What are Pimples?

Pimples also known as spots or acne are those rather annoying bumps that either visit occasionally or have permanently made our faces their abode.

Needless to say, pimples are rather distressing and as such we tend to spend a lot of time, energy and resources looking for ways to get rid of them as quickly as possible.

However, getting rid of acne is never that easy and most times the process can be both long and unpredictable. Even when we finally get the acne under control, most times we still have to deal with the scars and marks left behind.

The reason why acne management is so difficult is because there are many causative factors  responsible for acne, and most times, you could have more than two or more factors responsible.

Having a basic understanding about how pimples form and some knowledge about the types of products suitable for managing these conditions will help arm us on our journey to effective acne management.

Pimples can be either inflammatory or non inflammatory

 

Non inflammatory pimples include black heads and white heads.

White heads

Whiteheads are clogged follicles covered by a thin layer of skin that appear as white bumps or spots.

Black heads

These are formed when the excess oil trapped within the pores is exposed to air and oxygen and undergoes a chemical reaction where the melanin is oxidised and turn the clogged pore black.

Inflammatory pimples are a result of P.Acnes bacteria infecting the follicles, causing a response from the body that can lead to acne breakouts include pustules papules, nodules and cysts

Pustules

Pustules are closed comedones, often yellow or white with redness at the base of the swelling. Pustules are inflamed lesions that are pus-filled. Extracting or popping pustules at home can lead to the skin scarring.”

Papules

Papules are small, often sensitive, red and pink bumps. While they may look similar to whiteheads, papules are an inflammatory type of acne, meaning they are tender and sore. Papules can even turn into pustules should the comedo develop pus that pushes up towards the surface of the skin.

 

Nodules

A close relative of papules are nodules. Nodules are also red and tender, but these large, hard pimples are embedded deep under the skin. Nodules do not respond especially well to topical home treatments as they develop so deeply. Depending on whether an infection is present, nodules can take weeks to months to heal and may leave scars.

Cysts

Epidermoid cysts are small, slow-growing, benign cysts most commonly found on the face, head, neck, back, or genitals. They’re usually caused by a build up of keratin under the skin. They look like skin-coloured, tan, or yellowish bumps filled with thick material. They may become swollen, red, and painful if they are infected.

 

Topical Treatments for the different types of pimples

 

Black HeadBest treated with topical remedies that exfoliate and soften sebum and contain ingredients like salicylic acid. SPF is also key as sun exposure can lead to further break outs
White headsBest treated topically with exfoliating treatments and a skin care regimen containing salicylic acid
PustulesWhereas exfoliants can improve non-inflammatory acne, you want to avoid scrubbing pustules as this can cause further irritation. To manage this type of acne, visit an aesthetician and be “consistent with your skin care regimen, including washing your face (twice daily!) with a non-stripping cleanser.”
PapulesSalicylic acid spot treatments  can be dabbed onto papules to help clear them away should you have mild breakouts. For severe papule acne breakouts, seeing an aesthetician or dermatologist is recommended to perform professional extractions or treatments.
NodulusNodules do not respond especially well to topical home treatments as they develop so deeply. Depending on whether an infection is present, nodules can take weeks to months to heal and may leave scars.

Your aesthetician will often use exfoliating products and/or steam before extractions, followed by a calming or purifying masque. Do not attempt to perform extractions at home as this can lead to angry, inflamed skin and scarring.”

Here at Bareskinnaturals, we have a range of chemical exfoliants that can help with issues of non inflammatory acne such as our Glow Face Toner  which is a mildly at home exfoliating toner with 10 % lactic acid . It is gentle and mild enough to help exfoliate the top dead layer of the skin  to remove excess layers of  accumulated dead skin cells.

This toner is good for all skin types and can also help with redness and mild inflammation.

For oily skin types, the Clear skin serum is a great product that can help deal with issues of clogged pores, opening them up and clearing up the pores. With salicylic acid and azelaic acid as actives, this product will help with both closed and open comedones  as well as pustules.

Oily skin, also needs to be moisturised as dehydration can also lead to an exacerbation of acne in oily skin, the Solution Face Cream with Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid is a great product for sebum regulation and rebalancing to help control excess production of sebum which in turn can help reduce the acne breakouts .

Finally, effective acne management can Never be complete without a good and effective cleansing routine, a good PH balanced Cleanser, free from common skin irritants like Sodium Laureth Sulphate, will help to gently cleanse the skin removing dirt and grime and providing a clean palette for other actives and products to be absorbed into the skin.

BSN Deep Cleansing Face Wash with papaya extract, kaolin clay and tapioca starch provides a perfect combination of natural cleansers that will not only effectively cleanse the skin, but also nourish it and leave it a healthy state ready to accept further treatments.

In summary, acne treatment can be a long and arduous journey, but with some patience, right products and a good skin care routine, we might well be on our way to clearer looking skin.