Zit popping is one of the “7 Don’ts” when it comes to treating acne. Not only can zit popping make your acne symptoms worse, it is the number one cause of acne scarring. But, zit popping inside the area called “The Triangle of Death” can be down right dangerous.
Where Is “The Triangle of Death”?
The veins inside The Triangle of Death drain into the “cavernous sinus”, a cavity at the base of the brain which drains deoxygenated blood from the brain back to the heart. An infection in this area can cause headaches, vision loss, paralysis, and even death. In a way, zit popping inside The Triangle of Death is like playing Russian Roulette.
Acne Don’ts: The 7 Things You Should Never Do To Your Skin When You Have Acne (And Even If You Don’t)
Your skin is the largest organ in your body. Besides helping the body in the process of toxic elimination (One of the main acne contributing factors), it also protects your body against temperature changes, and from harmful invaders.
By working with your skin, and not against it, you pave the way to an enhanced healing of the skin. Your skin will look and feel better; it will become more even toned and vibrant.
On the other hand, by constantly doing the following, you are weakening the natural protecting capabilities of your skin, you are slowing the healing process of your skin, and you are making your skin look bad and making your acne worse:
1. Smoking
Besides lung cancer, heart disease and early aging of your skin (e.g. wrinkles), smoking causes the contraction of the small capillaries and blood vessels of the skin, thus depriving your skin from the essential oxygen it needs for the creation and maintenance of healthy cells.
2. Using Topical Steroids
Over the counter or prescription cortisone based creams, especially the potent types, can eventually thin your skin and worsen your acne condition in the long run in addition to the irritation, redness and other side effects steroid creams can cause. Moreover, topicals by definition address the symptoms of acne (inflammation, itching, puss), they do not treat the root cause of the disease. Nevertheless, taking care of your skin externally is highly recommended but should be performed gently using pure natural ingredients such as diluted tea tree oil.
3. Taking Antibiotics
Antibiotic treatments like tetracycline aggravate your acne in the long run and also severely damage your internal system in the process. Antibiotics destroy all the bacteria in your system including the good probiotic bacteria like acidophilus that have many essential qualities that promote clear skin. One of these qualities is the ability to protect your digestive tract from parasites and fungus (that constantly stress and damage your liver, one of the most important organs responsible for the healing process of your skin).
4. Shaving with Four-In-One Razor blades
Never use those four-in-one razor blades when shaving, especially if you have large bumps and painful cysts. The reason is that blades that guarantee the “closest shave” will cause severe irritation and will damage your skin. Always use a single blade when having “live” acne.
5. Picking Your Skin (popping and squeezing included)
Never, never, touch, pick, or squeeze your blemishes, regardless of how temping and “safe” it may seem. By doing this unprofessionally, you make your acne worse by aggravating your existing inflammation and pushing the puss deeper and wider into the skin. There are in fact very effective and safe ways of dealing with small whiteheads or blackheads but I would strongly recommend leaving that to the professionals if you care for your skin and wish to prevent further scarring.
6. Taking excessive amounts of Vitamin A
Vitamin A from natural sources (green leafy vegetables and beta carotene fruit and veggies) and in small quantities can significantly enhance the healing process of your skin, but when taken excessively it can seriously damage your liver and cause severe health problems and side effects.
7. Using over the counters for your Rosacea
This one is a no-brainer. Taking over the counters that by definition make your skin red and irritated is definitely not something you want to do when surfeiting from Rosacea. If you suffer from Rosacea, always consult your dermatologist prior to applying over the counters on your already inflamed and highly sensitive skin.
Mike Walden is a certified nutritionist, independent medical researcher, natural health consultant and author of the #1 best-selling e-book, “Acne No More – Open The Door To An Acne Free Life.” Mike has written dozens of holistic health articles and has been featured in ezines and print magazines, as well as on hundreds of websites worldwide. For information on Mike’s Complete Holistic Clear Skin Program CLICK HERE
