Pimples are a common skin problem that affects many people at different stages of life. Whether you're a teenager trying to fight acne, an adult with occasional breakouts, or someone who's been battling pimples for years, understanding the causes of this annoying skin problem is key to finding the right remedies.
In this article, we will explore the main causes of pimples and discover some effective remedies that could help you achieve healthier and blemish-free skin. Among the many approaches available, we will focus on a natural remedy that is gaining more and more attention: the use ofsnail slime serums .
What are Pimples?
Pimples are pustules resulting from excessive sebum production and the buildup of bacteria or dead skin cells trapped under the skin pores.
Our skin has sebaceous glands which are found at the base of hair follicles. These microscopic glands, most numerous on the face and scalp, are responsible for producing sebum and exist on all skin except the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
The sebum they produce keeps skin from becoming too dry, but a combination of overproduction of oil, dead skin cells and bacteria can lead to problems: Dead skin cells can sit on the surface, bonding with the sebum and blocking pores.
What are their causes?
Even if the pores are blocked, the sebaceous glands continue to produce oil, which accumulates and cannot get out to the surface. The bacteria it contains also grows, causing inflammation on the skin and causing pimples to form.
This in general. But there are specific causes that lead to their appearance on the skin.
Sebaceous glands
Sebaceous glands are tiny glands in the skin that secrete sebum, a waxy or oily substance that lubricates the skin and hair. As the glands produce sebum inside the pores, new skin cells are constantly growing, replacing the outer layers of skin.
Sometimes dead skin cells aren't sloughed off and stay in the pores, causing them to become blocked. Blockage of pores is more likely to occur during puberty, as the sebaceous glands produce more sebum at this stage in life.
Bacterial infection
When sebum and dead skin cells build up and block a pore, it encourages the growth of unwanted bacteria, including Propionibacterium acnes , a slow-growing bacteria linked to acne.
Propionibacterium acnes exists harmlessly on our skin, but under certain conditions it can reproduce more rapidly and become a problem. This bacterium feeds on sebum and produces a substance that causes an immune response. This leads to inflammation and skin blemishes.
Yeast infections
Pityrosporum , also known as malassezia or folliculitis, occurs when a pityrosporum yeast enters hair follicles and multiplies, triggering an itchy rash of tiny pimples that resembles acne. It mainly occurs on the upper chest, shoulders and upper back, but can also affect the face.
Many people (men and women from youth to middle age) have this yeast on their skin, but if it grows too much, it can cause problems. Humid environments, synthetic fiber clothes and the use of products for oily skin can make the situation worse.
dietary factors
Special diets and nutrition can influence the likelihood of getting acne or pimples. This does not mean that you should eliminate all fats from your diet. The healthy fats in nuts, seeds and olive oil can help control inflammation.
Read also: Pimples and nutrition: when cosmetics are not enough
Hormones
Teens, pregnant women, and women in various stages of life can expect increased sebum production, which can lead to pimples.
Pimples under the skin
What are pimples under the skin ?
Also called blind pimples , they develop under the skin's surface. They are therefore not visible, but can be felt to the touch. They form from a combination of sebum, bacteria and dirt that get trapped in the pore. The end result is a painful lump under the skin that doesn't have a "head" like other types of pimples have.
You may notice a large white area under the skin that is painful to the touch. The area may also be red due to inflammation (and swelling) of the surrounding skin. Blind pimples can be difficult to get rid of, but they are treatable with patience and care.
Avoid squeezing pimples under the skin
While the temptation may be strong, you should never try to squeeze or pop a blind pimple. Generally the advice is valid for juvenile acne and blackheads , but it is particularly so with blind pimples.
Squeezing the blind pimple worsens the inflammation and can even cause permanent scarring. Furthermore, there is a risk that the contents of the pimple under the skin (sebum, dead skin cells and bacteria) will be pushed deeper into the skin and cause an increase in inflammation.
Pimples, blackheads, whiteheads and acne: what's the difference?
- Pimples : Small pustules that develop when the sebaceous glands become clogged and infected, leading to swollen, pus-filled red lesions.
- Whiteheads : or closed comedones, they form when skin cells and oil get trapped in a pore.
- Blackheads : or open comedones. Oxidation of dead skin cells and sebum causes a darker color.
- Papules : skin lesions, due to inflamed and infected pores, have a pinkish appearance and do not contain pus.
- Acne : persistent and recurring pimples, prevalent on the face, neck, chest and/or back.
- Cysts : Painful, pus-filled lumps deep beneath the skin's surface.
