How to Prevent Pock Holes From Blackheads
MELISSA KING
LIFE
Your battle with acne doesn't end once those pimples have faded away. When a zit disappears, it may leave behind a nasty scar for you to grapple with. Deep, pitted scars -- also called pockmarks -- are tricky to conceal and treat. Thankfully, you can defend your skin and keep scars from showing up on your face. Try a mix of natural and over-the-counter treatments -- you'll ward off blackheads and kick scars to the curb.
Wash your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser and warm water. Wash from your jaw all the way up to the hairline, then rinse well with clean, warm water. Pat your skin dry with a clean towel. Staying clean helps to get rid of blackheads and prevent new zits from forming.
Avoid touching or picking at pimples. When a pimple heals and leaves behind a scab, do not pull off the scab. Doing so interferes with the healing process and may cause scarring.
Cover pimples with a salicylic-acid acne cream or gel once per day. The salicylic acid will help to shrink blackheads faster.
Wear sunscreen that has an SPF of 15 or higher when you're outdoors. UV rays can damage skin and increase the chance of scarring. Some acne medications may also make you more prone to sunburn.
Smooth a dab of cocoa butter or vitamin E oil over discolored spots once pimples have healed. Both of these may stop permanent scars from forming.
Dab some plain yogurt on pimples and let it set for 15 minutes. Rinse and pat your skin dry with a towel. Yogurt may help heal pimples and prevent scarring.
Combine equal parts dry oatmeal and water to make a thick paste. Smooth the paste over your face and let it dry for 15 minutes, then rinse. Oatmeal may effectively treat acne and ward off scars.
- When a pimple goes away, it may leave behind a hyper-pigmented mark on the skin. The mark can remain for six to 12 months as the skin heals. If the mark is still there after a year, it is a permanent scar.
- If you suffer from serious acne scarring, a dermatologist can help you treat it. A procedure called dermabrasion resurfaces skin to remove pitted scars. Collagen fillers may also work, but they're not permanent, so you'll need to have repeat treatments.
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