Pimples, Acne or Zits-however they are called in your locale, nobody wants them. As slay-queens and kings, pimples are our worst nightmare, (second of course to having zero likes on Instagram).
You might be wondering who in the universe is punishing you with these, but a lot of factors are behind these break-outs. Before we consider these factors, it is important to know that there are many forms of acne such as:
- Steroid-induced acne,
- Neonatal acne
- Acne rosacea
- Acne fulminans- a severe form of skin acne
- It may also be a sign of serious conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (associated with infertility)
However, in the course of this article, we will be discussing-Acne Vulgaris-The most common form of pimples among young persons.
What are the possible causes of Acne (pimples)?
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Hormones
: At a certain age (usually at the onset of puberty), production of a hormone called androgen or oestrogen as the case may be makes the oil glands get larger and increases oil production or sebum which may clog skin pores causing pimples. Hormonal changes can also occur during pregnancy or when you start or stop using birth control pills. Hormonal changes associated with “your time of the month” also may be responsible.
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Oily Scalp
: Oily scalp may be responsible some times for zits on the forehead, as oil tends to seep through the hair and settle on the forehead clogging and resulting in “you-Know-what”. De-greasing is important, so it might be alright to go easy on oiling your scalp, especially if you have an oily scalp.
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Stress:
The Almighty Culprit for a lot of “illnesses”, Acne inclusive. So don’t assist pimples by stressing. Cultivate a healthy lifestyle; Sleep early (if and when you can- don’t be an Owl.) and sleep smart- Change pillow casings and bed-spreads regularly. Exercise and show yourself some love (A weekend at a spa won’t hurt anyone, only maybe your account balance, but “Me-time” has its own perks!)
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OD-ing on Treatments, Soaps and Cleanliness:
As ridiculous as it may sound, being too clean or scrubbing too vigorously will aggravate your acne. Thing is, when you scrub your face or the affected area frequently, and then apply topical treatments too generously, like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide which are said to reduce oil production on the skin, it could result in skin irritation and the active ingredients burning the top layer of your skin, leaving your skin look worse off. Little wonder that the saying goes “Too much of everything is bad”. At best exfoliation should be done not more than twice a week and whatever topical treatment used should be applied sparingly.
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Picking or popping your pimples
: If you want to pop something, save up and buy Champagne! (I have always wanted to say that!) Never, I repeat never pick or pop pimples. Try not to pick for a week and see how much better your skin looks. I know it’s hard, but you can stifle the urge. Having ACNE–FREE skin is more than worth it plus you can reward yourself with whatever you’ve been craving; Chocolate, that shoe or bag– just make sure you work for it!
Enough about causes; Let’s talk Solutions! A number of drugs and creams have been touted to cure pimples or acne but a lot of them are usually pricey and only do little to remedy the situation. Here are some steps to take to attain and ensure an acne–free skin without breaking the bank!
Chill:
Don’t Stress, Take a bath, preferably perfumed ones (Yes! I love Scents), Relax and count your blessings, your body and mind will thank you and your skin will lead the duo!
Daily Wash:
The importance of baths cannot be over-emphasized. Avoid using rough washcloths or sponges. Please, don’t go to bed with makeup on. If you’re feeling a bit tired, keep a baby wipe (they are gentler on your skin) next to your bed, so you can rub off makeup, it makes a ton of difference. Also try a hands-off policy with your face, especially if you’re struggling with pimples, as dirt from your hands will transfer to your face, hence compounding the problem.
Stay Hydrated:
Drink lots of water! Start small; 6-8 glasses of water, then gradually work your way up to 13 glasses and while you’re at it you’ll have to cut down sugary drinks, mineral water and sodas. A tip to know if you’re drinking enough water is the color of your urine; the darker the color, the more you need to drink, you’re only clear if your urine is clear.
Try a natural regimen:
I know it’s a cliché, but it does work: Try this simple four step process;
Step 1-Cleanse with mild soap and water at the end of each day.
The Step 2– Mix 1tbspoon of raw honey and 1 tablespoon of yogurt, apply to face, jawline and other acne-prone areas, relax for 10 minutes and wipe off gently with damp cloth.
Then Step 3–Moisturize your face with a teaspoonful of coconut oil to keep hydrated.
Step 4-Continue this routine 3 times a week to attain and maintain clear, beautiful skin. Acne, however, ranges from mild to severe, if you’ve tried a lot of simple treatments, all to no avail, please see a trained and experienced personnel in this field, they are called Dermatologists. There are several skin care medications containing steroids which may worsen acne. In Nigeria, some use triple action creams such as Funbact A and Skineal which only worsen acne.
There are several myths about pimples out there. Here are 8 fun facts about pimples you should always remember:
8 Must-Know Facts about Pimples
- Pimples can strike at any age. Usually for middle-aged people, that is caused by Acne rosacea, wherein danger of tissue growth and scarring is high and professional help is the most recommended approach to take.
- They are not contagious- just in case you were wondering.
- It can be Hereditary. If your parents had acne, you might be prone to it, but it does not necessarily mean you’re doomed to it
- Contrary to beliefs, exposure to the sun does not heal pimples, except you want to sun-dry yourself and that would be weird as you do not have chlorophyll.
- Chocolate, pizza or fries do not cause pimples. Actually there’s little evidence that specific foods cause pimlples.
Furthermore:
- Pimples are caused by one thing and one thing only- clogged pores which can result from excessive oil production which results from stress as mentioned above.
- It’s the stress that makes you crave chocolate that is causing the acne. Don’t blame the chocolate, It knows nothing.
- Staying hydrated and eating healthy is however important. So when you indulge in a sugary sin, pay penance by working it out!