temptation to physically exfoliate may also prove beneficial, says Lortscher. Exfoliating, Lortscher explained, “may irritate already sensitive skin and deroof blemishes resulting in oozing that can’t be covered up.” She advises using a gentle cleanser instead.
If you’ve already made the mistake of poking and popping your zits, this expert suggests treating scabbing and bleeding with hydrocolloid bandages.
According to Lortscher, this treatment works by, “inhibiting the transmission of water vapor from the wound surface to the atmosphere.”
Adding, “They maintain a moist environment, which allows faster healing (skin cells cannot easily migrate across the Sahara Desert of a scab; they need a hydrated surface to live and close the wound!).
They also work like a sponge to absorb pus and oil from acne blemishes, reduce inflammation, and protect the area from contamination with microorganisms and from trauma (including picking!) and can minimize scar formation.
Though “tough to find,” the blemish-sized, or bigger hydrocolloid dressings can be found, assures Lortscher. “They are not always labeled hydrocolloid. They are often sold as blister bandages. I would just make sure that it also says hydrocolloid at least somewhere on the box. You should be able to find them at Target (Up & Up brand), Rite-Aid, Walgreens, etc,” said Lortscher.
Now that you know where you may have gone wrong in your pursuit of flawless skin, tell us, are you guilty?