Growing up, my mother had a razor-sharp eye for any new pimples forming on my face. She would make a beeline for it if she happened to spot one and then pop it. This usually left black marks and pimple scabs.
A scab is a crust that forms over a wound to protect it. It is made of dried blood, fluids, and immune cells. If you pop a pimple, you create a small wound and a scab comes over to cover it.
Image of scabbign on face or cheeks
Other than protecting your skin, it also does other things:
This is when you first get a wound, either by picking and scratching at the scab or otherwise. It takes about 1-2 hours for normal acne wounds to begin healing.
For small acne wounds, a scabbing starts to form 1-2 days after the wound, for bigger wounds, it takes 3-7 days. It forms over the wound to protect it from bacteria. The scab will fall off on its own in 3-7 days
Under the scab, skin cells being to grow and regenerate. They begin to form an outer layer under it within 1-3 days. Eventually, it falls off and the new skin is exposed.
You already know what to do when you get a scab. Do not touch it. Leave it alone no matter how much it seems to be calling to be pulled off. Every time you go to touch it, you risk infection from the dirt in your hands and fingers.
Use a gentle antibacterial soap and water to clean the area. Acne cleanser also works. Using a washcloth, clean the area and then dry using another one.
Topical creams help to dry the scab quickly so that they can fall off quicker too.
Preferably use one with benzoyl peroxide of salicylic acid. These help keep the area dry and help to hasten the healing process. Use this cream 10-15 minutes after cleaning the wound.
You can also get an antibiotic topical cream to prevent infection and heal the acne already there. The cream also helps prevent new acne. Neosporin and Polysporin antibiotics are recommended. Put a little on every scan and wait for 30 minutes.
A clean washcloth dipped in hot water helps to soften the scabs, making them looser so that the can fall off. It also improves healing by drawing blood to the area.
Apply and hold the compress for about 10 minutes.
Aloe Vera has endless skin benefits. It helps with healing, hydration, and soothing. It also helps with getting rid of pimple scars and lightening black spots.
If you have no access to aloe leaves, then use an Aloe Vera gel from the store.
Known for its antiseptic properties, tea tree oil is particularly useful on pimple scans. It helps to prevent infections.
Also, a natural antiseptic, honey has the added advantage of promoting quick healing. It also makes your skin brighter and helps with blackheads.
Alternatively, you can leave it on overnight.
Using Vaseline on scabs keeps them soft, helps with healing and sealing of the wound. This prevents entry of more bacteria.
Not the banana ones, but a magical healing herb found in most backyards.
Although there are many varieties, they all have vertical veins in the leaves and incredible medicinal properties. If you are unlucky and don’t have any in your backyard, you can buy them in pre-made ointments or order dried leaves from retailers.
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