DON'T POP-STOP THE SPOT

We all have experienced an annoying, unattractive, pimple a time or two in our lives. Others have had to deal with the embarrassing and painstaking issue of acne. Either way, none of enjoy looking in the mirror and seeing our faces plagued with the bumps or spots that to us seem to serve as a bulls- eye on our most visible body part OUR FACE.

 If you have ever wondered exactly what a pimple is or what causes them, I have found what I believe to be the most comprehensible explanation and description.

The causes of pimples are generally similar to the reason people get acne. Researchers have discovered that what tends to cause pimples is usually related to the causes of acne as well. Acne is a skin disease that affects the follicles or pores. Follicles cover most of the face and body. A follicle is a tiny skin duct under the skin that a single hair grows out of. Below the duct is a tiny gland that produces sebum, skin oil. This oil is necessary for healthy skin and hair.
What causes pimples is usually the skin below and around the follicles is constantly shedding and growing new skin. These dead skin cells can become excessive and clog up the pores. Contributing to this may be the overproduction of sebum, clogging the pores even more. Once the pores become clogged bacteria will and does form causing a lesion or pimple.

There are several types of lesions. A comedo is a clogged pore. Excess oil mixed with dead skin cells under the surface form a plug. One type of comedo is a whitehead. A whitehead is formed when the clog plugs up the pore entirely forming a small bump with a white center. A blackhead is a clogged pore with a black center. The black center is not dirt but is caused by oxygen having been exposed to the pore because it had opened up slightly.
Papules or pustules are what people usually call pimples. These are raised red bumps because the clogged pores have become infected. The bacteria also cause swelling and bulging. If the pimple is filled with pus it is called a pustule. The pus can become yellow with infection.

Do Not Overwash

Another of the causes of pimples can be over-washing. Over washing acne infected skin can actually produce more acne and more pimples. The skin will make more sebum, which in turn can make acne worse. Wash your face no more than twice a day when using acne medications. Never pick or pop a pimple. This will cause the spread of more bacteria by pushing some bacteria deeper into the skin. This will make the pimple last longer and can also cause it to develop into a cyst. Once the pimple is open it is exposed to even more bacteria from the face and hands causing a bigger infection. This is what causes pimples to spread even more. Another factor to consider in the spreading or worsening of pimples is popping. It is human nature to want to get rid of it quick and most of us think by popping it this will remove the problem. However, it does not-DON'T POP!!

Resist the Urge to Pop

Sweating can cause acne to worsen. Pores can become blocked from excess sweat that cannot evaporate. Always take a shower after sweating and wear loose fitting clothing. Athletic equipment such as headbands, chin straps, pads and helmets may all trap sweat and contribute to the causes of pimples. Avoid wearing fabrics that don't breathe well such as nylon or spandex. Instead, wear cotton fabrics that help to wick sweat away from the skin.
Researchers have also found that what causes pimples in women is also their hormones. Hormones can cause the body to produce more sebum than usual. Women may notice that they have an acne outbreak near the time of their period. Hormones often fluctuate greatly during the teen years and often acne will go away once hormones settle down.
Some medications are also what cause pimples, as they can cause acne to flare up. Anti-depressants, steroids, epilepsy medication and some birth control pills can all contribute to acne. Never stop taking medication because of an acne breakout. Instead, talk with your doctor about it so he can adjust your medication or find other possible causes of pimples and acne.

 There are numerous solutions available on the market for treating acne. However, it is not know which ones really do work or are simply a waste of money. I can tell you from personal experience (with myself and some of my clients) that the Mary Kay Acne Treatment Gel ($7) DOES work. You simply apply it directly to the bump and it is clinically proved to dry and clear the pimple, acne and blemishes. For ongoing treatment and prevention of future flair ups, you should try Mary Kay’s Velocity Facial Cleanser ($10). It deep cleanses the skin all while toning, refreshing and exfoliating it as well. Remember do not wash your face more than twice a day if you are treating these issues. I also recommend the Velocity Lightweight Moisturizer ($12) as the next step in your skin care routine. This moisturizer softens blemish-prone skin and has oil-absorbing ingredients which are very important in the treatment and prevention of future breakouts.
If you suffer from reoccurring pimples, blemishes or acne flare ups, I encourage you to try these products. You will see results quickly without having to spend a fortune or having to be locked into an ongoing purchasing agreement/contract. If you want to stop the spots NOW, please visit my web-site to learn more about the Velocity line: www.marykay.com/ur4beauty. Or you may contact me directly via the information provided on my web-site.