Squeezing Ruin Your Skin

> > What's so bad about popping pimples?
3 words: inflammation, infection and scarring. Squeezing zits is the single biggest beauty mistake, but everyone makes it. Why? Because no-one can resist popping a juicy whitehead. So what happens when you squeeze? According to dermatologist "The actual oil gland can rupture and spread the inflammation. If the pimple is already inflamed and you pick or squeeze it, you'll make the whole thing burst. So instead of the gunk coming out, most of the time it actually spreads sideways. IN the short term, your skin will be left red and oozing. But in the future it causes more inflammation, which can lead to infection and scarring.

> > Why do I get zits?
The reason anybody get acne is a combination of genetic and hormonal factors. During puberty, your hormones change and start stimulating the sebaceous (oil) glands. They in turn produce sebum (a very thick oil) that tends to make the skin oily and cause blockages in the pores, leaving you with blackheads or whiteheads. So why are there so many different levels of acne?? The answer is "There are hormone receptors on the outside of the oil glands. Two people may have similar hormone levels, but your genes program how much your receptors will respond to different levels of hormones. A person with severe acne would have very active receptors, while a person with mild acne would have less active ones."

> > How do I get rid of them?
An un-squeezed pimple should go away in five to seven days. Treating your pimples before they get too severe. Using a glycolic and wash, like one that contains Benzyl peroxide or Sallicylic acid in place of your regular, daily cleanser. The glycolic acid penetrates the oil glands and helps to clean them out. The product should be a gel or liquid, not cream (which can block pores). Steer clear of greasy moisturising creams. If your acne is severe, recommends using a prescription-only topical antibiotic, like Eryacne or Clindatech Lotion, or a course of antibiotics.

> > But I hate Whiteheads!!
Don't stress. You can have your whiteheads extracted professionally by a beauty therapist or dermatologist. At home using a glycolic acid preparation or pimple cream to help penetrate the pimple, then leave it alone for as long as you can.

> > What if I can't resist?
There is a better way to squeeze if you just can't stan it. "Infection happens when people apply pressure to the spot and make it explose sideways," A better way would be to just prick the surface of the spot with a sterile needle and let the fluid out without squeezing it." Here's how: sterillise a needle by holding it up over a small flame for just a few seconds. Prick the head of your pimple to release the gunk. Press the edges very gently, but do not squeeze the spot. Only do this on pimples that are "ready" - as in literally popping out.

> > Should I wear make up?
You'll probably have to if you've just popped a juicy one. Make sure that your make up is oil-free. Greasy make up will clog your pores, and will also contribute to more spots. Some long wearing oil-free ones include Maybelling Everfresh Make up and Revlon Colorstay Stray Natural Make up.