Blemishes or pimples are common skin problems that can be a source of frustration for many people. This skin condition often appears on facial areas such as the forehead or cheeks and chin. Apart from the face, pimples can also appear on parts of the body such as the back of our necks. This uneven texture can certainly interfere with appearance and make people insecure! What are the causes of these textured spots? In this article, Serenitree will discuss what a pimple is, its symptoms, its causes, how it differs from fungal acne, and of course, how to treat or prevent it.
Because if we don’t know the cause, it will be more difficult to get rid of pimples. So make sure to see it all the way through!
What are pimples and what causes it?
Pimples is a skin condition where small pockets of oil and dead skin cells form beneath the surface of the skin. Symptoms include the appearance of small, textured spots, especially in the T-zone area of the face, such as the forehead, nose, and chin. Sometimes, they may also appear along with redness or itching (depending on the cause).
Although the symptoms are similar, there are various causes of bruising! It could be because of:
- Milia
A buildup of keratin-filled sacs beneath the surface of the skin. They appear as white or small spots that feel hard to the touch.
- Blackhead buildup
Pores that are clogged with sebum and dead skin cells.
- Allergic reaction
An allergic reaction to a skincare ingredient can cause inflammation or breakouts on the skin.
- Hormonal changes
Hormonal changes, especially during puberty, pregnancy, or menstruation, can affect oil production by the skin glands. Excess oil levels can clog pores and cause bruising.
- Air pollution
Continuous exposure to air pollution and harmful particles can lead to inflamed skin.
- Lack of hygiene
Lack of hygiene can accumulate dirt, bacteria, and oil that can clog pores.
- Excess oil content
Excessive oil (sebum) production on the skin that we don’t address can clog pores.
- Unhealthy diet
A diet high in sugar or processed foods can affect skin health. Lack of nutrients and moisture can lead to skin problems including bruising.
There are so many factors that can make pimples appear on our face or other areas of our body! So before we move on to the solution, it’s a good idea to take a few steps back to analyze what the possible contributing factors are. That way, we can get rid of pimples from the root and prevent them from coming in the future!
Differences between Pimples and Fungal Acne
Often, people can’t tell the difference between pimples and fungal acne. The symptoms are slightly similar, whereas fungal acne generally appears in the form of clustered bumps of the same size, reddish in color, and causes itching in the sufferer. In contrast, pimples are generally different in size, scattered over the body, similar in color to the skin, and there is no itching.
Pimples usually occur due to the accumulation of dead skin cells and oil in the hair follicles (and various causes, see above), while fungal acne is caused by fungal infection in the hair follicles. This fungus can grow due to frequent covering, moisture and sweating; a hot/humid environment; immune system disorders, and too tight clothing. The solution is to use anti-fungal medication or wear loose clothing and maintain hygiene (always wipe off sweat and clean the skin).
So, confirm the symptoms first, whether Sereni-Trees has pimples or it’s fungal acne. Don’t get the wrong treatment and make your skin condition worse!
How to Prevent or Eliminate Pimples
To prevent it, it’s simple, we must routinely maintain the health and hygiene of our bodies inside and out. Always regularly clean, moisturize, and give our body ammunition in the form of nutrition and a balanced diet.
If pimples have already appeared, we can get rid of pimples by regularly cleaning the skin with a cleanser that is gentle and does not contain harsh ingredients. Clean skin is the beginning of healthy skin. Try to make sure that the cleanser you choose contains salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide.
This can be followed by exfoliation (chemical) using products containing AHA (alpha hydroxyl acid), salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and retinol. Exfoliation cleanses the pores and maintains the skin’s moisture balance without clogging the pores. But remember, we can only exfoliate once every 1-2 weeks depending on our skin condition.
Next, we can routinely use moisturizers with salicylic or niacinamide content that help reduce excess oil production. Especially for those with oily skin, try to choose light-textured and non-comedogenic products!
We can also turn to the help of your favorite dermatologist or specialist. You will get many medical options such as laser therapy, chemical peels, facials (blackhead extraction), or medication according to the diagnosis. Don’t forget to exercise and consume healthy food daily to eliminate pimples effectively!
Risks of Pimples that are not handled properly
Pimples are not a dangerous skin problem, but lack of treatment can actually worsen the condition of our skin! Pimples can become inflamed or spread, it can even become infected and leave scars. If that’s the case, treatment will be more difficult.
It’s not just the physical negative effects, pimples can make us more insecure and stressed. In addition, even if we cover it with makeup, it will still look textured or feel uncomfortable. Moreover, overuse of heavy makeup can even worsen bruising.
Getting rid of pimples does require patience and regular maintenance. However, as we’ve discussed, it’s not that difficult, right? It is important to choose your skincare products wisely and be consistent in taking care of your skin. The first step we can take now is to identify the causative factors before continuing to look for the right solution. We can do some research or consult a skin specialist (more effective diagnosis and treatment).
Try to treat it immediately before the symptoms get worse! Remember, skin health is a long-term investment. Make sure always to prioritize your skin health, Sereni-Trees! Hope this article helps you get rid of those stubborn pimples on your skin!