PIMPLES: TYPES, CAUSES & TIPS FOR PREVENTION
One of the most common skin concerns, pimples and blemishes are characterised by open or closed papules, in varying shapes and sizes, and found in both the deeper and surface layers of the skin. Pimples are caused by clogged hair follicles, filled with dead skin cells, sebum, and certain germs and irritants from the environment (B. Dréno. "The changing faces of acne." British Journal of Dermatology, (2015)). Pimple breakouts can either be a short-term skin concern or a long-term condition.
Understanding the different types of pimples, and their potential causes, can be invaluable to managing breakouts and preventing persistent pimples on your face and body. In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of pimples, how to identify their root cause, and how to visibly reduce and prevent breakouts in the future.
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF PIMPLES?
Pimples, also called zits, spots, or blemishes, come in many different shapes and sizes. They usually manifest on the face, on the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin), cheeks, and jawline, or on the neck and back. The main types include:
- Papules: Small, hard, red bumps that are sensitive and tender. Papules can appear as:
- Blackheads: Open papules plugged with oil and dead skin cells that appear black.
- Whiteheads: Closed papules plugged with oil and dead skin cells and appearing as small, white bumps.
- Pustules: Similar to papules but with a pus-filled centre.
- Nodules: Large, solid lumps located in the deeper layers of the skin and often uncomfortable
- Cystic breakouts: Large, pus-filled lumps that also develop deep in the skin. Can also be uncomfortable.
- Friction-induced pimples: These blemishes appear as red spots, caused by friction, heat, and pressure on the skin.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PIMPLES AND ACNE?
Though these terms are often used interchangeably, the term acne refers to a specific condition, where pimples are often a product of the skin condition, but not exclusive to the condition. The key difference between the term acne and pimples is that not everyone who gets pimples has acne-prone skin, and the severity of the two skin concerns can be quite different. Pimples tend to be short-lived and sporadic surface-level papules or pustules. Acne-prone skin, on the other hand, usually manifests as multiple larger, deeper cysts across a larger surface. It’s often persistent and can be difficult to manage.
WHAT CAUSES PIMPLES?
Pimples occur when the pores are clogged or irritated by either internal or external factors. Studies in the epidemiology of breakouts have shown a correlation between the skin condition and:
- Hormonal changes and sebum production
- Skin and hair care products
- Sweat and oil buildup
- Friction-induced skin irritation
- Certain medications
- Genetics and certain skin conditions
- Hygiene practices
But these causes can depend a lot on the type of pimple or blemish, as well as where the breakouts occur.
FACE MAPPING FOR PIMPLES
A popular method for understanding the root cause of breakouts is face mapping. The practice of “face mapping” has its origins in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, where certain areas of the face are linked to certain issues related to different organs and areas of the body.
There is little scientific evidence to support the theory that breakouts have any relation to health issues or organs. But, there is research to suggest that specific internal and external factors can trigger breakouts (K. Bhate, H. Williams, Epidemiology of Acne Vulgaris (2013)).
WHAT CAUSES PIMPLES ON THE FACE AND WHAT DO THEY MEAN?
Certain areas of the face are linked to different causes, whether it be hormonal, stress-related, or caused by external factors. Below are the most common causes of breakouts, depending on the area of the face.
|
Area of the face/body |
Potential causes |
|
Forehead, hairline and temple |
Diet, stress, hormonal changes, certain hair products |
|
Neck |
Sweat buildup, friction from clothing or sports equipment and certain products |
|
Cheeks |
Contact with germs and environmental aggressors, friction on the skin and the use of and pore-clogging products |
|
Nose |
Hormonal changes and sebum production |
|
Chin and jawline |
Hormonal changes and hair follicles clogged with germs and dead skin cells. |
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF FOREHEAD PIMPLES?
The forehead is a part of the T-zone—spanning the forehead, nose and chin—and tends to be where the most sebum is produced. The forehead breakouts tend to relate to
- Diet: Forehead breakouts are often linked to digestive issues, including poor diet, sensitivity to certain foods and dehydration.
- Certain medications: Some oral medications, like certain hormonal birth control pills, might trigger the sebaceous glands, which ultimately leads to oily skin and breakouts.
- Stress and sleep: High levels of stress trigger cortisol production, which causes an increase in sebum production that can clog pores and lead to pimples. Sleep deprivation can lead to increased cortisol levels that lead to breakouts.
WHAT CAUSES PIMPLES ON THE TEMPLES AND HAIRLINE?
While the forehead is often caused by hormones, breakouts around the temples and hairline can be caused from contact with hair care products like gels, pomades and waxes. These products can leave the skin greasy which exacerbates breakouts.
WHAT CAUSES NECK PIMPLES?
Neck pimples come from either friction or a build-up of sweat that clogs the pores and causes breakouts. Friction from restrictive clothing and some gym equipment can lead to pimples and redness due to skin irritation. Neck pimples can also be caused by certain pore-clogging products including makeup, sunscreen and hair products.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF CHEEK PIMPLES?
