Pimples also known as acne, occur when your skinu2019s oil glands are overactive, and pore becomes stimulated. Some varieties of skin bacteria may make pimples worse. Pimples can appear anywhere on the skin surface, but they most often occur on the face. Because pimples often come about due to androgen hormones and, in other cases, genetics, thereu2019s no surefire way to stop them. Still, there are many ways to lessen their severity and keep them under control.Should I squeeze or should I not Squeeze? Thatu2019s the question we ask ourselves. A majority of us are guilty of squeezing those whiteheads that keep forming on our face now and then. Squeezing the pimples is however not the best method to get rid of them. You need a systematic approach involving self-care, lifestyle and diet changes, and a thorough skin care regime to do away with pimples.
What Causes Pimples?
7 Major Causes of Pimples
There are several factors responsible for it. And before you try to treat it, you need to understand what causes pimples or acne u2013 because starting treatment without knowing what caused the condition is a shot in the dark.
Clogged Pores Causes Pimple Breakouts
This is the most common cause of acne or pimple breakouts. When something clogs either your sebaceous glands or pores, they cannot release sebum (an oily substance that keeps your skin moisturized). A build-up of oil, dead skin cells and bacteria in that area causes acne or a pimple.
History of Acne in Your Family
Sometimes, itu2019s in your genes. If thereu2019s a history of acne in your family, it is likely that you will have it too. Your genes determine how sensitive your skin is to hormonal fluctuation, how quickly it sheds its cells, how much sebum it produces, and how it responds to inflammation. All these factors affect how readily you develop pimples.
Sebaceous glands contain the receptors for stress hormones
Your testosterone and estrogen levels directly correlate with pimples. Thatu2019s why you usually get pimples during puberty and pregnancy and when you are menstruating. Stress: Studies indicate that stress accelerates acne. Your sebaceous glands contain the receptors for stress hormones. When you are stressed, the hormones increase the sebum production in your skin and cause acne.
Depression Aggravates Acne
Depression correlates with acne and vice versa. In cases where acne occurs first, itu2019s not uncommon for people to get depressed. And when you are depressed, acne is aggravated.
Smoking Disrupts Hormonal Balance Which Affects Acne
The relationship between smoking and acne is unclear. While clinical studies have found that smoking causes acne, there is still a lot of scope for research. Smoking often reduces the oxygen flow to the skin cells, disrupts hormonal balance, and slows down the healing process. Did I mention that it also causes wrinkles and aging ? Quit this habit, and your skin will be grateful to you.
Alcohol Consumption Influences The Level Of Hormones That Control Acne
Although alcohol doesnu2019t cause acne, it positively affects the levels of the hormones that regulate acne. A study found that alcohol could increase testosterone levels in women. It also shoots up estradiol (a form of estrogen) levels in women. It can aggravate acne and pimples.
Processed Food and sugar Will Worsen Acne
Although it directly doesnu2019t cause acne, specific foods (such as processed and sugary foods) can make your condition worse while other food items (such as seafood and veggies) can make it better.
How Can I Stop Getting Pimples on My Face?
14 Ways Of Stopping Pimples and Acnen
Properly wash your face
When you want to help prevent pimples, itu2019s essential to remove excess dirt, oil, and sweat every day. Albeit rinsing your face more than twice a day may make acne worse. Avoid washing your face with powerful cleansers that dehydrate the skin. Instead, an alcohol-free cleanser is an excellent option. To clean your face:
- Dampen your face using warm, but not hot water.
- Use a gentle cleanser in a soft, circular motion using your fingers, and not a washcloth.
- Rinse thoroughly, and dab it dry.
Research on your skin type
No one is safe from pimples, regardless of what skin type you have. Oily skin is the most pimple-prone. It is a result of your skinu2019s sebaceous glands producing too much greasy sebum. Another type of skin that may lead to the formation of pimples is combination skin surface. Combination skin means you have both dry and oily regions. The fatty parts tend to be your forehead, chin, and nose also called your T-zone area. Being aware of your skin type will assist you in choosing the right skin care products. For instance, if your skin is greasy, opt for noncomedogenic products that are formulated not to clog pores.
Moisturize skin with non comedogenic moisturizers
Moisturizers assist in keeping your skin hydrated. But most moisturizers contain synthetic fragrance, oil or other components that may irritate skin and cause pimples.To aid in stopping pimples, use non comedogenic, fragrance-free moisturizers after you wash your face or when your skin feels dry.
