Blemishes, also called acne or pimples, occur when bacteria, dirt, oil and dead skin cells block pores in the skin. Breakouts typically appear on the face, neck, chest and back. According to the Acne Resource Center website, breakouts are one of the most common skin conditions in the United States, affecting about 60 million Americans.
Prevention
One of the best ways to get rid of blemishes can also help prevent them. Washing skin with soap and water helps reduce the production of sebum. A 2008 study by the Urban Life Research Institute in Tokyo and published in the "Journal of Physiological Anthropology" found that people who showered in the morning produced less sebum throughout the day, compared with people who did not shower.
Skin Care
Using non-comedogenic products will go a long way in keeping your skin clear of breakouts. Products like makeup and moisturizers can clog pores. Non-comedogenic cosmetics and lotions are formulated with water rather than oil, which can exacerbate blemishes.
OTC Treatment
The non-prescription medications most successful at treating blemishes are salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. According to the Acne website, salicylic acid works by slowing the cells inside the pores from shedding and unclogs pores. Benzoyl peroxide works by killing the bacteria that causes acne and drying pimples. Daniel Kern, founder of the Acne website, reports that benzoyl peroxide also oxygenates acne, making it uninhabitable by the bacteria that causes acne.
Prescription Treatments
Moderate to severe acne may not respond to OTC treatments. Medications, like antibiotics and a prescription-strength derivative of Vitamin A--sold as Differin--attack acne by killing bacteria and prevent skin cells from blocking pores. Prescription medications can also prevent the sebaceous glands from producing too much sebum.
Consideration
According to the National Institutes of Health, acne is known to run in families. Triggers for people prone to breakouts include hormonal changes related to puberty, oral contraceptives, pregnancy and stress. Hair products can clog pores around the hairline and cause pimples. Drugs like steroids, testosterone and estrogen are known to cause acne. Humidity and sweating cause acne by blocking pores and irritating current blemishes.
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