The problem of pimples on the face , one of the more common skin disorders, touches the lives of almost everyone at one time or another. During adolescence, adulthood, or even later on down the road, they can be painful, uncomfortable, and even detrimental to one’s self-esteem. While they may be common, knowing the reasons for it, how to treat them, and even how to prevent them can help the individual gain more control over them.
The article will talk about the most common reasons people have and the best home treatments, lifestyle, and prevention strategies to help lessen the amount of pimples on the face.
Table of contents
What are Pimples on the Face ?
Pimples, also known as acne, are small, red, raised bumps or pus-filled spots that occur on the skin most commonly on the face, chest and back. They appear when the pores of the skin, called hair follicles, get clogged with oil (more specifically, sebum, dirt, and dead skin cells). Along with the inflammation and infection as a result of the clogged pores, valves in the skin, called bacteria, can multiply.
Causes of Pimples on the Face
- Overactive sebaceous glands. Overly active sebaceous glands result in oil overproduction, known as hyperseborrhea.
- Clogged dirt. Compacted pores accumulated with dirt and dead skin.
- Bacterial infection. The bacteria, Propionibacterium acnes causes inflammation in the skin.
- Hormonal changes. Common during menstruation, pregnancy, and puberty.
- Diet. A diet high in sugar, oil, and dairy worsens acne.
- Stress. Stress triggers hormonal imbalance which increases breakouts.
Skincare – Using harsh or unsuitable products can cause irritation.
Family History – Having close relatives with acne makes you more likely to develop it.
Pimples on the Face
- Closed comedones (whiteheads) – Pores that are filled with oil and dead skin that close up.
- Open comedones (blackheads) – Pores that are filled with sebum and clogging that turn black.
- Papules – Little red, swollen bumps.
- Pustules – Pimples that are full of pus.
- Nodules – Extremely painful, large, and hard pimples that sit deep underneath the skin.
- Cystic acne – Very severe and has large (pus filled) lumps that often leave scars.
Pimples on the Face: What you can do.
- Over the counter (OTC) medicines
- Benzoyl Peroxide – Decreases bacteria and oil on the skin.
- Salicylic Acid – Sloughs off dead skin, unclogs, and cleans pores.
- Retinoids – Assists with the turnover of skin cells and decreases the number of pimples.
- Prescription medicines.
- Topical antibiotics (Clindamycin, Erythromycin) – Eliminate bacteria.
- Oral antibiotics (Doxycycline, Minocycline) – For the more advanced and severe cases.
- Hormonal therapy (for women) – Certain types of birth control and anti-androgens.
- Isotretinoin – Extremely cystic acne that leads to severe outbreaks of pimples.
- Dermatological procedures.
- Chemical peels – Decrease the number of pimples and remove the top layer of skin.
- Laser therapy – Focused on the oil-filled glands and bacteria on the skin.
- Drainage and extraction – During this process, we remove large cysts.
- Steroid injections – Used for painful, inflamed, and swollen nodules.
Home Remedies for Pimples on Face
- Aloe Vera – They cool on contact, soothe inflammation, and boost healing.
- Tea Tree Oil – Has a strong hydrogen bond that helps kill bacteria and inflamed tissue.
- Honey and Cinnamon Mask – It reduces infection and swelling.
- Green Tea – It has antioxidants that help fight the bacteria that promote pimple growth.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – It helps kill bacteria and balances the skin’s pH by making it more acidic.
- Ice cubes – They help reduce redness and swelling instantly.
- Turmeric paste – It helps reduce pimples due to its antibacterial properties.
Lifestyle Tips to Control Pimples on Face
- Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser.
- Avoid touching and/or popping your pimples.
- Have a balanced diet.
- Drink at least 7.5 litres of water.
- Manage your stress.
- Use non-comedogenic skincare.
- Sleep for a minimum of 7 hours.
Preventive Measures for Pimples on the Face
- Always remember to take off your makeup before sleeping.
- Use a gentle cleanser that matches your skin type.
- Exfoliate once or twice a week to remove old skin.
- Keep hair neat and off the face.
- Heavy oils and greasy skin care products should not be used.
- Apply sunscreen every day to prevent sun exposure damage.
Myths About Red and White Face Pimples
- Myth: Eating a chocolate bar gives you pimples. Truth: Although chocolate does not directly cause acne, any type of sugary, oily food can increase acne.
- Myth: Only teenagers get pimples. Truth: Adults also get pimples due to hormonal changes and stress.
- Myth: The more you pop pimples, the faster they get better. Truth: Popping a pimple increases the chance of infections and scars more than it does healing.
- Myth: There is no limit to how much you can wash your face to avoid getting pimples. Truth: Washing your face too much can increase how much oil your skin makes and cause irritation.
Commonly Asked Questions
1. How long do you find the most pimples on your face?
3-7 days is the average duration, but cystic acne can last for months.
2. Is putting on toothpaste a cure for pimples?
No. In the first place, it is not a cure; secondly, it can make the skin sensitive and red.
3. Can you say they are the same ?
They can be, and a pimple is a type of common acne, which is also a more advanced term.
4. Does drinking water reduce pimples ?
Drinking water assists in flushing out toxins, which maintains skin hydration and might help with pimples.
5. Can pimples leave permanent scars ?
Yes, especially if popped or left untreated. Like all scars, these are treatable, although not completely removable.
Conclusion
The issue of pimples on the face is widespread yet controllable. With appropriate skin care, dietary and lifestyle choices, medications, and even some home treatments, pimples can be kept at bay. It should be noted, however, that the presence of acne is not solely cosmetic but correlates with one’s health and hormonal levels.
Persistent and significant cases of acne that are prone to scarring are best managed on a long-term basis with a dermatologist. With the right approach, skin can be both clear and healthy.
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