What Causes Pimples – and how to deal with them!

On this page are 3 common causes of pimples, along with what to do to make a difference to your skin!

What Causes Pimples: 3 of the most common culprits

1. Hormones
2. Stress
3. Diet

1. Hormones =

The major underlying cause of pimples and acne.

Hormones have a first-hand role in controlling sebum production in our skin. If this oil production is out of balance, it will produce more oil than it should.

This mixes with dead skin cells and blocks pores – causing pimples as well as blackheads.

Puberty

Over active hormones during this stage cause skin to produce more oil by directly influencing the sebaceous glands.

• Controlling pimples at this stage is about balancing oil production as much as possible with lifestyle factors and skin care

• Keeping the skin clean and balanced, while taking care of your body and lifestyle, will help greatly to prevent breakouts

• Antibiotics are often prescribed for acne during puberty, as it’s the increase of bacteria on the surface of the skin that contributes to it. If acne is getting in the way of your life and confidence, don’t hesitate to see a doctor. Sometimes, one course of antibiotics can make a significant impact

Menstrual Cycle=

The hormonal area on the face is the chin, so you might break out in the exact same area every month – often like clock work to the day!

• Speak to your doctor about going on the contraceptive pill/changing what you are on now – the right one can balance out your skin significantly

• The heightened feelings of stress that are part of PMS are also a major cause of pimples – exercise, eat healthy and make sure you take time for yourself.

Pimple Cause 2 – Stress =

Stress has a strong impact on the body, and is one of the major causes of pimples. Stress is usually a major factor in adult acne/breakouts:

• It effects sleeping patterns, diets, and overall health. This has a compound effect. 

• Sometimes a major life event can bring on an acne episode that may stay with you long after the stress of the even has gone

• Besides taking practical steps to handle stress, using the right skin care can really help deal with the surface symptoms and keep it under control – which also takes away the added stress of having to deal with pimples as well!

3. Diet And Pimples=

Diet and pimples can be related:

• If the digestive system is overloaded with ‘bad’ foods, the body deals with the excess in toxins by eliminating them through the surface of the skin organ – pimples   (see Probiotics For Acne)

• Blood sugar levels regulate hormones – too much sugar releases insulin in our blood which over-stimulates the hormones that cause pimples

• Skin is one of the last organs to receive nutrients from food, so if you don’t eat enough of the ‘good’ stuff, your skin will miss out.