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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #16623
46 days ago
104

pimple gel cream - #16623

Shreya

I am super confused about this pimple gel cream situation. I’ve always had pretty clear skin, but lately, I’ve been breaking out like crazy! Last month, I started noticing tiny red bumps and then they just kinda exploded into actual pimples. A friend suggested this pimple gel cream that worked for her, and I thought what the heck, I’ll give it a shot. I got the cream last week and started using it. The first couple of days, I thought it was helping, but now my skin feels kinda irritated, and I think I might be using too much or something. Should I really be applying it all over or just on the pimples? The cream says you should use it twice a day, but it seems like my skin can’t handle that. I also noticed some dry patches forming, which is driving me nuts. Is that normal? Maybe it’s just not the right pimple gel cream for me? I did read online that some can have harsh ingredients that don’t work for everyone. Ugh, is there a way to figure out if it’s a reaction to the gel cream or is it just my skin freaking out? I just want my skin back to normal!! Any advice would help a lot!

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Doctors’ responses

When it comes to pimple gel creams, the active ingredients can be crucial in determining how your skin will react. Common ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are effective for treating acne but can cause irritation, especially if used too frequently or in high concentrations. It’s not unusual for some initial irritation such as dryness or redness to occur when you first start using these treatments. It’s important to carefully read the packaging to understand if the product is intended for spot treatment or for larger areas of your face. Generally, it’s advisable to apply such treatments directly to the pimples rather than all over the skin to minimize irritation.

If your skin feels irritated or dry, you might want to reduce the frequency of application, applying it once a day or every other day instead of twice daily, to allow your skin to adjust. Consider using a gentle, hydrating moisturizer after the gel cream to combat dryness. Patch testing any new product on a small area of skin before full application is also a good practice to identify potential adverse reactions. If the irritation persists or worsens, it’s sensible to discontinue use and consult with a dermatologist to evaluate whether this particular gel cream is suitable for your skin or if another product might be more appropriate.

A dermatologist can also help determine if there are other underlying factors contributing to your sudden breakout, which might not be related solely to topical treatments, such as hormonal changes or lifestyle factors. Stick to a gentle skincare routine and avoid introducing multiple new products at once to better observe what affects your skin. Always be cautious of overusing exfoliating or harsh products, as they can compromise the skin barrier, leading to increased irritation and breakouts rather than improvement.

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