A get together with longtime friends, a wedding or a felicitation party… some truly special occasion when you want to look your best and without fail that dreaded small, red, pus filled, bulging outbreak shows up on your face. Most of us have gone through the horror of finding skin problems on the face such as pimples, zits, acne etc. at the most inopportune moments. And then comes the panic of getting rid of them in time. But stopping the occurrence of pimples or skin outbreaks is not just a one-time thing. It needs a proper structured approach in your skin care regimen on a regular basis to prevent these skin problems. So let’s find out about pimples, what causes them, how to prevent them, some easy home remedies to stop pimples and skin care tips for healthy skin!
What are pimples?
Getting up in the morning and finding that reddish inflammation on your face is one thing no one wishes. Pimples, a form of acne, which can happen to anyone, irrespective of age and gender, are a kind of comedo that occur when excess sebum (oil) and dead skin cells get stuck in the skin pores. These pimples, caused due to clogged skin pores, if left untreated, can develop into pustules or papules. In fact, in some severe cases, there may be an outbreak of pimples, with painful swelling, even on the chest and back. Even blackheads (as they carry excess sebum), if left unattended for long, can turn into pimples due to clogged skin pores.
What causes pimples?
There are many reasons that can cause skin problems such as pimples including unhealthy diet, high stress levels, pollution, genetic tendencies, hormonal imbalances etc.
1.Hormonal fluctuations
The body produces hormones such as estrogen and testosterone that help in the growth, maintenance and repair of the reproductive tissues. Testosterone and estrogen are directly related to acne problems or pimples as they stimulate the sebaceous glands which result in increased production of sebum or oil. The excess sebum causes clogged pores, providing a fertile ground for bacteria that can cause pimples or acne. One of the main reasons why the chances of getting pimples or acne problems are more during puberty, menstruation, menopause or pregnancy is the levels of estrogen or testosterone in the body. Conditions that affect hormone levels, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can trigger acne.
2.Stress
The outcome of stress is first visible on your face. Research has shown that higher the stress levels, higher the chances of getting skin problems such as pimples, acne, zits etc. This happens because the sebaceous glands contain receptors for the stress hormones, which increase the production of sebum. The excess sebum causes clogged skin pores resulting in acne and pimples.
3.Clogged pores
One of the most common causes of pimples and acne are clogged pores that do not release the excess sebum (oil). Dead skin cells, oil and in turn bacteria get stuck in pores causing pimples or acne.
How To Prevent Clogged Pores
4.Smoking and drinking
It is well known that consumption of alcohol in large quantities and smoking are not beneficial to your health and specifically to your skin. And though drinking alcohol does not directly cause pimples or acne, it can mess up the testosterone and estrogen levels in women which can aggravate the acne problem or cause an outbreak of pimples.
Smoking has a bad effect on the skin as it reduces oxygen supply and disturbs the hormonal balance in the body which can result in skin problems such as pimples and acne.
5.Genetic tendencies
If your grandmother or mother have had trouble with pimples and acne, chances are you may develop them too. Genes decide the skin type of a person, its sensitivity to hormonal ups and downs, sebum production, getting rid of dead cells and inflammation. These aspects influence if you develop skin problems such as pimples.
6.Watch what you eat
Even though not a direct factor that causes acne or pimples, what you eat is important for your skin. Eating a lot of green, leafy vegetables will give you healthy skin. In contrast, intake of processed or sugary foods can be a cause for skin troubles such as pimples.
How to prevent pimples?
Nobody wants to deal with annoying pimples on the face. There are multiple options available that can help get your pimple or acne problem under control. From including non-comedogenic products to homemade remedies in your skin care routine, select the method that work best for your skin. Here are some simple skin care tips that can help you prevent pimples.
