Pimple or acne breakouts are due to overactive oil glands and inflamed pores. Certain skin bacteria may aggravate pimples. Pimples can show up anyplace on the skin, but, they frequently occur on the face.
Since pimples are generally triggered by androgen hormones and, in some cases are hereditary, there’s no surefire approach to forestall them. In any case, there are many techniques to diminish their severity and hold them in check.
Here are 10 methods to reduce the severity of acne and try keeping them in check:
- Proper washing of face
To help avert pimples, it’s essential to remove abundant oil, dirt, and sweat every day. However, washing the face more than twice a day may make the acne worse. Try not to wash your face with harsh cleansers that dry skin. Use an alcohol-free face wash.
To wash your face:
- Wet your face with warm water.
- Apply a mild cleanser in a delicate, circular movement using your fingers.
- Wash thoroughly, and pat dry.
- Know your skin type
Anybody can get pimples, regardless of their skin type. Oily skin is the most pimple-inclined. It’s brought about by your skin’s sebaceous glands creating an excess of oily sebum. Another type of skin that may cause pimples is mixed skin. Mixed skin implies you have both dry and oily areas. The oily areas will, in general, be your forehead, nose, and chin, also called your T-zone. Understanding your skin type will assist you in picking the correct skincare products. For instance, if your skin is oily, pick non-comedogenic products that are developed to not block pores.
- Keep skin moisturized
Moisturizers assist the skin with remaining hydrated. Although, numerous moisturizers contain oil, added fragrance, or different ingredients that may disturb skin and cause pimples. To help forestall pimples, use scent-free, non-comedogenic creams/lotions after you wash your face or when your skin feels dry.
- Use OTC acne meds
Over-the-counter (OTC) acne meds may help to treat pimples quickly or forestall them in the first place. Most contain either benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
Utilize an OTC treatment to spot-treat pimples. Or on the other hand, use it as a maintenance routine to control outbreaks. To help forestall side-effects like redness, irritation, and dryness, precisely adhere to the manufacturer’s usage directions.
- Always stay hydrated
A dehydrated body signals your skin’s oil glands to produce more oil. Lack of hydration likewise gives your skin a dull appearance and promotes irritation and redness.
To keep your body hydrated, drink at least 2Ltrs of water every day. Drink more after exercise, in case you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, or you spend energy in a hot, humid condition.
- Limit the use of makeup
It’s enticing to go through cosmetics to cover pimples. However, doing so may clog pores and trigger outbreaks. Go natural when you can. Even if you wear makeup, avoid oily, abundant foundation, and use items that are non-comedogenic, sheer, and scent-free.
Oily or greasy shampoos, body washes, shaving creams, and hair styling items may all trigger pimples. To help forestall outbreaks, pick oil-free, non-comedogenic alternatives.
- Avoid popping pimples
As enticing as it might be to press that overwhelming whitehead on the tip of your nose, don’t. Popping pimples may cause bleeding, extreme scarring, or infection. It might likewise increase inflammation and clog encompassing pores, worsening your pimple problem.
- Limit touching the face
Your hands experience grime and bacteria continually throughout the day. Furthermore, each time you touch your face, a part of those pore-clogging impurities get transferred to your skin.
Definitely, if your nose itches, scratch it. In any case, wash your hands routinely, and try to touch your face as little as possible.
- Limit exposure to the sun
Enjoying some sunshine may dry out pimples temporarily, but it may cause major problems in the long run. Constant exposure to the sun dries out the skin, which after some time makes it produce more oil and block pores.
It’s essential to wear sunscreen to help forestall skin cancer. However, numerous sunscreens are oily. For both sun and pimple protection, wear a non-comedogenic, without oil sunscreen.
- Avoid certain foods and reduce stress
It is theorized that food may have a role in acne. As per a recent survey, eating a high glycemic diet may cause acne. High glycemic food and beverages like chips, baked foods made with white flour, and sodas spike glucose levels and are frequently less nutritious than low glycemic food sources. The survey also discovered eating dairy & chocolate may trigger pimples. Further studies in this area haven’t proven conclusive. However, a well-balanced diet will not only prove beneficial to your skin but also your health.
Stress doesn’t cause pimples, however, it might aggravate them. As per the recent research by a renowned dermatology institute, when you’re stressed, your body creates more oil-invigorating hormones. A few ways to oversee stress are:
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Journaling
- Massage
- Aromatherapy
The ways you in which you prevent pimples can likewise assist you with overseeing them. For example, eating right, reducing stress, and not popping pimples may help contain them and lessen to what extent they remain around.
Everybody gets pimples from time to time. Numerous things may trigger pimples like hormones, stress, hereditary qualities, and diet. A few meds may significantly trigger breakouts. At their best, pimples are irritating. In their worst, they may cause perpetual scarring, genuine anxiety, or depression. Whatever prevention plan you pick, patience and consistency are vital.
Always feel free to consult with your local qualified dermatologist to discuss your acne and its management.
Dr. Nitin Nair, Junior Consultant – Dermatology and Cosmetology, Bangalore – Narayana Medical Centre, Langford Town