Blemished skin, blackheads and pimples are as normal as they are distressing: those affected are often ashamed of the skin condition for which they can do nothing. Are you finally ready to fight annoying, ugly acne? If so, no problem! You do not even have to spend money on expensive beauty products: Using affordable home remedies, you can fight pimples with ease. What’s best: you probably already have them at home!
Acne or pimples: is there a difference?
The term acne is used from the first pimple and not, as many believe, just when a young person has many pimples and blackheads. Approximately 95% of adolescents suffer from this skin disease, most of which appears for the first time during (pre-)puberty. The acne is differentiated according to its severity. Acne is referred to as physiological acne, also known as mild acne, when the person affected has to deal with only a few pimples and blackheads.
Acne of this type usually disappears after one to two years and it can be easily treated with over-the-counter or home remedies. Approximately 60 % of adolescents are affected. However, the remaining 40 % suffer from clinical acne, which has a chronic and more pronounced course: pimples, pustules and blackheads increase and appear over a longer period of time.
How do pimples develop?
There are various causes of pimples. The most frequent cause of blemished skin is when sebaceous gland overactivity (seborrhea) and a cornification disorder at the sebaceous gland duct (hyperkeratosis) come together.
The sebaceous glands in our skin produce oil and secrete it. It covers the skin and thus protects it from drying out. During puberty, sebum production is increased due to changes in hormonal balance, preventing the fat from draining away and causing excess sebum to clog the pores. Simultaneously, more corneal material is produced in the sebaceous gland duct, which causes additional blockages.
Blackheads (comedones) develop as a result of the sebaceous congestion. When open, these show up as black dots on the surface of the skin. This is why they are nicknamed Black Heads. Enclosed blackheads are called white heads and are surrounded by inflammation. In these cases, the sebaceous gland excretory duct is constricted and clogged, causing increased accumulation of skin oil. Unless the inflammation is relieved, pustules (pustules) and papules (nodules) develop from the comedones.
The right skin care to prevent acne
Having the right skin care routine is important for acne. The majority of experts advise mild skin cleansing with products containing salicylic acid. What this substance does is penetrate deep into the skin and can remove keratinization, sebum and skin flakes.
As a result, the excess sebum produced can flow off more easily and pimples do not appear in the first place. Creams, makeup and sunscreens have to be free of grease so that the pores are not clogged. Using water-based products or light oils will help with skin care.
Can pimples be prevented?
Naturally, you can’t stop sebaceous glands from producing (too much) sebum and clogging them. However, the fact is: you can prevent pimples with the right lifestyle and a few simple tricks.
- Touch your face as less as possible: Dirt on the hands creates additional clogging of the pores, while bacteria can cause inflammation.
- Dirt also gets on the skin via makeup brushes that have not been thoroughly cleaned. Making sure these are kept clean helps prevent pimples.
- Maintaining a healthy diet supplies the body with important vitamins, all of which also support skin health.
- Drinking plenty of water hydrates the skin. As a result, it is optimally protected.
- Sugar feeds inflammation and therefore also promotes blemished skin. Sweet drinks such as cola & co. increase the blood sugar level, which in turn stimulates the sebaceous glands.
- Smoking – including shisha smoke – is harmful to the skin, among other things because it narrows the blood vessels. Poor blood circulation brings pimples with it.
- Shaving triggers pimples: using a dull blade when shaving can often lead to pimples. First, this is because the skin becomes irritated, and second, because dull blades often cause hairs to remain and then grow into the skin. So always use fresh blades when shaving.
When should I see a doctor about acne?
This is a question that young people frequently ask themselves: Do I really need a doctor for acne? The answer is yes and no. Naturally, anyone can treat their blemished skin with the right tips, tricks and home remedies. Most people quickly figure out what their skin needs and how to fight pimples.
But in any case, the advice of an expert will not harm. Particularly if the acne is chronic and intensified. A dermatologist will give individual advice and in stubborn acne cases can prescribe medications that will help the skin.
Powerful Home Remedies to Get Rid of Acne
As we said earlier, there are many secret weapons that help against acne and promote beautiful skin – from the correct care and diet to effective home remedies against pimples. Here we provide an overview!
Honey’s antibiotic properties can help relieve acne. Simply apply 1 teaspoon of honey to the affected areas or make a mask by mixing 1/2 cup of honey with 1 cup of regular oatmeal; wear for 30 minutes from time to time.