What should you not put on a pimple?

What to Avoid When Dealing With Pimples

When you're trying to get rid of a pimple, it’s tempting to go overboard—scrubbing hard, dousing your face with alcohol, or using strong astringents in hopes of drying it out fast. But these moves can do more harm than good.

Your skin is sensitive, especially when it’s already inflamed. Harsh scrubbing doesn’t just irritate the pimple—it can spread bacteria, worsen redness, and even lead to scarring. The same goes for rubbing alcohol and astringents. While they might seem like quick fixes, they strip your skin of natural oils, causing dryness and triggering your face to produce even more oil. That can lead to more breakouts, not fewer.

Instead of attacking the pimple aggressively, treat it gently. Cleanse with a mild, non-comedogenic cleanser and avoid physical exfoliation while a pimple is active. Let targeted treatments—like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid—do the work without overdoing it.

Patience matters. Pimples take time to heal, and your best ally is a consistent, gentle routine—not scrubbing or drying them out. Over-drying can damage your skin barrier, making it harder for your complexion to recover.

In short: skip the harsh scrubs, put down the alcohol, and stop scrubbing. Treat your skin with care, even when you're frustrated. The result? Faster healing and fewer chances of lasting marks.