How to Prevent a Pimple From Scarring
Acne blemishes are unsightly and annoying, and the problem becomes even worse when temporary breakouts leave long-lasting scars. According to AcneNet, family history plays a role in determining whether or not your skin scars easily, and people with more severe acne are most likely to notice long-term skin damage. Not surprisingly, the best way to prevent acne scaring is to see a doctor or dermatologist for evaluation, and find an effective treatment as quickly as possible. In the meantime, treat your skin with TLC to minimize the chance that existing blemishes will turn into lifelong mementos of your condition. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Oil-free sunscreen
- Cream containing Retin-A or alpha hydroxy acid
- Oil-free cleanser
Instructions
-
-
1
Wash your skin twice daily with a gentle, oil-free cleanser. Keeping your skin clean can help to get rid of pimples and avoid more severe infection, reducing the risk of scarring. The Mayo Clinic warns that too much washing will only increase skin irritation. Wash gently and avoid vigorous scrubbing.
-
2
If the problem pimple is on your back or shoulders, wear breathable, loose-fitting clothing to avoid further irritation. Moisture held close to the skin promotes skin infection rather than healing. The longer and more severe your infection, the greater the chance of long-term scarring.
-
-
3
Only attempt to pop pimples that have an obvious whitehead, and use a sanitary popping method. Acne.org recommends pricking the pimple's head with a disinfected needle, and using two tissues to apply down-and-in pressure to the lesion until it pops. Be gentle, and stop trying to pop the pimple if it's being stubborn--you'll only cause damage and scarring. NEVER try to pop deep blemishes (cysts and nodules) on your own. If they become particularly inflamed and problematic, see your doctor.
Unless you're using a sanitary method to pop a whitehead, keep your hands away from your problem area and do not pick.
-
4
Apply an oil-free sunscreen to your face and other problem areas before going outside. According to the Patient's Guide, using sunscreen is important to avoid sun damage to healing skin.
-
5
Apply a cream containing Retin-A or alpha hydroxy acid once or twice daily. These creams not only help to reduce the severity of breakouts but also encourage collagen production, reducing the appearance of acne scars from existing pimples.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you have regularly-occurring breakouts, the best way to prevent long-term skin damage and scarring is to treat your condition. See a doctor or dermatologist for advice and treatment.
References
- Photo Credit face image by Patrizier-Design from Fotolia.com
