Have you ever imagined having smooth skin? To achieve this dream, you must first understand what causes pimples, so you can get rid of them.
You have probably suffered, or suffer, from terrible blackheads, as does a large part of the population. Therefore, we will explain what causes pimples, what treatments are available and how to avoid them on your skin.
Although this injury mainly occurs in adolescence, it is normal for it to also occur in adults.
There are several reasons that can cause acne on the face and body, such as: oily skin, stress, poor diet and hormonal disorders. Therefore, the best way to achieve smooth skin and not suffer from these discomforts is by investing in a healthy lifestyle and daily care.
Furthermore, there are other treatments and precautions to prevent pimples. Keep reading and find out!
What are acnes?
First of all, it is important to understand what Acne is. It can be said to be an inflammation of the skin, which occurs when the hair follicles become covered, in other words, when there is an excessive presence of fat or dead cells in the skin.
The regions most affected by pimples are the face, neck, chest, shoulders and back.
What causes pimples?
Pimples are caused by the combination of several factors. Among them is excess oil on the skin, the accumulation of bacteria, stress, tendencies towards inflammation, poor diet, genetics, hormonal dysregulation and, finally, the accumulation of dead cells and tissues. Next, we will explain a little more about each cause.
1.Puberty
Adolescence, between 8 and 14 years of age, is the most common period for pimples. This is due to the increased production of androgenic hormones, such as testosterone, which stimulates the production of oil and causes blackheads.
2. Sleeping with makeup on
Another factor that increases the chances of getting pimples is not removing makeup from your face before going to sleep, especially when using oil-based or low-quality products.
Therefore, choose good, water-based makeup and always remember to remove all makeup with makeup remover before going to sleep.
3. Poor diet
First of all, good nutrition is important not only to avoid pimples, but also to keep the body healthy.
Some foods, such as milk, sweets, carbohydrates and fried foods, when consumed in excess, can increase the chances of acne. This is because they alter hormonal production and stimulate skin inflammation.
Therefore, choose a diet rich in antioxidants, such as vegetables, fruits, water and fish.
4. Stress
Stress causes the body to experience a hormonal imbalance, which can increase the oiliness of the skin and, ultimately, result in blackheads and pimples.
5. Reaction to medications
Some medications can cause side effects, such as skin inflammation. These include, for example: corticosteroids and anti-inflammatories.
In these cases, talk to a doctor about possibly changing your medication.
6. Incorrect skin cleansing
Initially, when the skin is not well cleaned, there is an accumulation of oil and dirt, which clogs the pores and facilitates the appearance of pimples.
To keep your skin clean, you need to wash it at least twice a day, when you wake up and when you go to bed.
7. Use of oily products
As previously mentioned, oiliness is one of the main causes of blackheads. Products such as sunscreen or very oily moisturizers are among the main products that cause inflammation.
8. Hormonal diseases
Another reason for the appearance of pimples is hormonal imbalance, which is most often caused by diseases, such as polycystic ovary syndrome.
9. Too much sun
Excessive sun causes various skin diseases, including pimples. This happens because UV radiation can accelerate inflammation and oil production.
To avoid this problem, use a sunscreen suitable for your skin. Additionally, avoid exposing yourself to the sun between 10 am and 4 pm.
10. Genetics
Having a family member who has already suffered from acne can increase the chances of also acquiring blackheads.
11. Pregnancy
Finally, the appearance of pimples may be due to pregnancy. This happens because some women suffer from increased progesterone, which causes oily skin, resulting in blackheads.
Graus gives acne
It can be said that pimples are classified into different degrees, which are:
- Grade 1: presence of only comedones, without signs of inflammation;
- 2: presence of comedones, with inflammation;
- 3: presence of comedones, pustules, papules, cysts, with a high level of inflammation and pain;
- 4: presence of comedones, pustules, papules, cysts, plaques and a highly infected area.
How to treat pimples
Firstly, the most important step to fighting acne is following a skincare routine. Cleansing your skin, following a healthy diet and keeping your body hydrated are the best habits to follow if you want to keep your skin smooth.
However, if your degree is more difficult to treat, there are some medications and aesthetic procedures that can be performed. Check out:
Skin cleansing
Skin cleansing is an aesthetic treatment designed to remove excess oil and dead cells from the face. Furthermore, it leaves the skin firmer and more elastic. The procedure is best suited for removing pimples and blackheads.
Peels
Peeling is a non-invasive treatment, effective both for wrinkles and blemishes and for combating acne. The procedure peels off the skin, causing it to renew itself. Therefore, for those with oily skin, this option is ideal.
However, if you have grade 1 acne, resort to retinoic acid peeling. But, if you are part of the group of people with other degrees, you may be resorting to peeling with salicylic acids.
Pulsed light
Finally, there is the procedure done using pulsed light. This method is capable of combating acne, only reaching the area of the face with inflammation, without harming the rest of the skin.
For light treatment, you need the help of a specific device that emits a concentration of light on the inflamed area, destroying bacteria and intensifying healing.
How to avoid pimples
In summary, to avoid pimples:
- Avoid foods such as sweets, fried foods and alcoholic drinks;
- Eat a diet rich in omega 3, zinc and antioxidants, such as salmon, sunflower seeds, fruits and vegetables;
- Clean your face daily, with products suitable for your skin;
- Apply sunscreen before exposing yourself to the sun;
- Exfoliate at least once a week to remove dead cells.
Frequently asked questions
via GIPHY
Can I squeeze pimples? What dermatologists recommend is not to squeeze pimples. This action can hurt the skin and attract bacteria.
Does exercising regularly help reduce acne? Yes, exercising helps to minimize stress which, as mentioned above, can cause acne.
Does chocolate give you pimples? Contrary to what many people think, chocolate does not cause pimples, but rather the sugar it contains does. Therefore, when buying sweets, choose 70% cocoa or sugar-free sweets.
During the menstrual period, do pimples appear more frequently? Yes! Due to the hormonal changes experienced in the body during menstruation, the skin has a greater presence of oil, which results in pimples and blackheads.
So, what did you think of this article? Take the opportunity to also read: Benefits of honey for the skin, what are they? Recipes and curiosities.
Sources: Dermaclub, Skinlaser, Tua Saúde.
Image sources: It has my Size, Tribuna do Norte, Santa Madra,Call Clínica, Buzzfeed, PartMed, Uol, Esaq, Graces and Nome An.
