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How to Get Rid of Pimples: Causes, Care and Prevention

Learn what causes pimples, ways to get rid of or prevent them from forming, and a bespoke NIVEA skincare routine to promote a clearer complexion.

What's in this article:

What are Pimples?

Pimples are inflamed bumps on the skin common to all ages, appearing on the face, back, and other areas. They form when pores (the openings of pilosebaceous follicles) clog with oil, dead skin cells, and dirt, allowing bacteria to grow and cause inflammation. Factors like hormones, diet, stress, and skincare habits contribute to their development. Understanding these causes and exploring treatment options can help manage and reduce pimples, leading to clearer skin.
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Different types of pimples include:

  1. Papules: Small, red, tender bumps that result from inflamed or infected pilosebaceous follicles. They appear red, raised, and are often painful to the touch. 

  2. Pustules: Pimples containing pus that occur when the walls around the pores break down, causing the immune system to respond with white blood cells. They appear as red circles with white or yellow centers, often looking like small blisters. 

  3. Nodules: Large, painful lumps beneath the surface of the skin that result from severe inflammation deep within the skin. They are firm, deep, and painful, without a visible head. 

  4. 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 not treated properly.

6 Common Causes of Pimples

Pimples could develop due to several factors. Here is a list of common causes and contributing factors:
NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Chemical Night Exfoliator
  1. Excessive Sebum Production 
    Sebum keeps skin moisturised, but excess sebum can clog pilosebaceous follicles. This can encourage the accumulation of dead skin cells and debris, as well as bacterial infections responsible for the appearance of pimples.
  2. Hormonal Changes 
    Hormonal fluctuations, often associated with puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, can increase sebum production, making individuals more prone to pimples. 
  3. Improper Makeup Removal 
    Improperly removing makeup can leave pore-clogging substances on the skin overnight, increasing the risk of spots. Additionally, using oily or heavy makeup can contribute to clogged pores and breakouts. 
  4. Environmental Factors 
    Weather changes can disrupt skin balance, and excessive sun exposure can dry out and inflame the skin, leading to more oil production. Additionally, exposure to harsh chemicals, irritants, or pollution can encourage blemishes. 
  5. Pimples Due to Stress 
    Stress can trigger breakouts or worsen existing pimples. The body's stress response increases cortisol levels, which can stimulate oil production and clog pores, leading to the development of pimples. Stress-related pimples often appear on the face but can also show up on the neck, chest, and back.  
  6. Bacterial Transfer  
    Touching the face with dirty hands or using dirty phones can transfer bacteria and dirt, which could increase the risk of infections.
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4 Ways to Get Rid of Pimples

  1. Cold Compress: To reduce the size and redness of an inflamed pimple, use a cold compress. Wrap an ice cube in a clean cloth and hold it against the pimple for 30 seconds to 1 minute. This can help reduce swelling and redness. 

  2. Warm Compress: Alternating warm, moist compresses with cold compresses can help soften the pimple and promote pore dilation. For this reason, they are generally more suitable for blackheads and whiteheads.

  3. 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. Although natural, essential oils can be irritating to the skin, and some people may experience sensitivity reactions.

  4. Spot Treatment: For targeted treatment, consult your doctor to discuss a prescribed spot treatment. 

By following these actions and tips, you can help reduce the appearance of pimples, resulting in clearer and healthier-looking skin. However, for longer-term clear skin, 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 their appearance.

Facts Overview

How To Get Rid of Pimples

Causes: Clogged pores from excess oil, dead skin, promoting bacterial growth and inflammation. Hormones, stress, makeup, and environmental conditions can influence sebum production and the appearance of pimples. 

Treatment: Regular cleansing and exfoliation 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 hands and face items clean. Avoid squeezing pimples. 

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF BLEMISHED SKIN

NIVEA Routine to Reduce Blemishes

young woman using NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Wash Gel

1. Cleanse (AM and PM)

Choose a gentle cleanser to wash your face twice daily, removing excess oil and impurities.

2. Scrub (Daily – PM only)

Try a gentle scrub like the NIVEA Clear Up Daily Scrub, formulated with Salicylic Acid and Carnitine to unclog pores and improve skin texture. It’s suitable for daily use on blemish-prone skin.

3. Toning (Optional – AM and PM)

Including a gentle, hydrating toner like the NIVEA Purifying Toner in your routine offers numerous benefits. A toner helps maintain the skin's pH balance and removes excess dirt, oil, and makeup.

