Pimples are a common skin condition caused by clogged or inflamed oil glands or an increased presence of pimple-causing bacteria on your skin. They’re a symptom of acne, and there are many different types, including blackheads, whiteheads, cysts and others. Treatments include home remedies and over-the-counter and prescription pills and gels.

How to remove pimples on your face 

What are pimples?

Pimples are small growths on the surface of your skin. They may become inflamed or discolored. Acne typically causes pimples to develop, most commonly on your face, chest, shoulders and upper back.

What’s the difference between acne and pimples?

Acne is a disease. Pimples may be a symptom of acne.

Who do pimples affect?

Pimples typically affect teenagers (adolescents) and young adults undergoing hormonal changes. However, they can affect babies, and many adults continue to have pimples into their 20s, 30s and beyond. Some even develop pimples for the first time as adults.

How common are pimples?

Pimples are very common. Some researchers suggest that pimples affect nearly everyone at some time during their lives. They’re most common during adolescence, but adults may have them, too.

How do pimples affect my body?

Your face (especially your nose, chin and forehead, and sometimes your cheeks or around your lips), neck, back, chest and upper arms are most likely to develop pimples. However, oil glands are all over your body. They release an oily lubricant called sebum that helps keep your skin and hair hydrated and shiny. As a result, though it isn’t common, pimples sometimes appear on your eyelids (styes), butt, ears, scalp, armpits (axilla) and external genitals (penis or labia).

Pimples don’t seriously affect your physical health, but they can affect you psychosocially (how society and social groups affect your mind) and psychologically (your self-perception and behavior). They’re sometimes associated with anxiety, depression, mood disorders and suicidal thoughts.

Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of pimples?

There are many types of pimples, and the symptoms depend on which kind you have. These include:

Papules: 

These are small bumps that may become inflamed (warm to the touch and painful).

Blackheads: 

These are open pores on your skin that contain excess oil and dead skin. It looks like there’s a speck of dirt or a dark spot in the bump. But irregular light reflection off the clogged follicle causes the dark spots.

Whiteheads: 

These are bumps that remain closed by oil and dead skin. They’re white or yellowish in appearance.

Nodules: 

These are rounded or unusually shaped masses. They may be deep in your skin, and they’re often painful.

Pustules: 

These are pus-filled pimples that look like whiteheads surrounded by discolored rings. Picking or scratching your pustules can cause scarring.

Cysts: 

These are pimples filled with a thick, yellow or white fluid composed of dead white blood cells, small pieces of tissue and bacteria (pus). Cysts can cause scars.

What causes a pimple to form?

Sometimes, skin gets irritated by things it comes in contact with and pimples develop. Most people think of acne when they think of pimples. Oil glands (sebaceous glands) are located all over your body. Clogs or inflammation in your sebaceous glands cause pimples to form. Clogs and inflammation can occur as a result of:

Increased sebum (oily material produced by the sebaceous gland) production.

Abnormal formation of keratin (the protein that helps make your hair, skin and nails).

Increased presence of bacteria on your skin that causes pimples.

Are pimples contagious?

Pimples aren’t contagious. You can’t spread them to another person through skin-to-skin contact.

Diagnosis and Tests

How are pimples diagnosed?

Pimples are easy to recognize, so you don’t necessarily need a healthcare professional to diagnose them. But your healthcare provider can diagnose pimples during a skin exam.

They may ask if you’re undergoing significant stress or if you have a family history of pimples, which are risk factors. If you menstruate, your healthcare provider may ask about your menstrual cycles, as pimple breakouts are sometimes related. Sudden, severe pimple outbreaks in people 50 years of age or older can sometimes signal another underlying disease that requires medical attention.

If you have severe pimples (cystic acne), see a dermatologist for treatment. Dermatologists are doctors who specialize in conditions that affect your skin, hair and nails.

Management and Treatment

How do you get rid of a pimple?

Nonprescription medications can get rid of milder cases of pimples. Some medications include:

Azelaic acid: 

This is a natural acid found in various grains such as barley, wheat and rye. It kills microorganisms on your skin and reduces swelling.

Benzoyl peroxide: 

This is available as an over-the-counter product (such as Clearasil, Stridex and PanOxyl). Lower concentrations and wash formulations are less irritating to your skin. Irritation (dryness) is a common side effect.

Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives): 

Retinoids, such as Retin-A, Tazorac and Differin help prevent clogged pores. You may notice a change in skin color or peeling. Using retinoids every other day or using them at the same time as a moisturizer can reduce these side effects.

