What Causes Pimples to Occur?

What Are They?

Pimples, or acne, usually occurs on the face, neck, back and chest, although they can be found almost anywhere on the body from time to time. While they are most common in teenagers, pimples can strike at any age, and are never fun. They are basically an inflammation of a clogged pore, and can be treated with better skin care or medications which can be prescribed by a doctor or purchased over-the-counter.

Clogging

The natural oils for our skin and hair are produced by our pores. If a pore gets clogged, the oil is not allowed to escape, which causes an infection of sorts. The pore then swells and becomes inflamed, sometimes resulting in a white head, which is comprised of oils and dead cells that were not allowed to escape naturally.

Overproduction of Oils

Sometimes, certain pores are prone to producing too much sebum, or oils, under the skin. When produced at a normal rate, the pore allows the oils to escape. If too much is produced, it can cause a major backup which can result in inflammation and buildup. If allowed, these pimples can get very large and turn into a type of cystic acne which usually requires a doctor to step in and prescribe creams or pills to aid in the reduction of said acne.

Makeup

Many types of makeup will actually block the pores and create buildup of the sebum inside. More expensive makeup will likely cause less blockage, but all will cause at least some. Moisturizers and lotions can also cause this to occur, requiring more vigorous washing of the skin at bedtime or in the shower. Using makeup to cover an already existing acne problem can be counterproductive, and cause further inflammations.

Poor Skin Care

Without regular washing and care, pores have a tendency to block up by themselves. While a certain amount of oil production and presence is beneficial, too much is not a good thing. Working around greasy foods, sweaty environments or very humid conditions can also lend a hand in the production of pimples without proper cleaning.

Genes

Sometimes, it is just plain old bad luck that they occur. If you experience moderate or severe acne, chances are one or both of your parents did, as well. If you fall into the category of predisposition to acne, careful care of the skin is necessary to reduce outbreaks. Many times, these outbreaks will only last a couple of years, and then your skin might clear up. If acne persists into adulthood, it is recommended to see a dermatologist about possible treatment.