Don’t Squeeze or Pop Acne Mistakes

When it comes to trying to control acne, it is completely understandable that suffers eventually lose patience and try anything and everything to try and rid themselves of this annoying affliction. Yet there are certain behaviours that, at best, have no effect on acne and at worst can actually make the condition worse. Avoid these mistakes can lead to a better future for all acne sufferers, and hopefully the eventual eradication of their problem.

By far the biggest error made by any acne sufferer is spot or pimple squeezing. As with anything, the foundation of this behaviour is actually quite sensible. When a pimple is squeezed or popped deliberately, there is an immediate release of pressure in the sensitive skin around it and pain is reduced very quickly. For those with a lot of acne, and experiencing a lot of discomfort because of it, sometimes this is too much to resist.

Yet the problems caused by squeezing an acne outbreak are, in both the short and long term, far more damaging than the pain of acne. Every time you squeeze or pop an acne spot, you are actually spreading the infection, as the pus – the cause of the pain – is released onto nearby skin. That pus contains the bacteria that have caused the infection, which just immediately moves to the nearest pore and a whole new problem is started all over again.

It is therefore imperative to resist the urge to squeeze spots and pimples when trying to overcome acne. If your reasons for wanting to squeeze are due to the pain caused by a pimples, then there are other methods of pain relief you can try – and these methods won’t worsen the risk of further infection. A light painkiller, such as paracetamol, can help dull the pain, while ibuprofen has anti-inflammatory properties that are useful. Many sufferers also recommend using heat, applied using a compress or hot water bottle, to calm the pain and reduce swelling.

It is also worth remembering that, if you are having a facial from a professional beautician, they may squeeze any spots, pimples or blackheads as standard. If you have a recurrent acne problem, advise them beforehand that you would prefer them not to do so in your case.

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