Salicylic acid: 

This is available over-the-counter for pimples as a cleanser or lotion. It helps dissolve dead skin cells to prevent your hair follicles from clogging.

If your pimples don’t go away with nonprescription medications, your healthcare provider may recommend prescription medications, including antibiotics and oral hormone replacement.

Other therapies may include:

Chemical peels: 

Chemical peels use a mild chemical solution to remove layers of skin and reduce pimples.

Laser skin resurfacing: 

Laser skin resurfacing directs short, concentrated pulsating beams of light at your pimples. The light beams reduce the amount of oil that your sebaceous glands produce.

Microdermabrasion: 

A dermatologist or plastic surgeon uses a specialized instrument to “sand” your skin. Removing the top layers of your skin frees the clogs that cause pimples.

Talk to your healthcare provider before trying these — they may be irritating and make acne worse.

Are there any home remedies for pimples?

Several home remedies may help treat pimples.

While home remedies are safe for most people, it’s a good idea to check with your healthcare provider before trying some of the following options. You may be at risk of developing an allergic reaction.

Some home remedies include:

Tea tree oil: 

Tea tree oil can prevent or stop the growth of bacteria. Apply a small amount of tea tree oil to a cotton applicator and rub it on your pimples.

Sugar or salt scrubs: 

Sugar and salt scrubs scratch away (exfoliate) dead cells on the surface of your skin. Wet your face, apply a salt or sugar scrub to your pimples and massage your skin in small, circular motions for up to 30 seconds. Rinse your face with water when you’re finished.

Green tea: 

Wet green tea leaves can help reduce oil production in your skin. Green tea is also an antioxidant. Mix dry green tea leaves with water and massage the wet leaves into your skin in small, circular motions for up to 30 seconds. Rinse your face with water when you’re finished.

Warm compress: 

A warm compress increases blood blow to your pimples, which causes them to heal faster. Soak a clean washcloth or small towel in very warm water — around 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius) — and apply it to your pimples. Apply the warm compress to your pimples three to four times a day.

Ice: 

Ice can slow down the amount of blood that flows to your pimples, which will reduce inflammation and pain. Apply an ice cube or ice pack covered in a light towel over your pimples for at least 10 minutes. Apply ice to your pimples two to three times a day.

Prevention

How can I prevent pimples?

Preventing pimples is difficult, if not impossible, during normal hormonal changes. But the following tips may help:

Wash your face once or twice daily with warm water and a mild facial cleanser.

Routinely use moisturizers made for your face — be sure they have no perfumes and are non-comedogenic (not acne causing).

You don’t have to stop using makeup, but try using non-comedogenic products and always remove your makeup at the end of each day.

Routinely wash your hair — be sure to include your hairline along your forehead.

Keep hair gels and other products away from your face.

Try not to touch your skin on your face with your hands.

Conclusion 

The best way to get rid of pimples is to stick to a routine that includes cleansing, exfoliation, and oil-free moisturisers. Try acne products with ingredients containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Don’t touch your face, drink plenty of water and eat a healthy diet. If you have stubborn acne, see a dermatologist who will recommend you the best treatments and methods suitable for your type of skin.

FAQS 

1. What are pimples?

Pimples are small bumps on the skin caused by clogged pores, excess oil, bacteria or hormones.

2. Why does acne occur on the face?

Common causes include:

hormonal changes (especially during adolescence)

oily skin

bad skin care habits

stress

repeatedly touching the face

use dirty makeup tools

3. How can I reduce acne naturally?

You can reduce acne by:

wash your face twice a day

keep your hands away from your face

drink enough water

eat fruits and vegetables

get enough sleep

4. Should I get pimples?

No, pimples can cause scarring, redness and infection. Let them heal naturally.

5. What type of face wash should I use?

Use a gentle, oil-free face wash that is suitable for your skin type. Avoid strong soaps.

6. Does diet affect acne?

Yes. Too much fatty, sweet or junk food can make acne worse. A balanced diet helps to keep the skin healthy.

7. How important is cleanliness to prevent acne?

urgent. Always:

wash your face regularly

change pillowcases often

clear make-up brushes

Avoid touching your face unnecessarily

8. Can stress cause acne?

Yes. Stress can increase oil production, leading to more breakouts.

9. How long does it take for pimples to go away?

With proper care, pimples can improve within a few days to a few weeks.

10. When should I see a doctor for acne?

If acne is severe, painful, or does not improve, it is best to consult a dermatologist.