There is nothing worse than waking up in the morning, looking in the mirror, and there it is in all its glory. A brand new shiny pimple stuck on your face. It’s a never ending battle, no sooner do you get one cleared away then a new pimple pops up in a different spot. No matter what you do or the latest treatment you try your pimples just keep coming back. So what causes these embarrassing outbreaks?
Propionibacterium acnes; otherwise known as bacteria. This bacteria, which normally lives on the skin, is able to grow in plugged hair follicles or pores. Normally sebum, and oily substance that flows to the skins surface, keeps the bacteria from entering the follicle. Pimples develop when the sebum, cells called keratinocytes that line the follicle and the hair itself form a plug allowing the bacteria to enter and grow in the plugged follicle. The body reacts to this invasion by sending white blood cells that cause inflammation.
Eventually the wall of the plugged follicle disintegrates and the infection spreads into the surrounding skin leading to lesions and pimples.
There are several factors which lead to these outbreaks of pimples and for some people make an already bad condition worse.
• Hormones – This is particularly true of teens going through puberty as well as a womans hormone changes during her monthly menstrual cycle, pregnancy and even the birth control pills she is taking.
• Oil from skin products and cosmetics.
• Pressure from tight or restrictive clothing, sports helmets, backpack straps and anything else that does not allow the skin to breathe. • Pollution and high humidity
• Squeezing and picking at pimples.
• Scrubbing your skin to hard.
• Stress.
Contrary to popular belief the foods you eat do not lead to the formation of pimples. There is little scientific evidence that proves that chocolate and greasy foods cause outbreaks of pimples. This does not mean that you should eat a bunch of un-healthy food either. A proper diet will help your body deal with any of the stresses that may lead to outbreaks in a much easier way. A home remedy for pimples includes the following:
• Cleaning your skin gently, particularly your face. It is best to use a mild cleanser twice a day. Do not scrub your face with a rough scour pad and do not use an astringent except for on very oil spots. You can make your pimples worse if you aren’t gentle with your skin care.
• Don’t pick at and pop your pimples. As fun as this may be for some people it can lead to scarring and dark skin blotches.
• Shaving carefully. Make sure your razor is sharp and thoroughly soften your whiskers with warm soap and water. Nicking existing blemishes can make your pimple outbreaks worse.
• Don’t over expose your skin to the sun. While it may appear that a nice tan makes your pimples go away in reality it only makes them less visible. The risks of over exposure to the sun, rapid skin aging and skin cancer, far outweigh any benefit a tan will have for your condition.
• Cosmetics. It is best to choose cosmetics that are oil free. Look for labels that say noncomedogenic. This means they will not lead to clogged pores.
Just about everyone deals with outbreaks of pimples during their life. Nearly 80% of people between the ages of 11 and 30 are affected by them at least once in their life. Most people tend to see their outbreaks disappearing in their thirties; however, some people in their 40s and 50s continue to suffer from this skin problem. A home remedy for pimples is about following some simple guidelines and common sense. If you are careful with your skin care and follow these tips chances are your pimples will disappear.
Andrew Bicknell