Utilize over-the-counter acne treatments
Commercial or Over-the-counter (OTC) acne remedies may assist in destroying pimples fast or stop them from forming in the first place. Many have either sulfur benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Utilize an OTC remedy to spot-treat pimples. Or use it as a maintenance system to control outbreaks. To assist in stopping side effects such as dryness, redness, irritation, and accurately follow the manufactureru2019s dosage guide.
Keep Your Body Hydrated
If youu2019re dehydrated, your body system may signal your skinu2019s oil glands to keep producing oil. Dehydration also gives the skin a dull look and promotes redness and inflammation. To keep your body well-hydrated, take at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day. Take more water after a workout, if youu2019re pregnant or breastfeeding, or you spend time in hot, humid conditions.
If you have to use makeup, stick to non comedogenic products
Itu2019s tempting to use makeup products to conceal pimples. However, doing so may bloke pores and cause skin outbreaks. Whenever you can, go all natural. When you do put on makeup, avoid oily, heavy foundation, and utilize products that are fragrance-free, sheer, and noncomedogenic. Oily or greasy shampoos, body washes, hair styling products, and shaving creams, may all contribute to the formation of pimples. To help prevent outbreaks, choose non comedogenic, oil-free varieties.
Keep Hand Bacteria Away from your Face
Your hands encounter grime and bacteria regularly throughout the day. And each time you feel your face, some of those pore-blocking impurities may get transferred to your skin surface. By any means, if your nose itches, however, you cannot avoid scratching it. But ensure you wash your hands often, and try to touch your face as minimal as possible.
Reduce sun exposure
Basking in the sun may dry out pimples in the short term, but it causes significant complications in the long run. Regular sun exposure drys the skin, which in the long haul makes it produce more oil and clog pores. Itu2019s essential to wear sunscreen to assist in inhibiting skin cancer. Nevertheless, many sunscreens available in the market are greasy. For both a pimple and sun protection, use oil-free, non comedogenic sunscreen lotion.
Avoid Popping Your Pimples
As inviting as it may be to pop that conspicuous whitehead or blackhead on the tip of your skin surface, donu2019t. Squeezing pimples may lead to bleeding, infection, or severe scarring. It may also clog surrounding pores and promote inflammation, making your pimple condition worse.
Give tea tree oil a try
Tea tree oil is a standard treatment for pimples nowadays. According to the Mayo Clinic, it may lessen the number of non-inflamed and inflamed and wounds. To utilize a tea tree oil for pimples, apply a couple of drops to the inflamed section. You could also introduce a few drops to your daily moisturizer or cleanser. Before using undiluted tea tree oil on your face, do a patch experiment to see if it irritates your skin. Put a few drops either onto your forearm or behind your ear and wait a couple of hours. In case of irritation starts, dilute the oil based on a 50-50 ratio before applying.
Use antibiotics To reduce Skin Inflammation
Antibiotics help reduce bacteria and inflammation on the skin. Either your dermatologist or your doctor will often prescribe antibiotics. You can apply them topically to your skin or ingest through the mouth. The ones you can swallow are usually the last option for people whose acne is severe or doesnu2019t respond to alternative remedies.Long-term antibiotic utilization increases your risk of antibiotic immunity. If either your dermatologist or your doctor recommends antibiotic therapy for pimples or acne, make sure you consult them about the side effects and potential harm.
Use a French green clay
This product is an absorbent, mineral-rich clay with healing qualities. According to research from 2010, French green clay has robust antibacterial features. It assists in drawing out impurities, lessen inflammation, and absorb excess oil that may cause the formation of pimples. You can find French green clay in a powder state. You can then mix it with water to create a face mask. You can alternatively add other skin-soothing products like honey or yogurt.
Stay away From certain foods
If youu2019ve heard before that junk food causes pimples, then know that thereu2019s a lot of truth in that statement. According to a 2010 study, eating a diet rich in high glycemic may lead to acne. High glycemic beverages and foods such as baked products made with white flour, chips, and soft drinks accelerate blood sugar levels and often contain fewer nutrients than their low glycemic counterparts. The review also found that eating dairy products may trigger pimples.
Reduce stress To Lessen Effects of Acne
Stress doesnu2019t cause pimples spots, but it may worsen them. Based on the American Academy of Dermatology, a study indicates that whenever youu2019re stressed, your body system creates oil-stimulating hormones in excess. Some routines to help you manage stress include: aromatherapy, journaling, meditation, yoga and massage.
