A pimple occurs when one of your skin's sebaceous glands -- which secrete sebum to lubricate your skin -- becomes blocked or infected with bacteria. When this occurs, the gland inflames and develops a small head of pus. Your face, back, chest and shoulders are most susceptible to pimples because this is where your sebaceous glands tend to be most active, especially during puberty.
About Pimples
Having pimples is certainly not a sign that you have dirty skin. The condition is far more likely to be genetic. It's not always easy to prevent or eradicate pimples, but there are a number of treatments that may help. One treatment you should avoid at all costs is squeezing or popping them. Not only can meddling with your spot irritate it and possibly cause a permanent scar or mark, but it can also push the blockage or infection away you're your skin's surface, making it worse and longer lasting.
Mild Soap
According to Christian Nordqvist, reporting on Medical News Today (June 11, 2010), gently cleansing the infected area with a mild soap and warm water can help dry out a pimple. But he warns against washing more than twice a day, as over-cleansing can irritate your skin even further. Additionally, the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases advises against scrubbing or rubbing over and around the pimple because it can make it worse.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is a solution included in many over-the-counter acne products. It is an antibacterial that encourages your skin to shed dead surface cells, according to the Bupa health insurance website. As a result, your pimple may become less inflamed and it may help prevent new ones. However, benzoyl peroxide can irritate your skin when you first start applying it. Start with light applications -- once or twice a day -- to test its affect on your skin, then gradually increase the applications if you don't experience any serious side effects.
Tea Tree Oil
Jules S. Abadi, a New York City dermatologist, notes on the Cosmopolitan website that
tea tree oil from the Australian tea tree plant can be just as effective as benzoyl peroxide in treating pimples. This is because it contains an ingredient called terpinen-4-ol, which dries out the excess oil in overactive sebaceous glands. And, unlike benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil doesn't dry out or irritate your skin, so it is suitable for all skin types.
References
- Medical News Today; What Are Pimples (Zits, Spots)? What Causes Pimples?; Christian Nordqvist; Feb. 2009
- KidsHealth; What Causes Acne?; Jan. 2011
- Medical News Today; What Are The Treatment For Pimples ? How Can I Treat My Pimples?; Christian Nordqvist; June 2010
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases; What Is Acne?; NOv. 2010
- Bupa; Acne; October 2010
- Cosmopolitan: Herbal Acne Zapper
Member Comments