Cheek breakouts can be caused by clogged pores or friction from rubbing the skin. Large pustules tend to be caused by oil, dead skin cells and dirt and bacteria from the environment. Red spots are often a result of friction and irritation. You can inadvertently transfer germs and dirt to your cheeks by:
- Touching the face too often
- Using personal devices
- Sleeping on dirty pillowcases and linen
- Not washing makeup brushes
WHAT CAUSES PIMPLES ON THE NOSE?
Pimples on the nose tend to be caused by sebum production and enlarged pores more prone to clogging. Pimples on the nose may also be caused by ingrown hairs in the nose. Hair follicles inside the nose can become ingrown as a result of tweezing or shaving, which can cause skin irritation leading to the formation of pimples.
WHAT CAUSES PIMPLES ON THE CHIN AND JAWLINE?
As the chin is part of the T-zone, pimples may be triggered by hormonal changes and excess sebum production. Some studies have pointed to jawline breakouts being caused by hormones, but they can also be caused by the buildup of dead skin cells, oil and germs from the environment that clog pores. A few common causes of clogged pores on the jawline and chin include:
- Wearing masks: The humidity caused by wearing face masks regularly can lead to a buildup of sweat and oil that can block pores around your chin.
- Touching your face often: Touching the face throughout the day transfers germs and oils directly to the chin which can trigger blemishes.
- Contact with personal devices: Germs transferred directly from your devices or indirectly from your hands (like your mobile phone) can trigger unwanted chin breakouts.
HOW TO MANAGE AND PREVENT BREAKOUTS
Hormonal factors can’t be avoided, but you can make small modifications to minimise the chances. Here are a few steps you can take to help prevent pimples.
Avoid touching your face to prevent transfer of bacteria from your hands.
- Regularly sanitise personal devices, especially your phone.
- Wear breathable or loose fitting clothing, especially when exercising.
- Wash sheets and pillowcases frequently.
- Avoid using very harsh chemicals, in your skincare, cosmetics, hair care and household cleaning products.
- Use clean makeup brushes and sponges and wash them regularly.
- Wash your hair often and try to minimise contact between your face and hair products.
- Don’t pop your pimples! Popping pimples can irritate the surrounding skin which only worsens the issue, and increases the risk of stubborn post-blemish marks.
- Use gentle, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free skincare products,
- Incorporate active ingredients into your skincare routine that target blemish-prone skin.
WHAT SKINCARE INGREDIENTS FIGHT PIMPLES?
Skincare containing hydroxy acids, retinoids, niacinamide and benzoyl peroxide are usually recommended for pimples and blemish-prone skin.
Salicylic acid
A popular beta hydroxy acid (BHA), salicylic acid is often used to target breakouts, working by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells to exfoliate the skin while also promoting the skin's cell renewal cycle. Salicylic acid works to control sebum production and can be found in cleansers, serums and moisturisers formulated for oily and blemish-prone skin.
ALPHA HYDROXY ACIDS (AHAS)
Alpha hydroxy acids are similar to beta hydroxy acids, but are usually used for more surface level skin concerns. AHAs can gently exfoliate the skin to help with pimples caused by pores clogged with dead skin cells, excess oil and dirt. Popular AHAs in skin care include glycolic acid, citric acid, and lactic acid.
RETINOIDS/RETINOL
Retinol is renowned for its anti-ageing benefits, but the properties of this vitamin A derivative can also help manage sebum production and minimise blemishes. By promoting collagen and supporting the skin cell renewal cycle, retinol helps in visibly reducing pimples and revealing fresher, smoother skin.
BENZOYL PEROXIDE
Benzoyl peroxide is a skincare ingredient that works as an antiseptic to reduce the amount of germs on the surface of your skin. This helps to prevent future breakouts by keeping pores clear of pimple-causing germs and dead skin cells.
NIACINAMIDE
Niacinamide helps with visibly reducing and alleviating redness and dark spots caused by breakouts. This water-soluble ingredient helps to promote collagen production and break down pigment cells that cause dark spots. What’s more, niacinamide is a gentle, soothing ingredient, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
WHEN TO SPEAK TO A DERMATOLOGIST
Tactics for managing breakouts vary depending on the type of blemish as well as the severity of the skin condition. Blemishes caused by environmental aggressors that are minor and sporadic can be quite manageable, but persistent breakouts may require more attention. If breakouts are persistent and stubborn, it might be best to speak to a dermatologist to better understand the root cause.
HOW DO I ACHIEVE CLEARER SKIN?
Everyone’s skin is different, and while hormones, lifestyle, diet and certain products can be linked to pimples, the best way to manage breakouts and achieve clearer skin can vary from person-to-person. Always listen to your skin, and make sure you're implementing a consistent skincare routine based on your skin type. Learn more about choosing your skincare products to target breakouts and pimples here.
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