Acne Don'ts

1. Never even  try to pick or extract pimples, blackheads or whiteheads yourself. Doing this, can spread the contents deep into the oil gland and surrounding tissue and cause a cystic infection. This can stretch or disfigure the pore permanently.

What happens when you squeeze a pimple?

Squeezing a pimple, pushes the sebum down through the pore, and the pore can rupture.When it ruptures, the sebum enters the oil gland and the surrounding tissue. This in turn causes scarring.

Pimple/Blackhead looks ready to pop out? And, you can't control the urge?

First, wash your face and hands. Then, use two tissues one in each hand to gently stretch the skin near the pimple to gently ease the contents out of the skin. Do not squeeze them. Do not use bare fingers! Follow with an antiseptic dab or tea tree oil. Last words, DON'T TOUCH, or you will introduce bacteria and create an infection (a pimple).

If you apply too much pressure on the blackhead prone area, it may become red due to the breaking up of tiny veins present there. In that case, splash some cool water and immediately apply a good moisturizer to that area.

2. Never use astringents with harsh alcohols and soaps that overdry the skin. This can make acne even worse. Here is how. If they make the skin overdry, the oil glands will overcompensate and secrete even more oil. You may even develop dermatitis and skin that feels taut and dry.

3. Don't go for facials too often, not more than every six weeks. However, at-home masks every week or two is fine. Going for facials (extractions, massage, exfoliation) too often can actually inflame or irritate the skin.

4. Do you have mysterious bumps on your forehead, especially around your hairline? If yes, then check the haircare products you use. Alcohol, emollients, and the fragrances in some gels and sprays can aggravate the skin. So, we recommend you to discontinue the use of such products.

5. Keep your hands off your face. And don't get into the habit of resting your chin on your hands.