THE BIGGEST MISTAKE PEOPLE MAKE WHEN THEY GET A PIMPLE

Almost everyone knows they shouldn't squeeze a pimple. Almost everyone does it anyway.

With June marking Acne Awareness Month, health experts are using the annual campaign to raise awareness of one of the world's most common skin conditions and encourage healthier approaches to managing breakouts.

While acne is often associated with teenagers, it can affect people of all ages, from students navigating puberty to adults dealing with hormonal changes, stress and lifestyle factors.

Yet despite how common it is, acne remains a source of frustration, embarrassment and, in some cases, lasting scarring.

WHY PICKING CAN MAKE ACNE WORSE

One of the biggest mistakes people make when dealing with a breakout is picking, squeezing or scratching blemishes.

While it can be tempting to try to speed up the healing process, the opposite is often true. Picking at pimples can increase inflammation, spread bacteria and raise the risk of permanent scarring.

It can also prolong the life of a breakout, turning what might have been a minor blemish into a longer-term skin issue.

For many people, avoiding the temptation to touch their skin can be just as important as the products they use.

A SHIFT TOWARDS GENTLER SKINCARE

The way people treat acne is also changing.

After years of aggressive scrubs, drying treatments and complicated multi-step routines, many consumers are moving towards simpler skincare practices that focus on protecting the skin barrier rather than stripping the skin of oils.

The trend reflects a growing understanding that irritated skin can often become more sensitive and more difficult to manage.

Instead, many skincare routines now focus on gentle cleansing, targeted treatments and protecting active breakouts from further irritation.

WHY PIMPLE PATCHES ARE GAINING POPULARITY

One product that has surged in popularity in recent years is the humble pimple patch.

Typically made using hydrocolloid technology, the patches are designed to cover blemishes, helping protect them from dirt, bacteria and, perhaps most importantly, wandering fingers.

Originally developed for wound care, hydrocolloid dressings create a protective environment over the skin while absorbing fluid from the affected area.

Their popularity has grown alongside the rise of minimalist skincare routines, with many consumers favouring simple solutions that require little effort and fit easily into everyday life.

NEW OPTIONS FOR CONSUMERS

As demand for acne-focused products continues to grow, skincare brands are expanding their ranges to cater to consumers seeking affordable, convenient solutions.

Among them is Skin Control, which has launched 100-pack versions of its daytime and overnight pimple patches. The hydrocolloid patches are infused with tea tree oil and designed to help protect blemishes from dirt and bacteria while absorbing pus from whiteheads.

The daytime version is designed to be worn discreetly under makeup, while the overnight option is thicker and intended to work while users sleep.