why pimples coming on face - #18527

It sounds like you’re dealing with a fairly common but frustrating issue, as breakouts can sometimes feel like they’re just popping up out of nowhere. The occurrence of pimples on the face is often influenced by a combination of factors including hormonal changes, stress, and sometimes dietary habits. Since you mentioned stress at work, it’s possible that increased levels of stress might be contributing to the flare-ups. Stress can lead to higher levels of cortisol, a hormone that can increase oil production in your skin, potentially leading to clogged pores and acne. Hormonal fluctuations, such as those during menstruation, can also play a significant role, as they affect sebum production, another acne trigger. Addressing stress through relaxation techniques like exercise, meditation, or even proper sleep can be beneficial.

Looking into your diet was a good move; though the link between food and acne is individual, some people do find that dairy or high-glycemic foods exacerbate their acne. Keeping a food diary might help identify any triggers. On the skincare front, while OTC products can sometimes provide relief, it’s important they are suited to your skin type — for instance, non-comedogenic and gentle formulations might be key. Ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide are commonly recommended, but using them cautiously to avoid skin irritation is vital. Importantly, consistency in using any acne treatment is critical since these often take weeks to show improvements.

If the issues persist despite these measures, a visit to a dermatologist might still be worthwhile. A dermatologist should assess whether something systemic, like hormonal imbalances, could be involved and possibly recommend medications that address the underlying cause, such as retinoids or oral contraceptives in certain cases. Additionally, procedures like chemical peels or laser therapy could be discussed as potential options for more persistent acne. While at-home solutions are valid first steps, professional advice is key for systemic reasons or severe cases. Make sure to use any prescribed treatments consistently, as they often take time to effectively show results. If symptoms worsen or don’t improve, follow-up appointments could be necessary to adjust treatment strategies.