4. Serum (AM and PM)

Consider using facial serums with Salicylic acid to help address blemishes. Salicylic acid is known to penetrate pores, removing oil and dead skin cells, which reduces the appearance of clogged pores.

NIVEA Sun UV Face Specialist Derma Skin Clear SPF 50+

5. Apply an exfoliating treatment (PM only)

For an evening routine, consider exfoliating, as it helps remove dead cells and prevents dirt buildup, keeping pores from becoming clogged.

6. Moisturise (AM and PM)

If your skin feels dry or tight, consider applying a light, non-oily moisturiser for added hydration. While oily skin naturally produces more sebum, using a moisturiser can help balance moisture levels without clogging pores. This could actually reduce excess oil production, as skin that’s too dry may compensate by producing more oil. For some, a lightweight sunscreen with hydrating properties may provide enough moisture on its own, offering both protection and hydration in one step.

7. Sun Protection (AM only)

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 to protect your skin.  

The UV FACE SPECIALIST Derma Blemish Control SPF 50+ helps absorb excess oil from the skin’s surface while protecting against UVA/UVB-induced skin damage.  

NIVEA Face Sunscreen

5 Ways to Prevent Pimples

A combination of good skincare practices and lifestyle adjustments can not only help to get rid of pimples but also help prevent future ones from forming.
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  1. 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 skin radiant without clogging pores. 
     
  2. Manage Stress: Incorporating stress-reducing activities such as exercise, meditation, and sufficient sleep can help lower cortisol levels and reduce the likelihood of stress-induced pimples. 
     
  3. Eat a Balanced Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while avoiding excessive consumption of sugary and oily foods can help maintain healthy skin. Some studies suggest that a low-glycaemic diet may reduce the risk of pimples. 
     
  4. Avoid Touching Your Face: Keeping your hands away from your face can prevent the transfer of bacteria and dirt to your skin. Additionally, regularly cleaning items that come into contact with your face, such as phone screens, pillowcases, and makeup brushes, can help minimise breakouts.

  5. Use sun protection: Exposure to UV rays can damage your skin's natural barrier, leading to increased sebum production and the formation of pimples. Protect your skin with a non-comedogenic sunscreen to avoid pimple flare-ups, scarring, and hyperpigmentation.

Summary

Pimples are a common concern for people of all ages. Understanding their causes, such as clogged pores, as well as favouring factors, such as hormonal changes and stress, is key to effective treatment. Maintaining a consistent skincare routine and managing stress are crucial for both prevention and treatment. When breakouts occur, taking immediate actions such as cleaning the area, applying spot treatments, and avoiding squeezing can help manage them. By following these guidelines, you can achieve clearer, healthier-looking skin and enhance your overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to get spots off your face quickly?

Pimpled skin requires daily care, and regularity is important for successful treatment. Once they've set in, pimples take several days to heal, and it's not possible to make them disappear quickly. Nevertheless, you can speed up their disappearance by following these tips. Cleanse your skin, use a cold compress to reduce redness and swelling, and apply specialised medical treatment for spots with ingredients such as Benzoyl Peroxide.

Can stress cause pimples?

Yes, stress can lead to pimples. Stress increases cortisol levels, which can stimulate oil production and clog pores, leading to the development of pimples.

Do pimples go away naturally?

Yes, pimples can go away naturally as your body heals, but it may take a few days to weeks. Keeping your skin clean and avoiding picking can help them heal faster.

Can toothpaste remove pimples?

It is not recommended to use toothpaste on pimples, as it can irritate the skin and compromise its natural barrier.

Are pimples a type of acne?

Pimples are a symptom of acne caused by clogged pores filled with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. However, you can get pimples without having acne. 

How can I get rid of spots on my face?

Eliminate spots by cleansing your face twice daily, exfoliating regularly, and using spot treatments with salicylic acid to unclog pores or Benzoyl Peroxide-based treatments to target and prevent pimples.

How do I get rid of pimples on my forehead?

To get rid of forehead pimples, cleanse your skin thoroughly, use non-comedogenic products, and apply cosmetic products containing Salicylic Acid to unclog pores and help prevent breakouts. Alternatively, consider specific medical treatments for pimples in cases of acne.

What gets rid of spots on the face?

To get rid of your face spots, follow a consistent skincare routine with cleansers designed for blemished skin, serums with niacinamide or vitamin C, and an exfoliating treatment to improve skin clarity.

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