6 Reasons We Pop Pimples

popping a pimplePopping your pimples (or as they are more commonly known, “zits”) is something that almost everyone has done. We have tried to resist popping those zits but in vain. Knowing completely well that it is not right to pop pimples because it may lead to scarring or further infection, we still do it. We keep telling ourselves not to touch a pimple and that we should never ever pop it. We could be either a saint or a liar and the last check there were very few saints that were canonized. Why do we really pop zits?

Reasons Why We Hate Having a Pimple and Want to Get Rid of It

It is ugly
It is unsightly, the presence of pus indicate that the face is unhealthy. It does not take rocket science for everyone to note that a face full of acne is never a pretty sight. This is the reason why people tend to pop their zit in order to lessen the possibility that their faces will be riddled with acne.

It is itchy
Of course it is itchy, because the body is releasing chemicals that tell our brains that there are local skin irritations. Suffering from an allergy may also give you an itch but that’s not the solution to make the itch go, right? Itch is the body’s way to tell you that there is something on your skin that needs your attention.

It has to heal faster
We want to remove the zit thus we pop it. It is a simple logic that will tell us that if there is something that does not belong to the face, we just get rid of it. Dermatologists recommend fighting that urge. But, instead use an acne medication which is the best way to remedy the situation. There are no short cuts in healing so you have to deal with it.

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Acne Triggers You Should Know About

If you are one of those people who has never had acne problems, then you have been quite lucky.

Acne is one of the most common skin concerns encountered by individuals especially those in their adolescent age when hormonal changes cause various skin-detriments that eventually lead to breakouts. But it goes without saying that this condition may affect people from all age brackets, and regardless of gender.

Thankfully, we have been provided with ample texts regarding the most known acne triggers. These bits of information allow us to know just which things to avoid, from food to lifestyle choices. But there are also lesser known causes of acne, and some of these may even be present in our favorite over-the-counter grooming and hygiene products. Here are some examples of chemicals we should steer clear of to avoid acne breakouts.

cosmetics can trigger acne
It may be that products you use every day could be triggering your acne breakouts.
Photo credit Beth Tusch, RF, http://www.sxc.hu/photo/842778

Hair Products

hair productsThe key in choosing hair products- such as shampoo or conditioner- is to keep away from those which could potentially exacerbate oil accumulation on the scalp and face. These products normally contain these ingredients: silicone, PVC, copolymer, ammonium lauryl sulfate, isopropyl myristate, petrolatum, CVP, and sodium lauryl sulfate.

Tips: Even hair products with oil-free labels don’t always stay true to their claim, and most may still contain a significant amount of oil. In order to avoid breakouts from oil accumulation on your skin, make sure to thoroughly rinse your hair after using any brand of shampoo and conditioner. Shampoos and conditioners can also leave residue which can irritate one’s skin when the hair comes in contact with the face.

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SPF and Choosing the Right Skin Protection

winter sunEven though fall is here and people are breaking out boots and sweaters, skin care and sun protection should still be on the top of your list.

Studies have shown that the fall and winter sun rays have an even more damaging effect on skin due to the proximity of the sun. However, it can be overwhelming to know what type of sunscreen you need.

This guide will walk you through choosing a sunscreen that suits your skin type and activity level.

SPF: the higher the number, the higher the level of protection?

Many people are under the impression that if they use a sunscreen with a higher SPF, they will have a significantly higher level of protection from the sun. What they don’t understand is that:

  • The SPF rating on sunscreen describes the amount of UVB rays (which cause sunburns) it will block, not the UVA rays that actually cause the long-term skin damage and wrinkles
  • Sunscreen with an SPF of 15 is actually sufficient in blocking most UVB rays, if applied heavily and often throughout someone’s time in the sun–at least every two hours
  • While it is true that higher levels of SPF will block more UVB rays, it is not a significant increase, merely 2-4% higher
  • Regardless of the strength of the sunscreen against UVB rays, it must be applied often; even the highest SPF sunscreen will wear off throughout the day.
  • Sufficiently protecting against UVA rays requires a bit more research, including seeking out sunscreens that contain ingredients deemed by the Food and Drug Administration to protect against UVA rays. -Different skin types require varying degrees of UVB and UVA protection.

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Causes Of Rosacea

Rosacea on faceMedical science has yet to pinpoint the exact causes of rosacea although there are many theories on the disorder’s origin.

When rosacea first develops there is a certain amount of flushing around the nose and cheeks, this is believed to occur because blood vessels located beneath the surface of the skin get dilated and the increased blood near the skins surface gives a red, flushed appearance.

Occasionally acne like bumps are present, especially in the redder areas of the face. It is said that up to one out of every twenty people suffer with the condition.

Understanding What Causes Rosacea

As stated above there are no definitive answers when it comes to pinpointing the exact causes of Rosacea. Through research that has been carried out there do seem to be some common factors when it comes to the causes of rosacea.

  • One of the more common triggers for the condition was reported to be over exposure to the sun or extremes in temperature, going quickly from a hot environment to cold or vice versa.
  • Alcohol is also believed to be a contributing factor and if you are affected, it is recommended that you should reduce the amount you consume.
  • People have found that using certain skin care products or cosmetics can be a contributing factor to their rosacea. Try and take note if your condition worsens when using certain products and refrain from using them.
  • Stress also plays a big part, people reported the condition was triggered or made worse when they found themselves in stressful situations.
  • Some people experienced a worsening of their condition through over exercise. Of course on the whole exercise is good for us, but for some exercising too much worsened their condition.

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How Can You Combat Acne and Pimples?

Let’s begin by talking about the miracle of our skin and how it works to defend our body. Once we understand this process a little better, we can better understand why acne and pimples develop – and what we can do to combat them.

The Miracle of Human Skin

Skin

The skin is the largest organ and the soft outer covering of the human body and other vertebrates. It is made up of layers of tissues known as ectodermic tissues and comprises cells that continually replace themselves.

When any cell of the skin ages, it advances towards the surface of the skin; in the process, dying and evening out, to unite with innumerable other dead cells of the skin to create a defensive layer. This layer acts as the primary line of protection, defending the body from viruses, bacteria, pathogens and undue water loss. It also serves as the body’s insulator and regulates its temperature.

When skin is severely impaired, it has the capacity to heal in the form of a scar tissue. The thinnest skin of the human body is that around the eyelids and under the eye and hence the most likely part to show the first signs of aging in the form of crows feet or wrinkles.

Why do we get Acne and Pimples?

Acne Vulgaris
acne vulgarisThis is the commonest form of acne. It is formed when there is a bacterial infection at the point of blockage on the skin’s surface. In a normal skin, small oil producing glands called sebum are present within the hair follicles. The oil produced by them mixes with the cells of the skin on the path towards the outer skin. But in some skins, there is an excess quantity of sebum that hinders this passage out of the hair follicles, giving rise to the blockage as mentioned above and hence to the formation of acne. This is a common problem that generally begins when children attain adolescence and it continues till their mid-twenties; there may be variation in the extent of acne and the ages that are affected by it.

Pimples
pimpleThese are a form of skin lesions that develop when there is occurrence of inflammation beneath the skin’s surface, due to which the walls of the pores break down. Bacteria, dead cells of the skin and sebum thus are afforded an easy entry to amass below the skin’s surface. This in turn, develops into an infection that give rise to raised, red bumps and they are called pimples. When the inflammation takes place even deeper within the skin, it results in the formation of Pustules; which are pimples filled with pus.

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