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Acne comes, automatically decreased self-confidence. Not infrequently, various kinds of treatments are applied so that acne will disappear quickly. Instead of being effective against acne, certain treatment products can actually irritate the skin or even make acne worse. For that, it is important to know what is safe to use and what to avoid.
Here are 8 things you should avoid when treating acne according to Vial Dermatology CRO.
1. Don’t touch pimples with your hands
New York dermatologist Charlotte Birnbaum says the best way to treat acne is not to touch it. “Don’t squeeze pimples,” Birnbaum told Insider. “This will worsen acne because the bacteria that is on the hands get into the pimples and it will encourage more bacteria to grow in the pimples. Also, the trauma from popping the pimples will cause scarring and it will take expensive caregivers to fix it”. Rather than popping pimples yourself, Birnbaum suggests leaving them to a dermatologist. “They will do it quickly and safely,” he added.
2. Essential oils will not work miracles
Essential oils may be known to cure, but according to Tennessee dermatologist Carley Fowler, it’s not the most common choice. “Essential oils are really just oils. They clog pores and can make acne worse. They can also trigger allergic reactions,” says Fowler. Fowler added the use of tea tree oil which was once popular can also irritate the skin and make acne worse. “If you want to apply the product to acne, it’s better if the dermatologist agrees,” he said.
3. Toothpaste has more bad effects than benefits
Toothpaste is an old trick that has been passed down from generation to generation. “Put toothpaste on pimples to dry the next day”. However, Susan Bard, a dermatologist who lives in New York, says that toothpaste can actually worsen acne. “This (toothpaste) can cause irritation or allergic contact dermatitis,” he said. Allergic contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction to a product, usually making the skin a red and itchy rash. To avoid this, Bard recommends using over-the-counter acne treatment products. “But use as needed, no more than once or twice a day. Most applying acne removal products can also cause skin damage and the healing process will take longer,” he added.
4. Products spread on Instagram
While scrolling through Instagram, there are lots of ads for products promising to treat acne overnight. However, Dhaval Banusali, a dermatologist in New York told INSIDER that many of these products are dangerous and unreliable. “I see a lot of patients having irritant reactions from trying strange things they see on Instagram,” he said.
5. Baking Soda makes skin irritation
Just like toothpaste, using baking soda on acne is a classic trick that many people believe. However, baking soda has an effect just as bad as toothpaste. The skin can become damaged and very dry because of it. “Using baking soda can make the skin around the acne problems and it takes a long time to fix it,” says Bard.
6. Coconut oil can clog pores
Coconut oil has been touted as a do-it-all product. But it’s not effective at treating acne, says Mariana Atanasovski, a dermatologist in Michigan. “It can clog pores if you have acne-prone skin,” says Mariana. When buying acne products, make sure they are labeled oil-free and don’t clog pores on the label.
7. Products with alcohol content can wreak havoc on the skin
When pimples appear, most people will be tempted to dry them with super-strong products, for example, those containing alcohol. According to dermatologist Lauren Levy from New York, acne treatment products that contain alcohol can actually wreak havoc on the skin. “When these products are used for a long period of time, for example overnight, they (the products) can cause chemical burns, leading to necrosis or death of the upper layers of the skin,” he said. Levy added that necrosis can also cause permanent scarring.
8. Apple Cider Vinegar
Recently, apple cider vinegar has become the prima donna because it is said to help dry out pimples and remove scars. But Levy said this product should not be used for acne treatment because apple cider vinegar is very concentrated and can make the skin very dry. Sometimes, apple cider vinegar can also cause rashes or severe burns. “It’s better to skip hard products when you want to treat acne and follow the advice of a safer dermatologist,” he said.