Acne is a common skin condition characterized by pimples, whiteheads and blackheads. It results from hair follicles of the face becoming clogged with dead skin cells, dirt and oil or sebum (your sebaceous glands produce oil naturally to lubricate skin and hair). Acne breakouts can happen anywhere on the skin but the most affected areas are the neck, face, shoulders, chest, and back. Teenagers are mostly at the receiving end of acne breakouts because of their rapid hormonal changes. But this does not mean that adults don’t experience acne. Adult acne can continue to plague you well up to your 50s.
Although acne is not a serious issue, having to cope with frequent pimple breakouts can cause a lot of distress and inconvenience in your day-to-day life. Further, if the condition is not managed properly, it may also cause permanent scarring which can affect a person’s self-esteem, especially if the person is at an impressionable age.
In this article, we discuss how to get rid of pimples with 5 ingredients that are approved by dermatologists unanimously worldwide.
5 Best Ingredients to Get Rid of Pimples
Below are listed 5 commonly used ingredients recommended by doctors to help fight acne and regulate pimples
Vitamin C
Also officially referred to as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that needs to be obtained from external sources because it is not produced by the body naturally. Applying over-the-counter vitamin C-enriched skincare products can be very beneficial in managing pimples. Acne is an inflammatory condition marked by the appearance of red, swollen bumps containing pus. Vitamin C is bestowed with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and so it can effectively counteract the effects of breakouts. With regular use, it can even help get rid of pimple marks.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is often hailed as a natural antidote to acne-induced pimples. But why is this so?
Tea tree oil is categorized as an essential oil sourced from the leaves of the woody shrub, ‘melaleuca alternifolia’ which is native to Australia. The oil is clear to yellowish in color with a distinct medicinal odor. The oil contains the active ingredient terpinen-4-ol which has anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. This feature of the oil is considered perfect to tame inflammation caused by the ‘propioni acnes’ bacteria responsible for the breakouts.
However, one needs to be cautious when using tea tree oil topically on the skin. Applying the oil directly to the skin may cause irritation. It is therefore advised by experts to dilute the oil with mild carrier oils such as sweet almond oil or coconut oil.
Azelaic Acid
Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid found in wheat, barley and rye. The effectiveness of this acid lies in its ability to manage a number of skin conditions such as acne and rosacea due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. The acid can also help clear away the bacteria from the pores that may be responsible for acne breakouts.
Upon using azelaic acid you will notice that inflammation including irritation and redness has reduced. Azelaic acid also promotes cell regeneration, expediting the process of healing and minimizing the scars.
So, if you are troubled by acne scarring, azelaic acid may help to get rid of pimple marks.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is a popular ingredient that can help fight acne. This ingredient is very effective against inflammatory acne which is characterized by red pustules, nodules, and cysts. It targets the root cause of acne, i.e., it kills off the bacteria and prevents future breakouts. Another upside to using benzoyl peroxide is that, unlike other kinds of over-the-counter topical medications, it does not cause antibiotic resistance.
Retinol
Retinol is a popularly used ingredient for acne that belongs to the family of compounds referred to as retinoids. Although all retinoids are vitamin A derivatives, their myriad properties affect the skin in different ways.
Firstly, retinol works on the skin’s outermost layer referred to as the epidermis. It exfoliates the skin to get rid of the buildup composed of dead skin cells, dirt and sebum helping to avoid pimples from developing in the first place.
Secondly, the tiny molecules of retinol penetrate deeply into the middle layer of the skin known as the dermis to stimulate the production of elastin and collagen. So, with regular use over time, retinol can help to get rid of pimples and can add firmness and youthfulness to the skin, improving the overall quality.
Conclusion
The best way to get rid of pimples is to maintain healthy skin care as well as dietary routine. Follow the age-old mantra of cleanse, scrub, tone and moisturize. Furthermore, by choosing to invest in the right ingredients which are sanctioned by professional dermatologists you can ensure quick resolution of your skin problem if it crops up, and prevent future breakouts and minimize scarring (if any). Next time you notice pimples, resist the temptation to pop your zit as it will lead to scarring and apply any one of the five ingredients mentioned in this article instead!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can sun exposure aggravate my pimples?
Ans: Yes, prolonged sun exposure dehydrates the skin leading to the overactivation of sebum. The excess oil produced can clog pores and cause breakouts. To protect your skin, always use oil-free, non-comedogenic sunscreens when stepping out.
Q2. How can I get rid of pimples with the help of dietary changes?
Ans: Some foods that aggravate skin concerns like acne are dairy products, refined sugars, and fried and processed foods.
Q3. When should I consult a dermatologist for my pimples?
Ans: If over-the-counter acne ingredients and mild regular cleansing don’t solve your acne woes, you should schedule an appointment with a doctor to resolve your skin problem at the earliest.
