Pimples - they happen to the best of us. But what are they? Is your method of dealing with them the best one for your skin? Here, Beijing United Family Hospital (BJU) Chair of Dermatology Dr. Shan Yuan walks you through dealing with your zits.
What is a pimple?
Pimples happen when hair follicles get blocked. Hair follicles contain small glands that secrete an oily, waxy substance called sebum and, when the sebum can’t be released properly due to a blockage, a pimple forms.
What are the different types of pimples?
When a pimple forms but the pore becomes blocked or closed, the pimple will appear white – we call these whiteheads. If the pimple forms and the pore remains open, the pimple will appear dark – we call these blackheads.
Are some skin types more prone to pimples than others?
Extremely dry skin is more prone to pore blockages. Extremely oily skin is more prone to high levels of sebum secretion. Sensitive skin and skin with metabolic issues are also more prone to pimples (more so, even, than oily skin).
What can cause pimples?
A lack of oxygen in the skin (whether from fatigue, smoking, lack of exercise, or lack of sleep), an increase in sebum production in the skin (whether from eating very sugary or fatty foods or an overproduction of testosterone), and dry skin (from a dry environment) can all cause pimples.
What should I do if I get a pimple?
The best thing to do is to combat existing pimples and prevent pimples before they happen by implementing a timely anti-acne regimen. By avoiding the above-mentioned risk factors, you can reduce your risk of pimples forming and developing into severe acne.
I’m going to a party tonight and I just got a pimple. Should I pop it?
You may try to pop your pimple yourself and extract its contents, but you should only do this if you can be sure that it can be done in a completely sterile environment. If you’re not sure you can completely sterilize your skin and any tools you wish to use, don’t attempt to pop it yourself. Instead, allow a medical professional to deal with it for you.
Is there anything I can do to reduce the number of pimples I get?
You can address some of the root causes mentioned above by exercising regularly; getting adequate sleep; quitting smoking; and reducing your alcohol, sugar, and fat intake. You can also use medicines to deal with existing pimples.
I have some scarring from old pimples. Is there any way to get rid of them?
Treatment for scarring caused by acne and pimples can vary depending on the severity of the scars. Common treatments nowadays include laser or gold microneedle treatments. Mild scarring with indenting of the skin may require several courses of laser treatments to resolve. Severe scarring may require surgery to achieve better results.
Dr. Shan Yuan is BJU’s Chair of Dermatology. She has over two decades of experience as a dermatologist. Have a pimple that you want some help with? Want to get some anti-pimple medication? BJU offers treatments and medication that can help you fight zits. To take advantage of these, make an appointment with Dr. Yuan by calling the BJU Service Center at 4008-919191 or booking through our patient portal.
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