Pimples are a common skin condition that affects people of all ages. They occur when hair follicles under your skin clog up. When dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria build up, it forms a plug within the follicles. These plugged follicles swell up and cause pimples. Pimples often appear on the face, forehead, chest, upper back and shoulders. Although not a serious health concern, pimples can cause emotional distress and affect a person’s self-esteem. Understanding what causes pimples can help you better manage and prevent future breakouts.
What are the main causes of pimples?
There are several factors that contribute to pimple formation:
Hormonal changes
Hormonal changes and fluctuations, especially during puberty, pregnancy, and before periods, can increase oil production and cause skin cells to shed more rapidly. This leads to clogged pores and pimples.
Genetics
Some people are genetically predisposed to acne. Studies show that 80% of acne cases are hereditary. If your parents had severe acne, you have a higher chance of struggling with breakouts.
Medications
Certain medications containing androgens, corticosteroids, or lithium can worsen acne. Hormonal birth control pills and injections may also trigger acne in some women.
Stress
Stress causes your body to produce more cortisol and other hormones that increase oil production and inflammation. This can worsen acne.
Diet
Studies link diets high in refined carbs and dairy products to increased acne risk. Foods like pastries, sodas, instant noodles and whey protein shakes have a high glycemic index that can trigger breakouts.
Poor hygiene
When you don’t wash your face properly or regularly, oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria can build up and clog pores. This causes blackheads, whiteheads and pimples.
Cosmetics
Oil-based makeup, sunscreens, and skincare products can clog pores and cause acne in acne-prone skin types. Always remove makeup before bedtime.
Medications
Certain medications containing androgens, corticosteroids, or lithium can trigger acne or make existing acne worse. Anabolic steroids and testosterone supplements also cause acne.
Friction and pressure
Tight collars, helmets, backpacks, and cellphones rubbing against your skin can irritate hair follicles and lead to acne mechanica. This type of acne occurs on skin areas that receive friction and pressure.
Are pimples contagious?
No, pimples themselves are not contagious. You cannot spread pimples to other people. However, the P. acnes bacteria that contribute to pimples can spread through contact.
Sharing pillowcases, towels, makeup and skincare products with someone who has acne can transfer bacteria to your skin and cause breakouts. But the pimples themselves are not infectious. Proper hygiene and not sharing personal items can prevent bacteria transfer.
Which factors make pimples worse?
Certain factors can worsen existing pimples or trigger new breakouts:
Picking and popping pimples
This pushes debris deeper into pores and leads to more swelling, redness and potential scarring.
Stress
Stress increases oil production and inflammation, making pimples worse.
Sweating
Sweat combined with bacteria, dirt and oil plugs up pores and causes breakouts.
Oily hair products
Hair gels, mousses and pomades contain pore-clogging ingredients that worsen acne on the hairline, scalp and forehead.
Dandruff
The yeast that causes dandruff can spread to your face and clog pores.
Heat and humidity
Hot, humid weather leads to sweat and oil production that can clog pores and cause pimples.
Friction from sports gear
Helmets, caps, chin straps can worsen acne through friction and sweat.
Oily cosmetics
Greasy sunscreens, foundations, primers and setting sprays can cause breakouts and clogged pores.
Not washing your face
When dead skin cells, oil and bacteria build up on your skin, they clog pores and cause pimples.
How can you prevent pimples?
While you cannot always prevent pimples, you can take steps to reduce breakouts:
Wash face twice a day
Washing your face in the morning and before bed removes oil, dirt, makeup, and bacteria that clog pores. Use a gentle cleanser suited for your skin type.
Avoid oily products
Limit use of creamy, greasy cosmetics and hair products that contain pore-clogging ingredients. Opt for oil-free, non-comedogenic makeup.
Exfoliate regularly
Exfoliating 2-3 times a week sloughs off dead skin cells before they can clog pores. Use gentle scrubs with soft circular motions.
Shampoo regularly
Shampoo every 2-3 days to keep oil and dandruff in check, which reduces acne on the hairline and forehead.
Avoid touching face
Reduce contact between your hands and face to minimize oil and bacteria transfer that can clog pores.
Manage stress
Try meditation, yoga, journaling, or other stress relievers to keep hormone levels stable and prevent stress-related breakouts.
Eat a healthy diet
Eat more whole foods high in antioxidants and avoid refined carbs that spike blood sugar and trigger breakouts.
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Avoid picking/popping pimples
As tempting as it is, picking and popping can increase swelling, damage skin and lead to scarring. Leave pimples alone whenever possible.
Clean cellphones and glasses
Disinfect phones and glasses regularly to remove oil and bacteria that get transferred to your face and clog pores.
Change pillowcases frequently
Dead skin cells, bacteria and oils collect on pillowcases and can transfer back to your skin, blocking pores. Change pillowcases 2-3 times a week.
How do you get rid of pimples?
You can treat existing pimples and prevent future breakouts with these methods:
Over-the-counter acne treatments
Benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria. Salicylic acid unclogs pores. Retinoid helps with cell turnover. Sulfur removes excess oil. Use products containing these ingredients.
Prescription medications
For moderate to severe acne, see a dermatologist for prescription treatments like antibiotics, birth control pills, isotretinoin, Spironolactone, or oral contraceptives.
Natural remedies
Tea tree oil, green tea, aloe vera, and other botanical extracts have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that combat acne.
Light therapy
Red and blue light therapy kills acne bacteria. Photodynamic therapy uses lasers and light-sensitive medication to treat acne.
Chemical peels
Glycolic acid and salicylic acid peels remove dead skin cells, excess oil, and bacteria from pores. See an esthetician for chemical peels.
Corticosteroid injections
For large, painful nodules, a dermatologist may inject a diluted corticosteroid to reduce swelling and inflammation.
Avoid touching/picking
As tempting as it is, picking and popping pimples can push debris deeper, leading to more swelling, redness and potential scarring.
Use oil-absorbing products
Blotting sheets, oil-absorbing setting powders and primers can help soak up excess oil throughout the day to prevent shine and clogged pores.
Watch your diet
Eat a balanced diet with produce high in antioxidants, and avoid refined carbs that can trigger hormonal changes leading to acne.
Conclusion
Pimples are caused by a combination of oil production, hormonal changes, genetics, bacteria, medication, diet, and hygiene. While you cannot always prevent pimples, you can reduce breakouts by washing face regularly, avoiding oily products, managing stress, not picking pimples, eating healthy, and using acne-fighting ingredients. See a dermatologist for prescription treatments if over-the-counter methods are ineffective. With some trial and error, you can find an effective acne treatment plan.