Pimples are an inflammatory skin problem caused by:
• Congested pores
• Bacterial infection that causes inflammation
• Hormonal fluctuations that cause the body to produce excess oil
The good news is that you can follow certain steps and a consistent skincare routine to prevent or treat pimples.
OUR TOP TEN TIPS TO PREVENT BLEMISHES
Try our ten hot tips for keeping pimples at bay, helping you to maintain a clear and radiant complexion.
1. HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE
Water can improve your skin in many ways. It helps to remove toxins and bacteria on the skin while preventing pore-clogging. Make sure to drink your 8 glasses of H2O daily. Keeping the skin moisturised can re-balance oil glands, help control blemishes and improve healing.
2. USE THE RIGHT SKIN CARE PRODUCTS
If you have oily skin, always use water-based skin care products designed for blemish-prone skin and avoid anything oil-based. NIVEA Clear Up Face Care can help reduce blemishes by removing excess oil from your skin. Whichever product you use, always follow the directions and avoid over-cleansing. Use sunscreens with lightweight formula’s that don’t clog pores.
3. INGREDIENT WATCH
Skincare products with the right combination of ingredients can be the solution you need to prevent and control pimples. Look out for powerful ingredients in your skincare products like retinol to boost cell turnover, glycolic acid which will exfoliate in a non-abrasive way and salicylic acid to clarify clogged pores. Other natural ingredients like sea salt, magnolia extract, aloe and chamomile in skincare will also have a soothing effect on your skin. NIVEA Clear Up face wash and blemish gel are filled with pimple fighting ingredients to control oiliness and remove impurities.
4. EXFOLIATE YOUR SKIN BUT DONT’ OVERDO IT
Exfoliating is important to slough away dead skin cells, unclog pores and renew the skin. However, when done too often and aggressively exfoliation can cause redness, inflammation and irritation. Exfoliation should be done gently and at least two to three times a week.
5. GO EASY WITH YOUR MAKE-UP
A thick layer of makeup, or any oil-based makeup, can block your pores, cause a breakout or aggravate existing pimples. Opt for water-based, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and oil-free makeup products instead. Mineral-based products will also help absorb oil and minimize redness.
6. BE DILIGENT WHEN YOU SWEAT
While you can’t always control the temperature, you can always wash your face thoroughly or use an anti-blemish wipe after sweating heavily. Excessive sweating can contribute to blemishes flaring up. After a workout make sure to wash your face to avoid sweat, which may contain blemish-causing bacteria, from sticking to your face.
7. PIN IT BACK
If you have a fringe or your hair usually touches your face, try pinning it back. Hair on your face can cause more oil to accumulate on your skin and blemishes can appear. After applying hair products, swipe a cleansing wipe like NIVEA Daily Essentials Gentle Facial Cleansing Wipes across your face, and try to keep hair products away from your hairline.
8. CLEAN ANYTHING THAT MIGHT TOUCH YOUR FACE DAILY
Think of everything that might touch your face on a daily basis like a cloth mask, phone screen, face cloth or pillow case. All together it adds up to alot of dirt, oil and bacteria that can transfer to your skin and aggravate your blemishes. Change your sheets and pillowcases regularly; wash your makeup tools at least once a week; wipe down your phone with an antibacterial wipe as often as possible and be sure to wash your cloth face mask after each wear.
9. QUIT THE SWEET STUFF
Many people report results of clearer, blemish-free skin while following diets that are low in sugar. While these claims haven’t been medically proven, it certainly won’t hurt to give up processed food, if you want to give it a try.
10. TRY KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF YOUR FACE
Every time your fingers meet your face, they transfer dirt and oils. Resist the urge to pick, poke and pop your pimples as this increases the chances of inflammation and scarring. If you must touch your face, always make sure your hands are freshly washed.
Treating blemishes is a little trickier than preventing it. In most cases, soothing and cleaning the affected area followed by waiting for the pimples to go away naturally, is the best treatment. Here are our simple tips for treating mild and severe blemishes:
TREATMENT FOR MILD BLEMISHES
It’s worth considering not treating your blemishes with medication at all as most cases will resolve themselves naturally. However, you can speak with your doctor or pharmacist about over-the-counter blemish treatments suited to your skin type. Most of these treatments work by cleansing the affected area to remove the excess oil.
TREATMENT FOR SEVERE BLEMISHES
If over the counter treatments aren’t effective, you may need to discuss your blemishes further with your doctor or a dermatologist. They can prescribe topical or tablet acne treatment if your condition is severe.
