Acne isn’t a rare phenomenon and nearly 3 out of 5 people have faced the challenge of bumps popping all over their face at least once in their lifetime, according to a recent survey by the National Center of Biotechnology in the USA. In fact, acne is not associated with teenage years only, as many people can get acne and pimples much later on in life – even during their 30s, 40s, or 50s.
There are many treatment options to help clear out acne but, in your quest for clear skin, we urge you to be careful and definitely steer clear of these common mistakes.
Also watch: These foods may be aggravating your skin acne!
1. Excessive washing and scrubbing
Your mom might tell you to keep washing the dirt off your face for clearer skin. However, make sure to not vigorously do so using harsh face washes and face scrubs. This might worsen the condition as it can lead to skin irritation and cause severe inflammation.
2. Squeezing the pimples
It may be super tempting to pop that zit, but please do not do so! It could lead to a scar or infection, or worsen your breakouts. The pimples might also pop from deep within the skin, and squeezing them can cause long-term redness and permanent depression in the skin.
3. Avoiding moisturizer
As opposed to the common belief that moisturizers might increase breakouts; a well-hydrated face can help clear your skin. You can use a non-comedogenic moisturizer as it will not cause pore blockage, reducing the chance of further breakouts.
4. Skipping sunscreen
One of the greatest sins is avoiding sunscreen for any reason whatsoever! And if you believe that sunscreen might affect your acne medication, then you must know that some acne meds make your skin more prone to infection due to the sun’s UV rays, according to Georgetown University Medical Center in USA. So, save your skin and use ample sunscreen (can be non-comedogenic) before stepping out.
Also watch: Do you need to wear sunscreen at home?
5. Giving up too soon
Always remember that every skin type is different. If the product label claims to fix your acne problem overnight or in a fortnight, it's probably not going to happen. You need to have patience and not stress about the treatment not working. Stress will sometimes lead to further breakouts and you'll find yourself stuck in an endless cycle. So follow the routine as per your dermatologists’ advice and keep your calm!