What’s the first thing you do when you notice a spot? The majority of us will push it, pick it, prick it and try to pop it. Usually unsuccessful in our attempts, we’re left with red, swollen skin, and often a little bit of blood trickling out.
Did you know that this is possibly the worst thing you can do to a spot? Here’s why:
It leaves scars
When you try to pop a pimple, you use force to get the comedone out – in the process, you cause tearing of the skin. And like all tearing, it scars. Not only is scarring difficult and expensive to get rid of, but it can be very unsightly too. In extreme acne cases, the skin is left with permanent pocks that can only be removed or treated by a professional.
You can cause infection
When you pick at a pimple, you transfer the dirt and bacteria from your fingers onto the skin and in some cases, into the spot. Once it’s infected, it’ll swell even more and become bright red. This has led to many a visit to a dermatologist, as over-the-counter remedies aren’t always strong enough to heal it.
You spread the germs
Not only are you spreading germs onto and into your skin when you pick at it, but the germs from the actual comedone are then transferred to your fingers… Which you spread even further when you rub your eye, scratch your forehead or blow your nose.
So what should you do?
Cleanse the area gently twice a day with an anti-bacterial cleanser (we love Benzaderm Oily Skin Cleanser), and apply a spot-busting treatment cream that’s filled with acne-busting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, like Benzac AC 5 Gel. For day time, you can cover it with a good concealer. You’ll start to see a significant improvement within two days.
14 comments
Neo Makgaka
It’s so hard to keep my hands off my face! I will try my best though.
Lindsay Swart
Thank you for the advice, I have a huge pimple & reading if i should pop it or not haha! Will definitely give the gel a try
WAFIQA ABBAS
I don’t pop my pimples but I’m guilty of touching them way too much.
Salmaa Moosa
so guilty of this! however I apply himilaya acne and pimple cream, within 3 days the pimple has gone and you are scar-free.
Selona Govender
Always pick my pimples and I end up with nasty scars. I try so hard not to though.:(
Liza Leimlehner
I wish someone told me this before. Now I am left with scars from my acne years…bleh. But I am making the best of it.
Thirusha Govender
I popped my pimple now I have a nasty scar in the middle of my forehead.
grantlekeur
Benzac is the best range to use.
Janneke Gerber
I usually put on a Freeman Dead Sea Minerals mask right when I feel a pimple trying to surface and it usually eliminates them even before they’ve had the chance to pop up.
Safiya Rawat
Benzac ac5 gel is the best.