Blemishes can be frustrating, and the temptation to quickly get rid of them often leads to mistakes that aggravate the problem. To help you avoid these pitfalls, here are some of the most common mistakes people make in blemish removal—and what you should do instead.

1. Popping Pimples Improperly

Popping a pimple may seem like the fastest way to clear it up, but doing so can push bacteria deeper into your skin, causing more inflammation and potentially leading to scars.

What to do instead: Use spot treatments with ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. If the pimple persists, consider consulting a dermatologist for safe extraction.

2. Over-Exfoliating

While exfoliation removes dead skin cells, doing it too often or using harsh scrubs can strip your skin's protective barrier, leaving it more vulnerable to irritation and breakouts.

What to do instead: Limit exfoliation to 1–2 times a week, and opt for gentle chemical exfoliants like lactic acid or glycolic acid.

3. Using Too Many Products at Once

In a rush to fix blemishes, many people pile on multiple treatments, leading to skin irritation and sensitivity.

What to do instead: Stick to a simple routine with one active ingredient at a time. Give your skin time to adjust and monitor how it responds.

4. Skipping Moisturizer

People often believe that moisturizing oily or acne-prone skin will make blemishes worse, but skipping this step can cause your skin to produce even more oil to compensate for the dryness.

What to do instead: Use a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated without clogging pores.

5. Ignoring Sun Protection

Exposing blemishes or acne scars to the sun can worsen discoloration and slow the healing process.

What to do instead: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily, even on cloudy days, to protect your skin from UV damage.

6. Picking at Scabs

Once a blemish starts to heal, picking at the scab can delay recovery and increase the likelihood of scarring.

What to do instead: Let scabs heal naturally. To speed up recovery, apply a soothing ointment or hydrocolloid patch to keep the area moist and protected.

7. Using DIY Remedies Without Research

While home remedies like toothpaste or lemon juice are popular, they can be too harsh and disrupt your skin's natural pH balance, leading to irritation.

What to do instead: Stick to dermatologist-recommended treatments and avoid experimenting with unverified DIY solutions.

8. Not Cleaning Makeup Brushes

Dirty makeup brushes can harbor bacteria that transfer to your skin, exacerbating breakouts.

What to do instead: Wash your brushes regularly with a gentle cleanser to keep them bacteria-free.

9. Sleeping with Makeup On

Leaving makeup on overnight clogs your pores, leading to more blemishes and dull-looking skin.

What to do instead: Always cleanse your face thoroughly before bed to remove makeup, dirt, and excess oil.

10. Ignoring Underlying Causes

Sometimes, blemishes are a symptom of deeper issues, such as hormonal imbalances, stress, or dietary triggers.

What to do instead: If you experience persistent or severe breakouts, consult a dermatologist to identify the root cause and develop a personalized treatment plan.