Acne and Pimples

The swelling on the skin that is a result of the skin pores clogging are pimples and acne. The skin and hair is moisturized constantly by the natural oils produced underneath the skin. Generally pimples are caused due to the shedding of the dead skin cells that clog the pores of the skin. The combination of the dead skin cells and the natural oils worsens the blockage of the skin pores and leads to the creation of pimples and acne. The most common types of acne are blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts.

So what’s the difference?

People think that acne and pimples are one and the same but actually pimple is a type of acne. Acne Vulgaris is a skin condition that affects adolescent people who are going through their puberty age. It is seen as a form of red, scaly skin containing sebum underneath it. The pimples are caused due to blockage of skin pores and are visible as red bumps on the face that have a white core. Androgen stimulation is also the cause for the transformation of pilosebaceous units that lead to the generation of the papules. The sebum collection under the skin can cause pimples which in turn may lead to papules.

Are there different types of Acne? 

The identification of the type of acne can help a person when trying out pimple cure techniques. Acne treatment can lead to scars so measures should also be taken to get rid of acne scars. The comedones or the mild types of acne are caused due to the mixture of oil and dead skin cells that leads to blockages in hair follicles. The open comedones or blackheads are caused because of cellular debris and oil getting exposed to the oxygen in the air. This process is called oxidation and turns the acne into black colour. As opposed to this, a whitehead is created when the cellular debris and oil in the hair follicle are not exposed to air that show little, white or skin-colored bumps on the skin. The papules are the severe type of pustules that don’t contain pus or fluid and are seen as red inflamed bumps on the skin. The pustules contain thick white fluid-like pus that has been created with a mixture of white blood cells, oil and dead skin cells. The nodules are hard, large and painful red lumps that are caused due to the tearing of the wall of a hair follicle which gets exposed to oil and cell debris. Cysts look similar to the nodules but stay underneath the skin for a lifetime even when the acne has healed.

Some tips for healthy skin

The acne or pimple infection can be treated easily by following some tips to keep the skin clean and healthy. Given below are some of the tips to get rid of acne that can give soft, blemish-free skin.

• Clean your skin: Washing your face a least twice every day is essential for removing the impurities, dead skin cells and extra oils from the skin. Use a suitable treatment cleanser suited to your skin type.

• Moisturise: People using acne products tend to experience skin dryness that can be removed by applying an oil free moisturiser.

• Try an over-the-counter acne product: It is preferable to use acne products that consist of benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid that are known to help treatment of acne.

• Check hair products: Hair products like fragrances, oils, pomades and gels can block skin pores if they come on the face so use a gentle shampoo and conditioner that doesn’t harm the skin.

• Keep away from sun: Pimples can worsen due to the harmful UV rays of the sun so avoid going out in the sun or apply noncomedogenic sunscreens that protect the skin.

• Eat healthy: It is preferable to stay away from oily and greasy or junk food as they can aggravate the problem. Instead, opt for fresh fruits and vegetables that will keep the skin healthy and clean.

• Regular Exercise: Exercising has many benefits for the health but it also helps in keeping the skin healthy and fresh. It is essential to shower after the daily workout to keep the skin clean and clear.

• Control stress levels: Stress levels tend to have a very harmful effect on the skin which can lead to acne or pimples. So, keep the stress at bay and enjoy a healthy and vibrant skin at all times.