If you have pimples, they're the very first thing you see when you look in the mirror. You may be incredibly tempted to pop the purulent troublemakers. To learn how pus-filled pimples develop, whether you should squeeze them until they pop or just leave them alone, and how to prevent them from developing, keep reading this health tip for all the answers.
Whether on your forehead, nose or chin – nearly everyone has had a pimple or two. They are most often found in what’s called the T-zone. This is due to the higher concentration of sebaceous glands in this area of the face. The skin is more oily in these areas because these glands produce sebum, an oily secretion that protects the skin from drying out.
If sebum glands clog up, bacteria can easily settle. As a result, the site becomes inflamed. The body reacts by sending white blood cells as a defence. Pus then forms, and the pimple becomes visible as a whitehead. There are various different causes of blocked pores.
Nutrition
What you eat and drink directly affects your skin. Certain foods promote the release of hormones, which can stimulate sebum production. For example, the following foods can lead to more blemishes:
- Chocolate
- Mature cheese
- Drinks containing sugar
- White flour products
- Whey protein shakes
You’re better off choosing alternatives that are good for the skin. Whole grain products keep your blood sugar levels stable and are an ideal substitute for white flour products. For cooking, rapeseed oil is recommended instead of sunflower oil.
If you fancy a snack, an ideal option is having fresh vegetables with a homemade dip.
Anti-inflammatory substances, such as those found in turmeric or red berries, can relieve skin irritation and improve the appearance of the skin.
Facial care
Pimples can be caused by using the wrong skin care products. If a product is too harsh it dries out the skin, causing it to produce more sebum in response, which then clogs the pores and leads to impurities. The basic rule for skin care is that less is more.
Instead of using serums, exfoliants and creams, it’s often enough to simply wash your face with lukewarm water. You can use a moisturising cream to prevent your skin from drying out if necessary. Make sure these products are oil-free.
Medications and hormones
Certain medications can disrupt your hormonal balance, which in turn affects sebum production. In women this can occur, for example, due to taking birth control pills. Acne can be a side effect if the pills contain only gestagens. Women with skin blemishes are usually prescribed a contraceptive suitable for them. If you stop taking the pills, your skin texture can change, and acne can get worse.
High-dosage vitamin supplements, especially B12, can also trigger acne. Stress is another factor that can negatively affect your hormonal balance. In this case the result is also an increase in sebum production, triggered by the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline.
To pop or not to pop?
Just leave it. Even if a juicy pimple is begging for you to pop it, it’s best that you don’t give in to the temptation because squeezing the inflamed skin disrupts its own healing process. You can also end up breaking the skin and causing the affected area to bleed.
Bacteria can then accumulate again in the resulting wound – and the pimple-forming process starts all over again. Squeezing a pimple until it bleeds can lead to unsightly scars that won’t quickly fade.
Eliminating hardened skin and flakiness
If you have a pimple, your best bet is treating it with a product containing salicylic acid. This ingredient has anti-inflammatory properties, and helps to remove skin flakes and hardened skin.
Cleansers that contain benzoyl peroxide also help to treat acne, pimples and blackheads. Allow your skin to breathe by not covering it up with make-up as this blocks the pores even more and traps dirt, grease and bacteria on your skin.
If your acne really bothers you and you want to do more to address it, it’s worth having a dermatological consultation. The medical specialists at santé24 are available to you 24 hours a day as your first point of contact.
