It's inevitable. The morning before a first date or the night before your big presentation, a big pimple is just waiting to erupt on your face! You don't need to panic when clogged pores threaten to ruin your flawless face; we've got some great tricks for beating those blemishes at all stages of the game.
What IS a pimple?
A pimple is an infected or clogged pore that swells up above the skin. Some pimples are mild and create only a small red bump that clears on its own. Others can be ugly white-headed monstrosities that you feel have taken over your entire face.
Pimples are caused when your oil glands are clogged or infected, causing bacteria to grow within the pore, which produces the redness, swelling and pain associated with a typical zit. Most teenagers going through puberty experience increased breakouts of acne and pimples because of their hormonal changes. Pregnant women also often experience acne during their increased hormonal changes.
Types of pimples you may experience include:
- Whiteheads, the most common type, which get their name from the white-colored top of the pimple;
- Blackheads, where the skin pigmentation leaks to the top of the pimple to cause a blackish appearance;
- Papules, pimples that are red bumps without heads;
- Pustules, inflamed whiteheads with a yellow or white center; and
- Nodules, severe pimples that manifest as hard, painful bumps under the skin surface, often filled with pus.
When You Feel a Pimple Coming On
Most of us can tell when a zit is ready to take up residence on our face. There's the telltale redness, minor swelling, tightness, and sometimes minor pain that are just waiting to turn into a nice white-capped disaster. When you notice a problem spot, there are plenty of over-the-counter treatments to try, and some home remedies as well.
Medicinal treatments are plentiful in the skin care aisle of your local pharmacy or grocery store. There are many brands to choose from for on-the-spot emergency pimple treatment. Most of the major brands such as Oxy, Clearasil, and Neutrogena have a formula designed for spot treatment of single pimples. They all generally contain the same active ingredient, such as the common Benzoyl Peroxide that treats the infection.
Some of the natural remedies for spot pimple treatment include using a paste toothpaste (not gel) or calamine lotion applied to the pimple site. As the toothpaste or lotion dries, it also dries out the pimple, although this may irritate those with dry skin. Honey is a natural anti-bacterial remedy that not only helps kill the pimple but rarely causes irritation (and it tastes great if you accidentally lick it off!).
Tackling Recurring Acne Breakouts
When you've got more than the occasional annoying zit popping up on your face it may be time to create an acne prevention regimen. There are plenty of medical "systems" available on the market, and natural remedies to add to your daily beauty process.
One of the most popular acne prevention systems on the market is the Proactiv system, which can be purchased over the phone, online, and may even be found in vending machines and kiosks in larger malls and shopping centers. Systems like these typically involve a daily facial cleanser, an astringent toner, and a spot treatment cream. The cleanser helps remove dirt and kills bacteria while the toner removes dead skin cells and allows the treatment cream to penetrate the pore and prevent new breakouts.
There are dozens of natural treatments suggested for preventing acne, but as with any home remedy there are dozens of claims that it works and dozens of naysayers. Most natural remedies involve various fruit, vegetable and plant compounds applied to the face. Some of the popular ones include aloe vera, which not only helps cleanse and soften skin, but also has medicinal properties. Honey again is a great naturally occurring anti-bacterial substance, but can dry your skin if used too frequently.
Natural, Healthy Habits to Form to Prevent Breakouts
The best natural methods of preventing acne breakouts are less topical and more practical. Drinking plenty of water every day helps keep skin healthy and hydrated, decreasing the risk of infections. Washing your face with a mild cleanser in the morning and evening will remove the daily dirt and oils that build up and can clog pores. Make sure to remove your makeup every night to prevent pore clogging as well.
You should also be aware of just what you're putting on your face. Touching or picking at existing acne will only worsen the problem by increasing bacteria and spreading it to other areas. Wash your hands before touching your face, and try not to aggravate any areas of your skin that have breakouts. Keeping pillow cases and bedding clean and fresh can also help minimize the amount of bacteria and dirt that your face comes in contact with.
There are myths that eating fatty or oily foods can cause acne, and some research supports these claims while others deny it. Either way, eating a healthy, balanced diet that supports your entire body's needs will generally increase your overall health and give some help to your acne prevention. There are no known "cure foods/diets" for acne treatment.
Getting Professional Pimple Help
Because the causes for acne are varied, and everyone has different skin types and reactions to treatment, there's no single cure for all acne problems. Your best options are to try several methods until you find the proper solution for your pimple prevention needs.
If you're concerned about severe acne breakouts, or if every over-the-counter or natural method you've tried isn't doing the trick, you may need to see a dermatologist. Your dermatologist can run tests to determine the best treatments for your condition, and provide you with stronger medications to treat your acne. It's also important to have a dermatologist monitor your condition if you are allergic to certain medications, pregnant, or on other topical treatments.
