What is acne and how to get rid of pimples?

Acne is a chronic inflammatory condition characterised by the appearance of blackheads, pimples and nodules on the skin. To get rid of pimples, you need to use anti-acne products that help reduce breakouts and inflammation.

What is acne?

Acne (acne vulgaris) is a dermatological condition characterised by the blockage and inflammation of the sebaceous glands. The hair follicles become clogged with sebum and dead cells, which leads to the formation of pimples and blackheads. Acne most often occurs in teenagers, but it can appear in people of any age.

What causes acne?

Pimples on the face and body can appear due to hormonal imbalances (elevated androgen levels). Other causes of acne include:

• genetic predisposition;

• excess sebum production;

• fungi and bacteria;

• stress;

• improper skin care;

• an unbalanced diet;

• diabetes.

Acne can be triggered by gastrointestinal disorders (gastritis, dysbiosis). Pimples and blackheads on the face can also appear when the immune system is weakened.

What does acne look like?

Acne looks like a rash on the face, back and chest. Other symptoms of acne include:

• increased skin oiliness;

• enlarged pores;

• whiteheads and blackheads (comedones);

• red, painful pimples on the face and back;

• purple or red marks on the skin after pimples;

• scars on the skin.

Acne can be accompanied by redness and itching of the skin. After blackheads and pimples heal, light or dark pigmentation spots may remain on the skin.

Types of acne

The types of pimples on the face and body include nodules, cysts and pustules. Dermatologists distinguish the following types of acne:

• open comedones — blackheads;

• closed comedones — white subcutaneous pimples on the face;

• papules — small red bumps under the skin that are painful to the touch;

• pustules — these are pimples with a white head in the centre, filled with pus;

• nodules — large, hard lumps beneath the surface of the skin;

• cysts — large pus-filled lesions under the skin.

Cysts and nodules are the most severe types of acne and can leave scars behind. There is also fungal acne, which appears as a fine red rash on the face and chest.

Acne on the face

Acne on the face can appear in the form of comedones, papules, pustules and nodules. The rash is most often located in the area of the forehead, nose and chin, and pimples can also appear on the cheeks.

Acne on the face requires careful skin care, which includes cleansing, toning and moisturising. For example, you can use a cleansing gel with AHA acids, which has an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect. For acne, you can use a toner with retinol, which stimulates cell renewal. Caring for acne-prone skin also involves moisturising the skin with an anti-acne cream that regulates sebum production. A dermatologist may also prescribe an ointment for pimples on the face.

Acne on the back

Acne on the back develops because of the large concentration of sebaceous glands, friction from clothing and increased sweating. To reduce breakouts on the back, it is recommended to wear cotton clothing and to use special anti-acne products (soaps, gels, toners). For example, the phytogel for acne and blackheads restores the skin's natural balance and reduces inflammation. The antibacterial foam for cleansing problem skin cleanses the skin well and prevents pimples from appearing on it.

Acne in newborns

Acne in infants can develop two to four weeks after birth and appears as small red pimples on the face and back. Newborn acne occurs because of the influence of the mother's hormones, which stimulate the activity of the sebaceous glands.

The rash can last for up to three or four months, after which it disappears as the baby's sebaceous glands develop. Caring for an infant's skin with acne involves washing daily with warm water and baby soap. It is not advisable to use lotions, oils and acne ointments intended for adults, as irritation may occur on the baby's delicate skin.

Hormonal acne

Hormonal acne develops as a result of disruptions in the endocrine system and an excess of the male sex hormones, androgens. The condition most often develops in women during menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. Teenage acne appears as a result of the body's hormonal restructuring during puberty.

To treat hormonal acne, you should see a dermatologist or cosmetologist. The doctor will select skin care products that prevent excess sebum production. Creams and ointments for acne may be used, as well as cleansing and moisturising masks. For example, a cleansing mask for problem skin or a deep-cleansing alginate mask with neroli oil.

What are the grades of acne?

Acne can be mild, moderate or severe. The grades of acne are:

1. First-grade acne (mild) — characterised by the appearance of comedones and the occasional papule and pustule.

2. Second-grade acne (moderate) — numerous papules and pustules are present on the face and body.

3. Third-grade acne (severe) — numerous papules, pustules and nodules appear.

4. Fourth-grade acne (very severe) — characterised by numerous nodules and cysts and deep damage to the skin.

At the third and fourth stages, post-acne changes (post-acne scars) develop, appearing as the formation of scars and pigmentation spots on the skin. In the case of severe acne, you must seek treatment from a dermatologist.

How is acne treated?

To get rid of acne, you need drug therapy, care with cosmetic products and a balanced diet. Acne treatment may include:

• antibiotics;

• retinoids (vitamin A derivatives);

• combined oral contraceptives;

• salicylic and azelaic acid;

• antibacterial agents (benzoyl peroxide, zinc-based preparations).

A doctor may prescribe hormonal pills for acne. Cosmetological procedures (laser therapy and phototherapy, chemical peels) may be used in acne treatment. A dermatologist also selects care products (creams, ointments, lotions) that help get rid of pimples and blackheads.

How to get rid of acne at home?

Completely curing acne at home is very difficult. With moderate and severe forms of the condition, you should see a dermatologist, as treating acne at home can lead to complications (the formation of scars and acne marks). It is also not advisable to use folk remedies for acne, as they can lead to skin inflammation and worsen the breakout.

How to care for acne-prone skin?

Caring for acne-prone skin should include cleansing twice a day, toning and using moisturising creams. It is also recommended to use masks and serums that reduce inflammatory processes. For example, a serum for problem skin regulates sebum production and fights pimples and blackheads. For toning the face, you can use alcohol-free products, for example, a toner for problem skin with sulphur and glycolic acid.

With acne, it is important to use sun protection products, for example, a cream for problem skin SPF-15, because ultraviolet radiation can worsen inflammation on the skin. It is not advisable to cleanse the face too often, as this can increase skin oiliness.

How to choose skin care products for acne?

When choosing anti-acne products, you should opt for non-comedogenic preparations that do not clog the pores. Effective products for pimples contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Cosmetic preparations should not contain fragrances or sulphates, as these can worsen skin inflammation.

To choose the right skin care products, it is recommended to visit a cosmetologist or dermatologist. A specialist may recommend an anti-acne peel with azelaic, mandelic and lactic acid, or a salicylic peel, which effectively fight acne breakouts.

Can pimples be squeezed?

It is not advisable to squeeze acne lesions, as there is a risk of spreading the infection. Moreover, after being squeezed, pimples take a long time to heal and scars may remain on the skin. You should go to a cosmetologist for safe removal of pimples, or wait until they form on their own and the pus comes out naturally.

How to remove pimples from the face overnight at home?

Removing subcutaneous or surface pimples overnight is unrealistic, but you can reduce the inflammation and the size of the bump on the skin. To reduce inflammation and redness on the face, you should use anti-acne products with salicylic and azelaic acid and zinc.

How to get rid of a subcutaneous pimple?

To get rid of subcutaneous pimples, it is recommended to use cold compresses and antibacterial agents. You can get rid of pimples with preparations containing benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Subcutaneous pimples must not be squeezed or warmed up, as this can worsen the inflammation and spread the infection.

Can acne be prevented?

Acne prevention includes caring for the skin with non-comedogenic cosmetics, a balanced diet and giving up harmful habits (smoking and alcohol abuse). You should also avoid touching your face with dirty hands, manage stress and treat hormonal disorders in good time.