What is your first reaction when you spot a pimple? Do you keep touching it or try to pop it? No matter how diligently you follow a skincare routine, somehow, as soon as you see a pimple, all the diligence goes out the window, and you end up picking at it. Amirite?
But no points for guessing — this is only going to worsen the situation. So the next time you see a pimple, here are five things you should never, I repeat, never do.
01. Try multiple solutions in hopes of getting rid of it faster
Yes, we know you want to get rid of the pimple ASAP; but applying too many products or trying too many DIY solutions isn’t exactly going to make it go away faster. Try and stick to just one form of treatment that you know has worked for you in the past. Trying too many things will only make the problem worse.
02. Touch it, especially with dirty hands
Touching your pimple with dirty, unwashed hands is only going to spread the infection and make the problem worse. It could lead to multiple pimples or even increase the risk of skin infection. Avoid touching the pimple as far as possible, but if you have to, ensure that your hands are completely clean.
03. Use dirty makeup tools over it
When was the last time you washed your makeup brushes or sponges? If you don’t remember, do yourself a favour and wash your brushes ASAP and discard those dirty sponges. Dirty tools are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and when you use them of your face, they aggravate the pimple, causing it to worsen and also increase the chances of a nasty skin infection.
04. Pick the pimple scab
Even though you’ve heard this a thousand times before, do you actually follow it? One of the worse things you can do is pick at a pimple scab. This will not only leave behind a nasty scar that will take weeks if not months to fade but also reopen the wound, which can lead to an infection.
05. Dry it out using DIY methods
Using extreme DIY methods that promise to dry out the pimple, such as astringent, toothpaste, or even an alcohol-based toner will end up making the area surrounding the pimple dry, worsening inflammation and slowing down the healing process. Instead, use a salicylic acid-based toner such as the Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing All Over Toner. Formulated with 12 gentle botanicals, it helps minimise redness and skin aggravation triggered by breakouts.