Whether it's a giant red zit or chronic acne all over your face, we've all dealt with pimples
at one point or another.
But why do they happen?
And is there anything we can do about them?
"You know I am really good with pimples.
People!
I'm good with people, not pimples.
Obviously I'm not good with pimples, that would be weird."
Finally, medical experts reveal what you don't know about pimples, and how you can get your
clearest skin yet!
Multiple types
Dr. Gary Goldenberg of Goldenberg Dermatology in New York City explains the difference between
the various types of pimples, saying, "Blackheads and whiteheads...are usually present together.
They are caused by blocked pores and hair follicles and can be open [which are blackheads]
or closed [which are whiteheads].
Zits usually refers to pustules.
These are lesions that look like pus-bumps and are the next stage of acne.
They are usually inflamed and can cause scarring if not treated."
Then there's cystic acne, which is an entirely different monster.
Dr. Goldenberg says, "Cystic acne lesions are the most severe type of acne.
It is caused by deep bumps that are inflamed and may be painful."
But different forms of acne also manifest for different reasons.
Various causes
According to Dr. Kristina Goldenberg, "Acne has many causes.
It's usually genetic and tends to run in families.
It also has a hormonal component…"
"Hormones stimulate production of sebum, [or oil], that can cause plugged pores and follicles
that become acne bumps.
These can become inflamed.
Bacteria...causes pustules, [better known as zits] and acne cysts."
While we can't control all causes of acne, Dr. Goldenberg says there are some causes
we do have power over, including proper skin care, makeup choices, cleansing, and medications.
But first things first...
Don't squeeze it
Did you hear that?
Don't squeeze it!
Dr. Shari Marchbein of Manhattan Dermatology says squeezing can often make a bad situation
worse.
"Pimples are basically a combination of bacteria, inflammation, and oil from surrounding oil
glands...By manipulating the pimple, you are actually causing more inflammation and it
may actually take days or weeks longer for the zit to resolve."
So, hands off!
Buuuuut... if you have to do it, do it right.
Nurse Nataly of iGlow Med Spa in Beverly Hills says, "The best time to go to pop a pimple
is after taking a shower, because your pores are wide open."
Nurse Nataly also warns not to use your fingernails to pop a pimple, saying, "Your hands and nails
hold millions of germs and once they touch an open wound they can make it grow into something
much worse."
Use fresh gauze, and sterilize the pimple immediately after.
But before you get popping, Nataly says, "If the pimple is very deep...you must go to a
professional to inject it with cortisone and use a high frequency blue light treatment
to kill the bacteria."
You are what you eat
You've probably heard that what you eat can directly affect your skin.
While this has been up for debate, Dr. Sheila Nazarian, a plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills,
reveals the real deal, saying, "There are actually some studies out now that show a
connection between acne and what you eat!
Chocolate and dairy, for example, can cause an increase in acne breakouts."
So, what to do after you ditch the hot fudge sundaes?
Treat yo'self
The easiest and fastest way to treat a pimple is to go to a drugstore or pharmacy and pick
up an over-the-counter treatment.
LA-based dermatologist, Dr. Sal, says:
"Numerous over-the-counter products including benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and sulfur
are available to treat acne.
Benzoyl peroxide kills bacteria that causes acne and removes excess oil from the skin.
Salicylic acid prevents pores from becoming clogged.
And sulfur removes dead skin cells that clog pores and removes excess oil from skin."
If you are concerned with acne and aging, Dr. Sal says Retin-A may be the way to go.
He recommends, "Along with treating acne, Retin-A can be used as a skin rejuvenator
by subtly reversing the signs of aging."
Those with severe acne may need an oral treatment, as Dr. Kristina Goldenberg explains: "Topical
antibiotics and retinoids help with acne lesions from the earliest stage.
Oral antibiotics and Accutane are usually reserved for the most severe type of acne."
Scarring
Pimples aren't just unsightly — According to Dr. Marchbein, they may lead to scarring.
But instead of treating scars, she suggests trying to prevent them from happening in the
first place: "If you are breaking out, make sure to see your dermatologist for a comprehensive
acne routine."
If you already have scars, don't worry — you still have options.
She says, "Various lasers including...Fraxel, or microneedling devices can be very effective…
Additionally, various injectable fillers including hyaluronic acid fillers like Restylane and
Juvederm and some newer longer lasting fillers can be used for those who aren't good laser
candidates."
Lifelong struggle
Some think of acne as something that exclusively affects teens, but acne can show up on people
who are way past high school age.
Dr. Nazarian explained, "Adult acne is a completely different beast from teenage acne.
We tend to dry out teenagers so that they stop breaking out.
In adults, we focus on cleansing pores and hydrating to decrease oil production."
You're never too old to deal with the ugly nuisance of pimples, but with these tips,
you're better equipped to handle it.
Clear skin
With so many different kinds of treatments and advances in skincare technology to manage
acne, it's completely possible to have clear skin.
With the proper products, procedures, and lifestyle, you too can undo the damage, and
win back your face!
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