|
Pimples are among the most common skin complaints, especially among people between the ages of 12 and 22. It is difficult to pinpoint any one factor or set of factors that causes pimples to develop, but they are essentially the result of a problem with the way the skin grows. Skin cells are constantly dying and being discarded as new cells form and come to the surface. Sometimes, the dead skin cells, instead of being discarded, accumulate on the skin's surface, where they block pores. Sebum, which is normally released through these pores, starts to accumulate inside the pores and is attacked by bacteria. This is essentially what we call a pimple. In order to effectively prevent pimples, it is important to normalize this process once again, so that dead skin cells are properly discarded.
Regular cleansing and exfoliation will help considerably, especially if you have oily skin. People with oily skin tend to suffer from pimples more often, because the excessive oil causes the dead cells to remain on the skin surface instead of falling away naturally. However, remember that you should not completely dry your skin out while cleaning it or the oiliness will only get worse. Skin that has been excessively dried out by soap or other harsh cleansers tends to produce still more oil, thus worsening the problem. Instead, use a mild cleanser that also moisturizes your skin lightly. For exfoliation, you can use a home made paste by mixing a bit of turmeric powder and rice flour in a teaspoon of honey, or else you can buy a commercially available face scrub. However, you should avoid buying face scrubs that contain micro beads or large chunks of rough material, such as apricot seed.
Another alternative is to use an over the counter anti pimple cream. Note that these creams are not meant to get rid of pimples overnight. Regular use of the cream will however gradually decrease the frequency with which pimples develop. The same applies to the home remedies mentioned earlier. Another thing to remember about anti pimple creams is that the cream must contain either salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide for it to be effective. These are key ingredients as they help to get rid of dead skin cells and bacteria. Apart from this, you simply need to maintain proper hygiene at all times, and avoid touching your face too much. Never squeeze or pluck a pimple - once it has formed, allow it to disappear on its own.
|
