Acne is a skin concern that many people face, and there is often misunderstanding regarding whether popping pimples will leave scars and the correct concepts for treating acne. Many think that improving their diet, exercising, or drinking more water will help regulate their oil secretion; however, this is actually a mistaken belief. Oil secretion is closely related to our DNA, so these methods alone cannot fundamentally resolve the issue.
When patients come in for treatment, they often express a desire to improve their acne through lifestyle habits, not knowing that such approaches will not effectively treat acne and may even exacerbate the situation. The correct approach should be to seek regular medical attention to receive timely professional diagnosis and treatment. Many people still believe they can rely solely on skincare products to improve their acne; however, this mindset can delay optimal treatment opportunities and even lead to scarring.
Cleansing is part of skincare, but for treating acne, washing your face is not the only solution. Some people express skepticism about the effectiveness of certain products and want to see differences before and after use, but “effective” products may not necessarily have scientific backing. I would suggest that individuals with mild acne consider using some pharmaceutical products, such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, but these must be used cautiously.
Regarding the issue of popping pimples, I do not recommend this. Popping can lead to the patient wanting to touch the area too often, ultimately causing more inflammation and ulceration. If the acne is cystic, squeezing can more likely result in pitted scars. In such cases, professional doctors will use specialized tools to handle the situation and may inject small amounts of steroids to reduce inflammation, effectively lowering the risk of scarring.
After puberty, adult acne is closely linked to stress and the use of cosmetics. Many women use heavy foundation to cover pimples or acne, but this can clog pores and worsen the situation. Without professional treatment, scarring can worsen within a few months, as inflammation itself can damage the surrounding skin, and cells that cannot repair long-term will eventually become pitted scars.
Using effective treatment methods, including oral medications and topical treatments, can significantly reduce the occurrence of acne. Suggestions I provide to patients include oral retinoids, fruit acid treatments, and microneedling radiofrequency; these are currently effective treatment methods, especially for severe acne cases, where oral retinoids are considered the only effective solution. If you have acne issues, you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible; otherwise, you may face scarring issues in the future.