Pimples are anyone’s worst fears! These ugly zits can appear overnight, only to leave you feeling embarrassed. Pimples can occur almost at any time of your life and may haunt you for a few days. While home remedies may offer temporary relief, there are high chances of them coming back to you. So, what causes of pimples? Why is your body more susceptible to pimples than others? This article can guide you on all the details you need to know about the main causes of acne, along with a detailed explanation.
What Causes Acne?
Acne is a skin condition where the affected area is covered with one or more than one pus-filled zits. Acne is caused by blocked skin pores either due to oil, dirt or even bacterial invasion. They can occur on your face, back, chest and even shoulders. Let’s quickly learn about the main causes of acne and pimples and their quick remedies:
1. Hormonal Changes in Causes of Pimples:
Fluctuations in hormones are one of the top reasons for pimples. A hormonal imbalance during the menstrual cycle or puberty can release a large number of androgens, which lead to cystic acne on the chin, neck and face.
How To Treat:
- Speak to a doctor about your condition.
- Get a thorough diagnosis done and follow proper medication.
- Eat a healthy, nutritious diet to cope up with the treatment.
2. Excess Production of Sebum:
Another main reason behind pimples is the production of excess sebum. The sebaceous glands are present under the skin, which produce sebum that lubricates your skin and hair. When the glands get overactivated, the excess sebum can block your skin pores and lead to pimples.
How To Treat:
- Wash your face with a mild cleanser twice or thrice a day.
- Drink plenty of water to counterbalance the oiliness.
- Don’t use heavy moisturisers or creams, as they further damage your pores.
3. Dead Skin:
Our Skin constantly sheds old cells to give way to new growth. Sometimes, the dead cells get trapped in the skin pores, giving rise to pimples. Excess oil can aggravate the situation as it keeps the dead skin bonded to the pores and doesn’t let it go. This is another reason behind pimples on your body.
How to Treat:
- Exfoliate your skin at least once a week with a mild scrub.
- Keep your skin free from excess oil and grease.
- Use a light moisturiser to replenish your skin.
4. Bacterial Infections:
A bacterial infection is the main reason for acne. Our skin is always invaded with some harmless bacteria like Propionibacterium acnes. However, in certain conditions where the skin produces excess oil, the bacteria start multiplying in growth and lead to skin inflammation. It even causes infections, giving rise to the pus-filled centres in your zits.
How to Treat:
- Use an antibacterial cleanser to clean your face.
- Using lemon or neem-based creams can prevent further infections on your skin.
- You can also use a salicylic acid cream to destroy the bacteria and dry out your pimples.
5. Yeast Infections in Causes of Pimples:
Another reason behind acne could also be a yeast infection. Many people have allergies to yeast, which can get triggered due to foods and beverages. The fungus enters into your hair follicles and starts infecting them. This leads to itchy, round and red pimples all over your face and body.
How to Treat:
- Avoid yeast-added foods like bread or baked goods.
- Prefer wearing cotton clothes instead of synthetic fabrics.
- Say no to oily products and creams, as it increases yeast growth.
- Use sweat control products to reduce infections.
6. Testosterone Sensitivity:
One of the main causes of acne on the face could be an increased level of testosterone in your body. A sudden pump of the “male” hormones like androgens are linked to pimple formations. They can activate the sebaceous glands and produce excess sebum. This increases the risk of blocked pores and as a result, acne.
How To Treat:
- Get a thorough medical test done to identify the causes of acne.
- Seek proper medication to control production.
- Consult a doctor to know how to lower these risks in future.
7. Dietary Factors:
Diet is one of the most common causes of pimples on the face. Indulging in rich, oily or fast foods can accumulate the body with excess oil, which also shows its effect on the skin. Eating excess baked foods, sugary goodies can also clog your gut and fill it with toxins. In certain cases, milk or dairy products may also trigger acne, due to the hormones present in them.
How To Treat:
- Eat a nutritious diet.
- Avoid eating fast foods or junk.
- Choose healthy snacking options like fruits or nuts instead.
- Keep a food log to eliminate foods that trigger acne.
8. Medical Conditions:
Certain medical conditions, like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, can also lead to acne. Such conditions usually are chronic and are difficult to treat. The only way to deal with chronic acne is to manage it with home remedies causes of pimples and topical applications. You can even seek a doctor’s advice to lower the severity.
How to Treat:
- Get an analysis done to detect the underlying medical condition.
- Use related medications to keep the condition under control.
- Following a proper diet and skincare regime can help you manage it.
9. Sharing Of Personal Items:
An indirect reason for acne on the face is through the sharing of towels or makeup tools. The bacteria-filled pus can be quite contagious and easily spread from person to person. The bacterium gets hooked to the items and when used on a clean face, can easily get into the skin pores. This is one of the top reasons for acne.
How to Treat:
- Avoid sharing personal items.
- Sanitise your towels, brushes and tools before using them.
- Use hot water to wash your clothes for killing the bacteria.
What Foods Cause Acne?
In case you are wondering what causes pimples on the face and body, your food can also be one of the top reasons. Many foods can flare up acne in no time and therefore, must be avoided.
Here is a list of the worst and best foods that cause acne:
Say No To:
- Milk
- Cheese
- Sugar Foods
- Baked Goods
- Fast Food
- Canned and Processed food
Say Yes to:
- Zinc-rich foods like whole grains, nuts
- Green Tea
- Herbs
- Spices like Turmeric
- Omega-3-Fatty acids like Salmon, Avocado
- Vitamin A foods like Carrots, Pumpkin
- Vitamin E foods like peanuts, Broccoli
- Leafy Vegetables
- Fresh fruits and Berries
- Probiotics
We hope this article has helped you learn about the causes of pimples on the face, along with what food causes pimples. Pimples can occur in anyone and can make you lose your confidence in a jiffy. However, they are not untreatable, and you don’t have to live them for the rest of your life. Getting to know the root cause behind your acne can help you take the right course of treatment. Also, if necessary, do not hesitate to speak to a doctor about your problem.
