9 things that can cause pimples on the face

Although there are many myths about the causes of pimples on the face, some daily routines can lead to their appearance. So, by applying some good habits, we can prevent them.

Have you ever wondered why they constantly appear those black spots that disfigure the face? The pimples on the face, contrary to what is thought, are not the product of dirt or lack of hygiene . Their causes have other origins that it is good to know to fight them better.

The hair follicles in each pore produce fat to lubricate hair and skin. With the hormonal changes the sebaceous glands can be altered and the production of fat increases. That causes that the pores of the skin to clog and trap dead cells and bacteria.

When the blockage occurs under the skin, the dots do not darken and so-called white spots occur. These, not being exposed, are less likely to become infected.

What causes pimples on the face

Now that we know that pimples are produced by excess skin fat , we must determine the reasons that cause this hyperactivity in the sebaceous glands , to know why these black spots appear.

Hormonal changes

Hormonal changes seem to have a significant effect on acne, especially in adolescence, women or when taking contraceptives.

That is the reason why the pimples on the face appear more during puberty. In this stage of life, androgen – male sex hormones – stimulate the production of sebum and cells , both in men and women.

There are also hormonal alterations during pregnancy and in menstrual periods  that can affect the sebaceous glands, which can help the appearance of pimples.

Likewise, birth control pills and other hormone-based pills can affect the appearance of pimples. On this there are contradictory studies, because some consider that contraceptive pills reduce the appearance of acne. The key seems to be in the hormones that contain the different brands of pills .

Makeup

Makeup clogs pores and facilitates the production of bacteria and dead cells . This, obviously, favors the appearance of pimples on the face, mainly when left during the night or not cleaned well.

Sweat

Another cause of acne is sweating, although for different reasons. The accumulated sweat on the skin causes the appearance of a yeast called Prosperity diverticulitis , which irritates the skin and clogs the pores. The acne produced by sweat appears more on the back, arms and chest , but it can also affect the face.

Touch your face and pimples on your face

Touching the face and exploiting pimples creates an environment conducive to the growth of bacteria that cause and inflame acne.

Touching your face does not create pimples or pimples. Neither does he squeeze his shins. However, those actions create an appropriate field for their appearance .

When you run your hands over your face, you leave a trail of dirt, bacteria and grease that helps clog pores and blocks the natural output of the skin fat. As we have already seen, that retention ends up causing pimples.

Likewise, when squeezing a pimple or pimple, not only do we leave the grease and bacteria on the skin, but we also cause irritation due to the pressure effect that will favor the environment for new pimples.

Stress

Although there is no conclusive evidence, some dermatologists believe that stress creates a favorable field for the appearance of pimples, because it can increase the production of cortisol and estrogen .

There are also two other reasons to link stress to pimples and acne. “The sebaceous glands are also immune organs and can create inflammation and exacerbate inflammation of the skin,” according to dermatologist Adam Friedman of Georgetown University, who says that would be a cause.

Friedman himself points to another theory. “People with stress tend to get more hands to their faces and scratch, that helps the appearance of acne and irritates the skin.”

Food and the appearance of pimples on the face

The evidence of the effects of diet on the appearance of acne is inconclusive. However, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) considers that there are clear indications that it can have an important influence.

For that reason, the ADA recommends reducing foods with a high hypoglycemic and fatty index . “More studies are needed, but each person can be their own detective and analyze which foods stimulate the appearance of acne.

Smoking

Tobacco can alter the production of fat and the structure of the skin, favoring the appearance of acne.

Several studies conclude that smokers have a high tendency to the appearance of pimples. Tobacco would be the cause of a type of acne called “reverse acne . ” This consists of blocking the pores from the outside inward caused by an overproduction of outer skin.

Wear hats

The hat itself does not cause pimples, however, its use makes it sweat more on the scalp and that sweat goes down to the forehead and the rest of the face . As we have already explained, sweat contributes to block the pores and favors the appearance of pimples on the face.

Use the cell phone

Having the cell phone stuck to your cheek while we talk also produces sweat and blocks the pores. In addition, being constantly exposed to the environment, hands and the different surfaces where they are stored or left, accumulate dirt and bacteria that are transferred to the skin every time we talk.

How to reduce the appearance of pimples on the face

A facial cleansing routine will help to properly control the production of fat and the formation of pimples.

Hormonal alterations can always cause the appearance of pimples, but we can avoid the risk factors by following some advice.

Wash your face thoroughly with water and neutral soaps.

• Use exfoliates for the skin.
• Do not squeeze pimples.
• Wash your hands well before touching your face.
• Keep hair clean.
• Use makeup without oils and clean it well before sleeping.
• Wash your face well with water and neutral soap after exercising or sweating a lot.
• Review the diet.
• Give up smoking.
• Use hats with ventilated spaces.
• Do not stick the cell phone to your face

If the pimples on the face are very recurrent, it is best to consult a dermatologist who can advise us on suitable treatments for different skin types.