how does pimples occur - #20771
I am super confused about my skin right now and really need to understand how does pimples occur ’cause it seems like my face has just decided to become a battlefield! Like, last month, I noticed these tiny bumps that turned into full-blown pimples overnight. I am not a teenager anymore, so why is this happening? I try to keep my skin clean, but I think I might be using too many products, maybe that’s it? My friend said something about hormones impacting how does pimples occur, but I’m not sure what that means. Also, I’ve been under a lot of stress with work lately and wonder if that has a part in how does pimples occur too. Some days I wake up with one or two, but by the end of the day, I’ll have like five new ones! It’s like a surprise party I never asked for. Do some foods make it worse? Like I’ve been eating more pizza lately, could that be connected? I just really want to know what’s triggering all this and how exactly does pimples occur. Any advice or insights would be really helpful right now, I’m feeling kinda hopeless!
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Doctors' responses
Pimples occur primarily due to four main factors: excess oil production, clogged follicles, bacteria, and inflammation. When your skin produces too much sebum, the oily substance that keeps it lubricated, it can mix with dead skin cells and clog pores. This environment is a perfect scenario for the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes to thrive, leading to inflammation and visible pimples. It’s true that hormones play a key role in acne development, as they can increase oil production. This is often why teenagers experience acne during puberty, but adults can also be affected by hormonal swings. Stress, interestingly, can exacerbate acne because it may boost hormone production and inflammation levels. Therefore, your workload stress might indeed be contributing to those surprise breakouts. Overuse of skincare products, especially if they’re harsh or not suitable for your skin type, can irritate your skin and make things worse by disrupting the natural balance. When it comes to diet, while it’s true some studies suggest high-glycemic foods and dairy might aggravate acne, the evidence isn’t entirely conclusive. If you’ve noticed a pattern where eating certain foods coincides with breakouts, it might be worth considering adjusting your intake. To manage your breakout, simplify your skincare routine to a gentle cleanser, a non-comedogenic moisturizer, and consider products with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid that target acne. Always evaluate new products’ results over several weeks. If your acne persists or is severe, consider seeing a dermatologist to assess if prescription treatments might be necessary. Avoid picking at pimples to prevent scarring and further inflammation. If you notice any signs of cystic acne or severe inflammation, getting a professional opinion is advisable for optimal care tailored to your skin’s needs.
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