Puberty is a common cause of pimples on the face, we are all aware of that, but why do some women experience them as adults? Those uninvited guests that almost always arrive when you have to be somewhere important? That’s because there are different types of pimples and they can form thanks to different causes that range from your lifestyle habits to health conditions. In order to prevent these pimples and get clear, flawless skin, it is essential to get to the root of the problem.
Bumps on your face: the basics
The types of pimples and bumps on your face that can appear from puberty to way into your adulthood are:
- Blackheads: Pores clogged with sebum and dead skin cells and have a black surface, these are also called open comedones.
- Whiteheads: A small, protruding bump clogged with sebum and dead skin cells with a closed top. Ingredients like salicylic acid work on blackheads and whiteheads.
- Papules: Hard clogged pores caused due to severe inflammation, causing the skin around the pores to turn pink. Niacinamide helps with such stubborn acne.
- Pustules: Red bumps on the surface of the skin filled with pus. Usually have yellow or whiteheads on top.
- Nodules: Nodules occur in the deeper layers of the skin and grow bigger than papules and pustules.
- Cysts: Large, fluid-filled bumps, they are similar to nodules, but the cysts are filled with pus and blood and soft to touch.
6 Top reasons for bumps on your face
1. Not removing makeup at the end of the day
Dirt, makeup and dead skin cells are tiny, sneaky particles that can cling to the pores and wreak havoc on your skin. Simply washing your face with a cleanser is not enough, especially if you wear makeup daily. It is important to first take off all the makeup with makeup remover and then cleanse the skin with a gentle cleanser. This extra step allows your facial cleanser to work more effectively and keeps pimples at bay.
2. Eating processed foods and refined sugar
Diet plays a vital role in how your skin looks, therefore foods rich in sugar and carbs can very well be one of the causes of pimples on the face. Refined carbohydrates like pasta, bread, cakes and cookies have a high glycemic index which increases the growth and severity of acne and pimples. Dairy products have an increased level of insulin response and progesterone-like hormones in them that can trigger breakouts too. Switch to healthy snacking and munch on veggies, fruits and foods rich in protein.
3. Using cellphones
Your beloved mobile phone that you cannot part ways from, is one of the most common causes of pimples on the face. It hoards more bacteria and germs than the toilet seat! Throughout the day, your cellphone is exposed to different surfaces and areas laden with bacteria. These then get transferred to your face while talking and even on to your hands which you then use to touch your face. This can invite pimples and a lot of other skin concerns. It is best to let your phone rest once in a while and clean it every day with an alcohol wipe.
4. Spreading of hairstyling products
If you use a lot of hairstyling products, then those too, could be one of the culprits! While spritzing any form of hair spray, make sure you prevent it from coming in contact with your face directly. Either cover your face, especially your forehead, or hold the spray away in a different direction while using it, as it can clog pores and lead to pimples. They can also get transferred to your face along with sweat. It is best to wear a headband to prevent this as well as wash your face immediately after a workout session.
5. Hormones
Fluctuating or an imbalance of hormones can also be a reason for different types of pimples on the face. Hormonal fluctuations occur during menstruation, pregnancy, breastfeeding and postpartum. The body goes through a lot of changes during these times and disrupts the pH balance of the skin. This often leads to excessive sebum production, which acts like an open invitation for pimples. Visit a dermatologist to better manage hormone-induced acne.
6. Stress
Stress increases cortisol levels in the body, which is responsible for causing internal disruptions and spiking the production of sebum aka oil. And we all know excess oil leads to pimples on the face. Stress also causes binge-eating and sleeplessness, therefore it is important to manage your stress levels and relax your mind and body. Practice yoga and meditation or indulge in your favourite hobby to take your mind off from whatever is causing the stress. Take professional help if it is affecting your physical health.
Products that assist with treating small bumps on your face
1. Gentle face wash
Whether you have any active pimple or bumps or not, you should be washing your face. Even if it is the beginnings of an acne, you should deep cleanse your face so that the grime and dead skin cells trapped do not allow for it to turn into a fully-fledged pimple. And of course, if you have acne-prone skin, turn to a gentle face wash like the Simply Detox Purifying Facial Wash. This gel-based cleanser is free of harsh chemicals like parabens which could otherwise dry out your skin. Instead, it uses thyme and witch hazel to detox your skin and clear all the dirt and oil from your face. Use it twice a day, i.e., in the morning and in the night for best results.
2. Targeted acne-clearing booster
While your usual CTM routine is all well and good, if you already have tons of nasty bumps on your face, you need to target them at the root with the help of boosters. Perfect for oily and sensitive skin, you can just apply it to the acne, blemishes and the affected area thrice a day. Like its face wash counterpart, we’d suggest the Simple Detox SOS Clearing Booster which uses zinc, thyme and witch hazel instead of chemicals like alcohol or salicylic acid to control the excess oiliness. It uses a gel formula to soothe irritation and clear up the spots on your face.
3. Exfoliating scrub
The only way to never have all the different types of acne return is to make sure that there are no catalysts that can cause them. One such way is to make sure that your pores are never clogged because untreated blackheads are just one step away from turning into stubborn acne. Well, to achieve that, you need to exfoliate your face once or twice a week. But since you may have sensitive skin, stick to a less granular scrub like the Simple Daily Skin Detox Clear Pore Facial Scrub which is gentle on the face. Witch hazel, zinc and thyme make sure to get rid of all the deep-seated dirt and dead skin cells in your pores and keep your skin smooth. So, say goodbye to open and clogged pores with this detoxifying scrub.
FAQs about reasons why you might have bumps on your face
Q. What causes pimples on the cheeks?
A. If you are experiencing breakouts only on a certain area of your face, like your cheeks or jaw line, this means that the oil glands are over-stimulated due to a hormonal imbalance. Avoid dairy and sugar for a few weeks and see if that helps.
Q. How can I get rid of pimples overnight?
A. Honestly, there is no overnight cure for pimples. It will heal at its natural pace and touching or trying to pop it will only make matters worse. You can apply an ice cube wrapped in cotton cloth or diluted tea tree oil to reduce the inflammation.
Q. Can I continue to wear makeup with a pimple on my face?
A. If you use non-comedogenic products then you can wear makeup , however anything that blocks pores will only lead to more breakouts. Remember to take off every trace of makeup at night before going to bed.
Well, here are the ways to handle all the types of pimples and bumps that may be popping on your face. From gentle products to lifestyle changes, if you are persistent, you will surely end up with the clear and flawless face of your dreams.
Written by Lopa K on Dec 18, 2022