No, Not Every Pimple Needs a Cream – What to Try Instead

No, Not Every Pimple Needs a Cream – What to Try Instead

By Dr. Rizwan Khan | Dr. Rizwan’s Skin Cosmetic and Laser Clinic, Shahjahanpur

📅 23 June 2025

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“Doctor saab, ek daana nikalta hai toh turant koi cream laga leta hoon.”

“TV pe jo acne cream aayi thi, wahi use kar raha hoon.”

“Friend ne bola ye wala gel laga, maine use kar liya. Ab toh aur bhi ho gaye!”

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

Most people think every pimple = cream lagao.

But the truth is, not every pimple needs a cream — and applying just anything can make things worse.

Let’s understand why 👇

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😣 The Common Mistake: Panic Cream Application

One small pimple appears and people rush to:

• Apply over-the-counter acne creams

• Use leftover tubes from last time

• Try random “skin doctor” advice from relatives

• Share creams with friends or siblings

• Even apply toothpaste, pain balm, or boroline 😳

This can lead to:

❌ More breakouts

❌ Dry, red, peeling skin

❌ Skin getting resistant to medicines

❌ Permanent marks or pigmentation

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🧠 Here’s What You Need to Know

1. One Pimple Doesn’t Mean Full Treatment

A single pimple is not a disease. It might be due to:

• Stress

• Hormonal change

• Diet (oily/spicy food)

• Lack of sleep

• Poor hygiene

It often settles on its own in a few days — if you don’t touch or irritate it.

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2. Most Acne Creams Are Strong

Many acne creams contain:

• Benzoyl peroxide

• Clindamycin

• Retinoids

• Salicylic acid

These are prescription-strength and can dry out skin, cause peeling, burning, or allergy — if used wrongly or too often.

They are not meant for every small pimple that shows up.

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✅ What to Do Instead

👉 Step 1: Don’t Panic

One or two pimples are completely normal, especially before periods, in summer, or after travel.

👉 Step 2: Do Not Pop or Squeeze

Popping will:

• Spread infection

• Leave scars

• Take longer to heal

👉 Step 3: Use Ice Cubes (wrapped in clean cloth)

Apply gently for a few minutes.

It helps reduce swelling and pain.

👉 Step 4: Keep Your Face Clean

Use a mild face wash, 2 times a day.

Don’t scrub. Don’t over-wash.

👉 Step 5: Check What Changed Recently

• Did you try a new cream/makeup?

• Ate a lot of fried food?

• Didn’t sleep well?

If yes, that might be the reason — and changing that may be enough.

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👨‍⚕️ When Do You Actually Need a Cream?

• If you’re getting frequent breakouts

• If you have painful or pus-filled pimples

• If pimples are leaving dark spots or scars

• If you’ve already tried home care and it’s not improving

That’s when a proper, doctor-advised treatment plan is needed.

Not just random dabbing of acne gels.

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🚫 Creams to Avoid Without Doctor’s Advice:

• Skinlite

• Melacare

• Betnovate

• Lobate

• Dermicool powder

• “Magic” herbal creams

These may give fast results but damage skin permanently in the long run.

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👨‍⚕️ Dr. Rizwan’s Advice:

Pimples are like uninvited guests. Some leave on their own.

But if they keep coming back — don’t use guesswork. Use science.

If you have acne again and again, stop self-treatment and let us guide you.

A short consultation can save your skin from months of damage.

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Final Words:

Not every pimple needs a cream.

But every skin deserves care, patience, and correct information.

Next time you get one or two pimples, don’t rush to the cream shelf — pause and observe first.

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📍Need help managing breakouts the right way?

Visit Dr. Rizwan’s Skin Cosmetic and Laser Clinic, Shahjahanpur

📲 Call or WhatsApp us to book your skin consultation.

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💬 Comment below:

What was the weirdest thing you’ve ever applied on a pimple? (Be honest — we won’t judge! 😅)

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