What Causes Acne or Pimples?

At times, acne or pimples are simply a result of a reaction to a cosmetic product. And yes, what you eat could be the culprit too. Additionally, there is also a common notion that not drinking enough water can cause acne. While all this can aggravate the acne problem, there are several other factors too.

1. Genetic

If either of your parents had acne, it is more likely that you too will develop it sooner or later in life.

2. Drugs

Certain medications are known to have worsened acne. These include steroids and anticonvulsant medications.

3. Smoking

You know that smoking is injurious to health, but did you know that it is also bad for the skin? With every cigarette that you smoke, there is a decrease in oxygen supply to the face. The smoke also irritates the skin, causing it to produce more oil and possibly result in breakouts. Apart from causing breakouts on the face, the breakdown of collagen and elastin might open pores.

 Tips To Getting Rid of Pimples

1. Touching your face frequently

While touching your face may or may not cause acne, it definitely does make it worse. In our daily routine, our hands come into contact with germs, bacteria and dirt, which are all then easily transferred onto the face due to repetitive touching.

Keep your hands off your face. Though you might be tempted to itch or meddle with the affected area, refrain from doing so.

2. Taking the stress

A major reason for acne is stress. When under pressure, the sensitive skin produces stress hormones that stimulate oil glands producing more testosterone, thereby resulting in increased oil production and clogged pores.

Make sure you spend at least 15 to 20 minutes every day doing yoga or mediation. This will help rejuvenate your body and mind, which in turn helps bring down your stress levels.

3. Not using the right hair products

The hair products that you use on a daily basis, from your shampoo, conditioner to sprays, gels, etc. contain products like sulfates, silicone, and other chemical agents that might be harmful to the skin and trigger acne.

Try not to let these hair products come in contact with your skin. After using these products, clean your face, neck and chest area and ensure no residue is left behind. Dandruff too can be another major culprit. Therefore, make sure that you wash your hair from time to time and comb your hair backward. It also helps to have your hair tied back so that any product you use on your hair doesn't irritate your facial skin too much.

4. Not washing your face properly

Keep your face clean and wash it once or twice a day with mild soap or face wash. Make sure to wash your face with a cleanser every night before going to bed. In case you have been affected by acne, then skip the facial scrub. Wipe your skin with an astringent or toner to remove the oil from your skin from time to time. Make sure that any item that comes in direct contact with your face, be it towels, or makeup brushes, are washed regularly. This ensures that all the germ buildup on such items gets rinsed out, and doesn't get transferred to your face. Use separate towels for your hair and face.

5. Not changing the pillowcases

Dirty pillowcases and bedsheets can very well be the cause of acne breakouts. Dirty bedding can cause dirt to settle on our face and skin and end up in clogging pores

Try changing your pillow cover once in four days. Moreover, it's best to choose a pillow cover that is made out of natural fabric.

6. Popping your pimples

Fidgeting with a pimple causes irritation, pain and discomfort. In the active stage, acne can be irritating, with pus etc.

If you get an acne outbreak once in a while, use a retinoid cream or an antibiotic cream, which will help dry the pimples. Certain topical applications available over the counter can make your skin photosensitive. So make sure you use sunscreen when you’re using a retinoid cream.

7. Applying body cream over your face

Many body care products can give you acne on your face. This could specifically be the case if your skin is sensitive and the facial lotion you generally use is oil and fragrance-free

Stop using body products over your face. Feel free to use face cream on a dry patch of body, but using a body lotion on your face is a big no-no.

8. Garlic and honey

Garlic is known for its antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. When applied on acne, it helps clear skin.

Mix crushed garlic with honey and dab it on acne. Leave it on for 20 minutes and wash.

9. Aloe vera and turmeric

While turmeric is an excellent exfoliating agent and contains antibacterial properties, aloe vera helps soothe the skin due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Together, they help in clearing skin and fading acne scars.

Using a spoon, extract some fresh aloe vera gel from a cut leaf and add a pinch or two of turmeric. After mixing well, apply directly over the affected areas and leave on for a few minutes. Wash and wipe dry.