How to Get Rid of Pimples:
Causes, Care and Prevention
Get rid of
pimples
Pimples are inflamed bumps on your skin that can pop up at any age, often appearing on your face, back and other areas. They form when pores (the opening of pilosebaceous follicles) clog with oil, dead skin cells and dirt, allowing bacteria to grow and cause inflammation. Things like hormones, diet, stress and your skincare habits can all contribute. When you understand these causes and explore different treatment options, you can better manage and reduce pimples, helping you enjoy clearer-looking skin.
Different types of
pimples include:
- Papules:Small, red, tender bumps that result from inflamed or infected hair pilosebaceous follicles. They appear red, raised and are often painful to the touch.
- Pustules:Pimples containing pus that occur when the walls around the pores break down, causing your immune system to respond with white blood cells. They look like red circles with white or yellow centres, often resembling small blisters.
- Nodules:Large, painful lumps beneath the surface of your skin that result from severe inflammation deeper within the skin. They are firm, deep and painful, without a visible head.
- Cysts:Deep, painful, pus-filled lumps beneath the skin caused by severe inflammation and infection in the deeper layers of the skin. They are large, swollen and often lead to scarring if they’re not treated properly.
6 common causes of
Pimples
- Excessive sebum productionSebum keeps your skin moisturised, but excess sebum can clog pilosebaceous follicles. This can encourage the build-up of dead skin cells and debris, as well as infections by bacteria responsible for the appearance of pimples.
- Hormonal changesHormonal fluctuations, often associated with puberty, menstruation, pregnancy or menopause, can increase sebum production, making you more prone to pimples.
- Improper makeup removalIf you don’t properly remove your makeup, pore-clogging products can sit on your skin overnight, increasing the risk of spots. On top of that, using oily or heavy makeup can contribute to clogged pores and breakouts.
- Environmental factorsWeather changes can disrupt your skin’s balance, and too much sun exposure can dry out and inflame the skin, leading to more oil production. Exposure to harsh chemicals, irritants or pollution can also encourage blemishes.
- Pimples due to stressStress can trigger new breakouts or make existing pimples worse. Your body’s stress response increases cortisol levels, which can boost oil production and clog pores, resulting in pimples. Stress-related pimples often appear on your face but can also show up on your neck, chest and back.
- Bacterial transferTouching your face with dirty hands or using a dirty phone can transfer bacteria and dirt, which can increase the risk of infections and pimples forming.
4 ways to
Get Rid of Pimples
- Cold compress:If you want to quickly reduce the size and redness of an inflamed pimple, try a cold compress. Wrap an ice cube in a clean cloth and hold it gently against the pimple for 30 seconds to 1 minute. This can help reduce swelling and redness.
- Warm compress:Warm, moist compresses can be used alternately with cold compresses to soften a pimple and promote pore dilation. For this reason, they’re generally more suitable for blackheads and whiteheads.
- Tea tree oil:Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties and may help with pimples. However, it’s important to use it at an appropriate dilution and only under the advice of a professional aromatherapist. Even though it’s natural, essential oils can still irritate your skin, and some people may experience sensitivity reactions.
- Spot treatment:For targeted treatment, you can visit your doctor to discuss a prescribed spot treatment.
If you follow these actions and quick tips, you can reduce the appearance of pimples and help your skin look clearer and healthier. For longer-term clear skin though, pimple-prone skin needs regular care. A daily skincare routine specially designed for blemish-prone skin is essential to unclog pores, regulate sebum production, reduce the appearance of pimples and help prevent new ones from appearing.
How to
Get Rid of Pimples
Causes:
Clogged pores from excess oil and dead skin promote bacterial growth and inflammation. Hormones, stress, makeup and environmental conditions can all influence sebum production and the appearance of pimples.
Treatment:
Regular cleansing and exfoliation help prevent pore blockage. Skincare products with Salicylic Acid or Niacinamide help to unclog pores and balance sebum production.
Prevention:
Be consistent with your skincare routine, manage stress, eat well and keep your hands and face items clean. Avoid squeezing pimples.
NIVEA derma skin clear routine to
Reduce Blemishes
Choose a gentle cleanser to wash your face twice daily, removing excess oil and impurities. The NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Wash Gel offers deep cleansing, helping to clear out pores while removing excess oil. Containing a blend of Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide, it is formulated to reduce and prevent blemishes.
Try a gentle scrub like the NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Face Scrub, formulated with Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide to unclog pores and improve skin texture. It’s suitable for use 2–3 times a week on blemish-prone skin.
Consider using facial serums with Niacinamide to help address blemishes. Niacinamide is known to regulate oil production, which may reduce the appearance of clogged pores.
NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Rebalance & Protect Serum contains Pro-Vitamin B5, Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid, working together in a formula to reduce imperfections, soothe your skin and strengthen its protective barrier while hydrating the skin.
For your evening routine, consider exfoliating as it helps remove dead cells and prevents dirt build-up, so pores are less likely to clog. The NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Chemical Night Exfoliator, which is suitable for daily use, supports the natural renewal process of your skin through high concentrations of Salicylic and Glycolic acid. Apply and allow it to fully absorb before continuing with any care products.
The UV rays can increase redness and inflammation of breakouts causing them to become dry and sore. The skin's response to being dried out by the sun is to release more sebum which then leads to clogged pores. Therefore, it is essential to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every morning and throughout the day.
The NIVEA Sun UV Face Specialist Derma Skin Clear SPF 50+ helps to absorb excess oil from the skin's surface while protecting against UVA / UVB-induced skin damage.
NIVEA derma skin clear for
Clearer Skin
Formulated with Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid and Glycolic Acid, these products work to unclog pores and gently exfoliate the skin, resulting in a smoother, more even complexion. With regular use, skin texture and clarity improve, making this range an ideal choice if you’re seeking healthier, clearer-looking skin.
5 ways to
Prevent Pimples
- Consistent skincare routine:Consistently cleansing, toning and moisturising can help keep pores clear and reduce the risk of pimples. Using non-comedogenic products specially designed for blemished skin helps keep your skin radiant without clogging pores.
- Manage stress:Incorporating stress-reducing activities such as exercise, meditation and getting enough sleep can help lower cortisol levels and reduce the likelihood of stress-induced pimples.
- Eat a balanced diet:A diet rich in fruits, veggies and whole grains, while avoiding excessive sugary and oily foods, can help maintain healthy-looking skin. Some studies suggest that a low-glycaemic diet may reduce the risk of pimples.
- Avoid touching your face:Keeping your hands away from your face can help prevent the transfer of bacteria and dirt to your skin. Regularly cleaning items that come into contact with your face, such as phone screens, pillowcases and makeup brushes, can also help minimise breakouts.
- Use sun protection:Exposure to UV rays can damage your skin’s natural barrier, leading to increased sebum production and pimple formation. Protect your skin with a non-comedogenic sunscreen to help avoid pimple flare-ups, scarring and hyperpigmentation.