- Nodules : Nodules are inflamed bumps that develop within the skin.
How to prevent pimples
- Know your skin type . Regardless of skin type, anyone can get pimples, although oily skin is more prone. Another skin type that can cause them is combination skin, which shows both dry and oily areas (forehead, nose and chin, also called the T-zone). Knowing your skin type will help you choose the right skin care products.
- Wash your face properly . To prevent pimples it is important to remove excess oil, dirt and sweat every day. But washing your face more than 2 times a day can make acne and pimples worse. Don't wash your face with harsh cleansers that dry out your skin. Use alcohol-free cleaners.
- Moisturize your skin . Creams and moisturizers help your skin stay hydrated, but many moisturizers contain oil, synthetic perfume, or other ingredients that can irritate your skin and cause breakouts. Use fragrance-free, non-comedogenic moisturizers.
- Limit your makeup . Many use makeup to cover up pimples, however this can clog pores and create outbreaks. If you use make-up, avoid greasy and heavy foundations and use non-comedogenic, transparent and fragrance-free products.
- Limit your exposure to the sun . The rays may dry out pimples in the short term, but cause serious problems in the long run. Frequent sun exposure dehydrates the skin, causing more oil to be produced over time and pores to become clogged.
- Don't touch your face . Your hands encounter dirt and bacteria constantly throughout the day, and every time you touch your face, some of the impurities that clog your pores can be transferred to your skin.
- Avoid certain foods . High glycemic foods and beverages such as potato chips, white flour baked goods, and soft drinks raise blood sugar levels and are often less nutritious than low glycemic foods.
- Use specific products against pimples , such as scrubs, serums andsnail slime creams dedicated to this problem.
Snail slime as a natural remedy for pimples
The fight against pimples can often seem like an endless battle, but nature has a precious ally to offer: snail slime .
Although it may seem strange to consider the secretion of a snail as a solution for pimples, this natural substance has been shown to have incredible beneficial properties for the skin.
Snail slime contains a unique combination of enzymes, peptides, vitamins and minerals that work synergistically to promote healing and improve skin health.
This natural remedy has become increasingly popular with those looking for alternatives to conventional pimple treatments. Let's take a closer look at how this precious cosmetic ingredient can help fight pimples and restore healthy, glowing skin.
How can snail slime reduce the appearance of pimples?
Here are some ways that snail slime can play a role in treating pimples:
- Regenerating and anti-inflammatory action: snail slime contains a substance called allantoin, which has anti-inflammatory and regenerating properties for the skin. Topical application of snail slime can help fight inflammation of the pores and the formation of pimples. It also helps restore skin balance.
- Healing properties : snail slime is rich in proteins and vitamins, which promote the regeneration and healing of damaged skin. This can help reduce the scars and dark spots left by pimples, promoting more even-toned skin.
- Moisturizing effect: snail slime also contains moisturizing substances such as collagen and elastin, which help keep the skin hydrated. Well-hydrated skin can promote cell regeneration and reduce the risk of clogged pores, which can lead to pimples.
- Delicate exfoliation: among the active ingredients of snail slime we also find glycolic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid that has exfoliating properties. This can help remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, preventing pores from becoming clogged and promoting smoother skin.
In conclusion
During our journey of discovering the causes and remedies for pimples, we have learned a lot about the nature of this condition and the options available to deal with it.
We've seen how multiple factors can contribute to pimples, including excess oil production, clogged pores, inflammation, and bacterial activity. It's important to remember that the causes of pimples can vary from person to person , and it's often a combination of factors that affects how they appear.
Fortunately, there are many effective ways to manage pimples . From conventional options like acne treatment products containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, to natural approaches like using aloe vera, tea tree oil or snail slime , there are many avenues to explore.
Choosing the most suitable remedy depends on your personal preferences, the severity of the pimples and the characteristics of your skin. It is always advisable to consult a dermatologist for an accurate evaluation and personalized advice.
Also, remember that a proper skin care routine can help prevent pimples from appearing. Gently washing your face twice a day, using non-comedogenic products, avoiding touching and popping pimples, and protecting your skin from sun damage are all important steps to follow.
Finally, be patient. Treating pimples takes time and dedication. What works for one person may not work for another, so experiment with different remedies and see how your skin responds. With persistence and proper skin care, you can achieve healthier skin and reduce the appearance of pimples.
Remember, pimples don't define your beauty or worth. Your skin is unique and precious, and taking care of it is an act of love for yourself.