How to Get Rid of Pimples

For many, pimples can negatively impact self-confidence, resulting in lower self-esteem. Luckily, there are different tips you can use to eliminate pimples, ensuring a smooth and even complexion. But first, it’s essential to understand basic principles such as what pimples are and how they form to prevent future recurrence.

What are Pimples, and How are They Formed?

Pimples are small papules or pustules that form on the face, forehead, and chest, and they contain pus at their tips. Acne is the skin condition responsible for the formation of pimples. While there’s no known cause for pimples, studies show that hormonal changes and conditions under the skin’s surface are responsible for their formation.

Pimples form when sebum (excess oil) mix with dead skin cells, clogging the pores. This results in swelling or inflammation, causing bacteria to grow in the mix. Eventually, the pores become infected and fill up with pus.

Generally, pimples can develop at any age, but they’re more common among teenagers. It’s essential to note that pimples vary in severity, from blackheads to cysts. And, depending on what type of pimples you have, treatment options differ.

How to Treat Pimples

When treating pimples on the face, avoid picking, popping, or squeezing them. Doing so releases the pus, risking infection to the surrounding areas. Additionally, it affects how the pimple heals, resulting in acne scarring.

Instead, wash the affected area with a cleanser, then apply home treatments or over-the-counter products to the pimple to dry out the lesion. Some of the products to use include treatments with:

• Benzoyl peroxide • Salicylic acid • Tea tree oil

These ingredients kill acne-causing bacteria while stopping the growth of bacteria. They also regulate oil without causing dryness or irritation. Products with retinol serum also work wonders on pimple-prone skin, revealing a smoother complexion.

For severe acne, you may need to consult with a dermatologist for in-depth treatments such as cortisone injections, chemical peels, or oral medications. These treatments are highly effective in treating cysts, and they are specialized to meet your skin’s unique needs.

Prevention Tips

While there are numerous treatment options for pimples, preventing them from occurring in the first place or recurring is the ideal approach. Some of the prevention tips you can employ include:

1. Washing your face

Properly wash your face daily to remove excess dirt, oil, and sweat. However, avoid washing your face using harsh cleansers that dry out the skin, particularly if you have sensitive or pimple-prone skin. After washing your face, rinse thoroughly and pat dry.

2. Knowing your skin type

It’s no secret that anyone can get pimples, regardless of their skin type. But, some skin types are more prone to pimples than others. For instance, oily skin is pimple-prone due to the excessive production of oil. That’s why people with oily skin tend to have acne in the T-zone areas.

Luckily, by knowing your skin type, you can choose skincare products specially formulated for you to prevent clogged pores.

3. Moisturizing skin

Dry skin is more susceptible to acne as the glands produce more oil to keep the surface hydrated, clogging your pores and causing further breakouts. To avoid this, moisturize your skin using non-comedogenic and fragrance-free moisturizers.

You can also stay hydrated by drinking at least 8 cups of water each day, giving your skin a brighter and radiant complexion.

4. Don’t touch your face

Throughout the day, your hands encounter dirt, grime, and bacteria that can easily be transferred onto your skin, causing a pimple breakout. Therefore, avoid touching your face unless your hands are clean. Also, change your pillowcases often as they harbor bacteria that can cause pimples.

5. Limit makeup wear

Makeup is a great way to cover your blemishes and achieve a flawless look. However, makeup clogs your pores, triggering breakouts. Hence, if you can, go au naturel. If not, use makeup products that don’t contain fragrances, oils, and alcohol as they cause irritation and redness. Alternatively, if you’re experiencing a pimple breakout, avoid wearing makeup until the acne clears up.

Best Treatments for Pimples

Now that you know how to get rid of pimples, here’s a curated list of five of the best products for pimples so that you can find one suitable for your skin type.

1. Patchology Breakout Box 3-in-1 Acne Treatment Kit 2. SkinCeuticals Retinol 3. Dr Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel 4. VERSO Dark Spot Fix 5. PMD Personal Microderm Pro – Blush