1.Wash your face properly twice a day
Pimples are primarily caused due to excess sebum, dead cells and bacteria trapped in clogged skin pores. Naturally, keeping your face clean so that it is free of dirt, germs, excess oil and dead skin cells, is the first step towards tackling your pimple problem. Ideally you should wash your face with a gentle cleanser twice a day. Then use a clean, soft cotton towel to pat your face dry (use the washcloth just once as dirty towels can spread bacteria). Do not scrub with a rough cloth or sponge as it will only irritate and aggravate your skin inflammation. If you have acne prone skin or suffer from pimples don’t wash your face more than two times a day as frequent washing can make the skin dry causing irritation.
2.Use an effective moisturizer – preferably non-comedogenic
Keeping the skin hydrated is essential to prevent it from getting dry and irritated. A non-comedogenic moisturizer, one that does not give you clogged pores is best suited for people who have skin breakouts such as acne or pimples. Remember to wash your hands thoroughly before applying the moisturizer as germs from hands can easily transfer to your face.
3.Select a skincare product that suits your skin type
Make sure you know what your skin type is; oily, dry, normal, sensitive or combination, and then select beauty care products that suit your skin type. One single product does not work for all skin types. For oily skin type using a light, non-oily, gel based moisturizer is a better option. On the other hand, dry skin types will need to use a cream based moisturizer that provides enough lubrication and hydration to the skin.
4.Don’t use too much make up
It is tempting to cover the pimples or acne and their marks with makeup. But instead of helping, too much make up can be detrimental to healing pimples as it clogs the skin pores and may further aggravate the problem. And even while choosing make up, make sure to get non-comedogenic skin care and non-greasy products.
5.Avoid bursting the pimples
It is difficult to resist constantly touching or even popping that pimple on the face. But popping that pimple yourself is probably the worst thing you can do as bursting it will stop the healing process, further infect the wound and may lead to scarring on your face. Pimple or acne scars may also leave a mark on your skin and sometimes take time to clear.
The 4 best ingredients to get rid of acne scars
6.Don’t go out in the harsh sun
Just as inadequate intake of eater can cause dehydration, as can staying out too long in the sun. This will again lead to excess oil production causing skin infections such as acne and pimples. Make sure you use an effective sunscreen that suits your skin type before going out.
Honey and cinnamon face mask for acne prone skin
Some effective home remedies to stop pimples
1.Exfoliate regularly with homemade scrubs
Exfoliating gets rid of those dead cells and helps free up those clogged skin pores. It has been known to improve acne or pimples healing. Lots of exfoliants are available in the market but scrubbing gently with a homemade sugar or salt scrub works well too.
2.Use Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera has long been known to have properties that help keep your skin healthy. Aloe Vera gel can help treat skin problems such as abrasions, rashes, wounds, and skin inflammation. Aloe Vera also contains salicylic acid and sulfur, which are both used extensively in the treatment of acne and pimples.
3.Take fish oil and zinc supplements
Fish oil is rich in omega 3 fatty acids that has anti-inflammatory properties which may help in countering pimples and acne. Zinc is one of the most effective natural treatments for acne and taking oral zinc supplements can help reduce pimples and acne.
4.Drink plenty of water
Inadequate water intake leads to dehydration and a dehydrated body produces more sebum to keep it moisturized. Extra oil means clogged pores, bacteria and breakout of acne or pimples. Drink plenty of water as it will keep your skin hydrated and free of acne and pimples.
5.Stay fit – mentally and physically
Staying fit, not just physically but also mentally helps keep your skin healthy and glowing. Physical activity boosts blood flow and regulates the hormones which nourish the skin cells thus preventing pimples and acne. Meditation, deep breathing exercises are known to alleviate stress levels which can then help control skin problems such as pimples.
Skin care tips to get rid of pimples quickly
Disclaimer:
Although many readers have found these home remedies to be useful, this article, however, does not endorse them. Always consult your doctor/dermatologist before you commence any treatment for pimples/acne.
We hope this information on pimples, their causes, prevention and home remedies to counter these skin problems has been useful. In case you have any queries on skin care or skin troubles, contact your dermatologist/skin care expert at https://www.skinandhairacademy.in/
