Why is it advised to avoid picking or squeezing acne lesions?

Avoiding picking or squeezing acne lesions is crucial because it helps prevent scarring and further infection. When acne is manipulated, the skin can be damaged, leading to open wounds that may become infected. This not only prolongs the healing process but can also result in long-lasting scars. Additionally, when acne lesions are squeezed, the bacteria and pus trapped inside can be pushed deeper into the skin, spreading the infection and potentially causing more breakouts.

Maintaining the integrity of the skin barrier is essential for healthy skin. Proper treatment of acne should focus on topical or systemic solutions that target the underlying causes rather than physically manipulating the lesions. This approach not only assists in healing but also preserves the skin's appearance in the long term.

The other options do not accurately reflect the reasons behind avoiding this practice. For instance, it does not promote faster healing of the skin; in fact, it can do the opposite. Similarly, while oil production may be influenced by various factors, picking at lesions does not inherently increase it. Enhancing the efficacy of treatments also doesn’t occur from these actions, as they often undermine the strategy being employed to manage acne effectively.