Pimples are caused by clogged, infected pores that are often the result of hormonal fluctuations, which is why teenagers and women are most commonly impacted by pimples, according to "Handbook of Dermatology: A Practical Manual." Pimples can be managed by consistently following a series of simple steps that balance the pH of the skin, reduce its oil production and decrease the incidence of acne.
Step 1
Cleanse your skin twice daily with an acne cleanser containing salicylic acid. This will reduce the amount of pimples on the skin, because salicylic acid decreases the number of dead skin cells that could clog pores by increasing cell turnover, according to "Cosmetic Dermatology: Principles and Practice."
Step 2
Pull hair away from your face. Consider wearing long hair in a braid or ponytail. Pull back short hair with a headband or use styling products to keep hair off the face. According to "Braun-Falco's Dermatology," hair can introduce sweat and oils that do not naturally occur on the facial skin. This sweat and oil can clog pores and aggravate pimples.
Step 3
Avoid touching your face. According to "Cosmetic Dermatology: Principles and Practice," people commonly have dirt and bacteria on their hands that can easily be transferred to the face, worsening an outbreak and causing further pimples.
Step 4
Apply only oil-free cosmetics. Look for cosmetics labeled "nonacnegenic" or "noncomedogenic," as these cosmetics will be free of oil and glycerin, which could worsen pimples, according to "Braun-Falco's Dermatology."
Step 5
Visit a dermatologist if your acne has not improved with home treatment. Prescription medication is available that can treat stubborn pimples that do not respond to home care.
Things You'll Need
- Acne cleanser
References
- "Handbook of Dermatology: A Practical Manual"; Margaret W. Mann, David R. Berk, Daniel L. Popkin, and Susan J. Bayliss; 2009
- "Cosmetic Dermatology: Principles and Practice"; Leslie Baumann; 2009
- "Braun-Falco's Dermatology"; Walter H.C. Burgdorf, Gerd Plewig, Helmut Heinrich Wolff, and Michael Landthaler; 2008
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