absorb pus.
Don’t: Overuse peeling ingredients
When it comes to breakouts, a “more is more” approach seems to be the best course of action. Use exfoliating, acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, but do so with some restraint.
“Over-exfoliation can dry out your skin, strip it of its natural oils, and, in the case of acne-prone skin, irritate the skin even more, leading to further inflammation,” notes Kate Deery, BSN, RN, a certified esthetician and makeup artist at Clareo Aesthetics.
What you should do instead: A gentle, targeted treatment is much better for the health of your skin. Deery recommends exfoliating no more than two to three times a week and not scrubbing or rubbing the skin when using these products. If it’s a single rash, you should spot treat the affected skin rather than treating the entire area.
Don’t: Wash your face too often
While poor hygiene can contribute to breakouts in some cases, we now know that the cause of acne is much more complex. However, there is an old piece of advice that says to wash your face more often or reach for astringent, drying cleansers when you have a breakout. Don’t do that! Washing your face too often can actually make acne worse.
What you should do instead: Similar to the advice above, it’s important to take a gentler approach when treating breakouts. Don’t wash your face more than twice a day – or after exercise/sweating – and always use a gentle cleanser. Avoid scrubbing or rubbing and gently pat your skin dry.
Don’t: Skip the moisturizer
People with oily skin may feel like they need to avoid moisturizers altogether, but this can also make acne worse. In fact, a lack of moisture on the surface of your skin can cause your body to produce more oil to compensate for the lack, resulting in a dry, flaky, red complexion with an oil slick on top.
What you should do instead: If you have oily skin, you don’t need to use a rich moisturizer. Instead, use an oil-free, water-based moisturizer. Better yet, choose a product with soothing ingredients like aloe vera, cica, peptides, or cucumber extract. Use it every time you wash your face.
Don’t: Use topical peels for acne
Cystic acne is characterized by deep, large, painful pimples that sit deeper under the skin. Topical exfoliating ingredients – like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide – may help superficially, but they won’t do much for your skin’s appearance.
“Both ingredients dry out and irritate the epidermis, but do not penetrate into the deeper dermis where the pimple is inflamed,” notes Dr. Fishman. “They can make the pimple appear more noticeable by causing redness and flaking of the skin around the pimple.”
What you should do instead: If you have cystic acne, your best bet is to see a dermatologist. They can give you a cortisone injection to quickly clear up one or two cystic spots. If you have stubborn cystic acne, they may want to dig deeper and give you a treatment plan that addresses the problem directly.
Not: Feeling depressed yourself
Breakouts can bring up all kinds of feelings—frustration, self-consciousness, and maybe even sadness. Dr. Fishman says you shouldn’t beat yourself up, even if the problem is persistent.
“Patients often come to me, sometimes crying, because they don’t understand why they get rashes. I explain to them that acne is multifactorial, meaning that many things play a role, including things that you can’t control, like genetics, how the skin reacts to hormones, or pollution,” says Dr. Fishman.
What you should do instead: Remember that everyone is prone to breakouts and that you can take steps to maintain a clearer complexion. Dr. Fishman says, “You’ll be fine. Find a dermatologist who is comfortable treating acne and is understanding of your issues.” Then, focus on things you can control, like eating anti-inflammatory foods, getting enough sleep, using clean bedding and reducing stress.
