Pimple is nothing less than a nightmare and we bet every lady out there agrees to that. Popping up before every important event and messing it up. You may go to sleep at night with flawless happy skin but there lies no guarantee whether you’ll wake up with one. It’s like that one unsolicited guest who shows up at your place without even informing you! - “Surprise!”
Jokes apart, you must’ve wondered several times, “Why does it have to happen?”
The answer is because that’s how our sebaceous gland A.k.a. oil gland tells us that it’s been attacked by bacteria and hence it leads to inflammations. Sebum, secreted by sebaceous gland, is responsible for balancing the oil level of our skin. Mostly, adolescents are affected by pimples, however, age is no bar when it comes to pimples. It can affect people of any age. Usually, young adults and teenagers are affected but you’' be surprised to know that it affects some people even in their fifties!
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In case you’re curious, here are a few reasons why pimples occur:
1. Heredity:
A hyperactive sebaceous form the basis in this case. It's in the genes. Home remedies, in such cases, might not be the best idea. A dermatologist can help out in finding a permanent solution to this problem.
2. Puberty:
The body of girls and boys during their adolescent period undergoes some major changes. It is quite natural to get pimples during that period owing to hormonal changes which make the oil gland more active and secrete more oil, furthermore blocking the pores.
3. Hormonal Imbalance:
Stepping out of adolescence and entering into adulthood doesn’t really promise a pimple free skin. Hormonal imbalance in an adult body can trigger pimples and acne too!
4. The food we eat:
Did you know your skin’s quite hostile towards some foods that we often consume. Savoring too much of dairy products and bakery products with a high content of sugar, for instance. It’s heartbreaking to reveal that these sweet indulgences aren’t that good for your skin.
Oily processed and deep-fried foods are equally harmful. They pave the way for blackheads, pimples, and acne.
5. Makeup and Skincare products:
That foundation of yours which provides high coverage to your skin might not be the best thing for you. Similarly, there are plenty of makeup products which are adversely affected your skin without you even realizing it. Frequently changing skincare products and using the ones that aren’t compatible with your skin might add to the cause.
Often, we go to sleep without putting our makeup off. Not removing the makeup means giving consent to the makeup products to damage our skin overnight.
The solution-How to get rid of it?
1. Toothpaste:
As quirky as it might sound, toothpaste actually stops the bacteria from spreading and works wonderfully. It dries out and cools the inflammation, reducing the redness and exuding relief to your skin. Simply dab a dollop of toothpaste on the affected area before going to the bed. However, it is important to note that only white toothpaste can be used not the gel-based ones.
2. Epsom Salt:
This is no ordinary salt. Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) is an inorganic salt that’s a very antique natural remedy. It maintains the pH of the skin and can easily beat any rigid acne on your face and even on your body. Add a tablespoon of this magical salt to water and apply it with help of a cotton ball on the affected areas. Religiously do this twice a day for effective results.
3. ACV:
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) needs no introduction, it has multiple benefits-reduces cholesterols, reduces weight prevents dandruff etc. It is also an elixir for your skin. With its astringent properties, it liberates the skin from bacteria. Before applying it on your skin, make sure that you mix it with some water (ACV forming the majority of it). After that let it rest on the affected area for 5-10 minutes. Add this to your daily skincare routine and watch your skin transform for the good.
4. Baking Soda:
Who knew this kitchen staple could actually work to fight against pimples? Baking Soda dries out the zit and reduces the inflammation. A baking soda paste (mix baking soda and water) when applied for 5 minutes on the affected area, can give miraculous results. The baking soda eliminates the dead skin cells from the skin and balances the pH of the skin in return.
5. Honey:
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It’s a no brainer why honey works! Possessing anti-inflammatory properties, honey cures swelling, redness and inflammation of skin. Thanks to hydrogen peroxide present in honey! Applying honey on the skin for about half an hour makes honey work like a ninja on your pimples. It slays all the bacteria and promises a clearer smoother skin. Just a few drops of honey can be your saviour!
6. Oils:
There are a handful of oils to the aid. Fish oil, lavender oil, lemongrass oil, tea tree oil and the list go on. Fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids owing to which it can cure inflammatory woes of the skin. For the ones who aren’t allergic to fish, this might be the ultimate solution. Fish oil capsules can be ingested or directly applied on the concerned area.
An alternative to fish oil, lavender oil is one of the most soothing essential oils. The antifungal and antioxidants properties kick off all bacteria and bring relief to the skin. It can also be applied on the back and other parts of the body. A piece of advice: A patch-test before application on to the affected area is advisable in case of any oil.