Pimples are not just a common occurrence in teens, but they can bear a mark on anyone who is in even in their 30s or beyond. Reports show that close to 15% of women have acne. The causes include stress, hormones, clogged pores, and bacteria, among others.

There are a variety of options available for acne treatment ranging from regular drugstore products to specifically designed and dermatologically tested medications. However, in addition to the treatment, there are some common mistakes that can deter your acne treatment, some of them have been mentioned below.

Over-washing or scrubbing the skin
A general misconception is that if one washes the skin repeatedly, then the acne will just go away. But this action can end up irritating the skin and prove to undo the acne medication from bearing any effect. You should always avoid the use of acne scrubs or cleansers that tend to cause more inflammation alongside stripping the natural oils present on the face. As a result of over-washing, your skin can easily get dried and inflamed leading the medication to even have counter-productive reactions on the skin. In the case of those who perform a lot of physical activity or sweat profusely, they just have to ensure that they wash their face just twice daily instead of over-washing or using scrubs and fancy soaps. If you really feel the need to use some product to clean your skin, then the best way to do that is to use a mild cleanser.

No to squeezing pimples
It’s always tempting to go ahead and pop a zit because you think of getting that little blister out of the way. However, doing that is completely detrimental for your skin as it can lead to scarring and can also worsen the acne breakout. This is mainly because these acne pustules run deep below the skin and when you squeeze them or break them, they end up causing long term redness as well as a permanent skin depression. Sometimes, it can end up making the pimple even bigger. If you want to have some immediate remedy, then you can get in a hot water compress in order to speed up the healing process.

Don’t avoid your moisturizer
As acne-prone skin is naturally dry, it is best to use a moisturizer that will nourish your skin. The best types of moisturizers are the ones labeled “noncomedogenic” as they do not end up clogging the pores.

Don’t skip your sunscreen
Your skin definitely needs protection from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Additionally, the fact that some of the acne medication can cause your skin to burn easily, it is best to apply sunscreens that are labeled similar to moisturizers as being “noncomedogenic”. It is best to consult your dermatologist about which sunscreen to opt for.

Other important tips include keeping your dandruff in check, keep track of the benzoyl peroxide doses, and ensure that you do not discontinue any treatment plan before it has run its due course. Most important of all, don’t get stressed too much.