7 Things You Should NEVER Do When You Have Acne
Oh, the acne struggle.
There is nothing I relate to more. I felt an instant sense of relief when my ultimate fave, Lorde, ranted in an Insta story about how some people think dealing with acne is easy. It isn't. For some of us, it's a constant battle.
If you have problem skin, know that you definitely aren't alone. Read on for a list of things acne don'ts in the hopes that it will ease your skin struggle just a little.
1. Don't pop your zits.
As tempted as you are to do this, popping pimples will only irritate the skin around it and can cause scarring and inflammation. All in all, not a cute look.
2. Don't overuse spot creams.
Spot creams are great to use once in a while to help tame unruly zits, but applying large amounts can dry out your skin like no other. The drier you are, the more oil your skin produces. This just creates more pimples, the opposite of what you want.
3. Don't over-exfoliate.
Exfoliating two to three times a week can be great for your skin, but any more than that can do more harm than good. If you notice your skin becoming red, irritated and inflamed, you're probably over-exfoliating. Take it down a notch and see if that helps.
(Clueless via Paramount Pictures)
4. Don't apply hair products too close to your hairline.
Applying heavy hair products near your forehead area can cause major breakouts. Be mindful of this next time you slather on any styling gel.
5. Don't wait to see a doctor.
If you notice your acne getting out of control, don't wait to see a specialist. More than likely all it will do is get worse before it gets better if you don't seek out treatment. A professional can help you identify your problem areas and get you on track with a solid treatment plan to help clear things up.
Patience is also key. Even if you do start a treatment plan, things won't clear up overnight. Good things take time, young grasshopper.
6. Don't use your acne medication sporadically.
This is a big one. If you do end up going to a dermatologist and getting medication or a topical cream, use it exactly how and when your doctor tells you to. Using it sporadically won't improve things, it might even make them worse.
(The Wonder Years via ABC)
7. Don't let others make you feel bad for having acne.
Something I wish I'd learned a long time ago is that acne is never your fault. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Most people who already have clear skin won't understand that most of the time, there is nothing you can do to control breakouts without extra help. Shake off any negative comments from others and do what you can to help your skin be the best it possibly can.
These are some common mistakes people make when it comes to acne, but more than likely, you're also making THESE makeup faux-pas, too.