We’ve all had acne and pimples at some point in our lives, haven’t we? And many of us are still affected by it. It’s worst when they develop right before a major event, but obstinate recurring breakouts are just as terrible. They are unpleasant, have an impact on your self-esteem and confidence, and it is past time for us to overcome them.
However, many individuals are unaware of the distinction between acne and pimples and use the phrases indiscriminately.
Let’s look at the difference between acne and pimples:
Contents
- 1 Difference between Acne and Pimples
- 2 Acne
- 3 Causes of Acne
- 4 Pimples
- 5 Treatment for Acne and Pimples
- 5.1 Clean your face regularly:
- 5.2 Make use of Medication Grade products:
- 5.3 Procedures:
- 5.4 Moisturize:
- 5.5 Makeup should be used sparingly:
- 5.6 ‘No hands’ rule:
- 5.7 Avoid the sun:
- 5.8 De-stress:
- 5.9 What is the connection between sulfur and acne?
- 5.10 How does it function?
- 5.11 Is it healthy for all skin types?
- 6 Scars
Difference between Acne and Pimples
The difference between acne and pimples is that acne is a disease and pimples are a sign of it. Acne is a skin ailment that affects the hair follicles and oil glands. Glands beneath your skin secrete an oily material known as sebum, which connects to your pores. A canal called a follicle links the glands and pores, housing a thin hair that grows to the surface of the skin.
When sebum and dead skin cells clump together in the follicle, they produce a clog. Bacteria in the plug promote irritation, resulting in red acne pimples.
Acne
Acne is a skin disorder caused by excessive oil blockage in the pores of the skin.
Types of Acne
The most prevalent kinds of acne include whiteheads, blackheads, cysts, and nodules. The most painful kind of acne is cysts and nodules, which damage deeper layers of the skin.
Acne with whiteheads and blackheads is a milder variant of acne. Whiteheads, also known as closed comedones, are tiny, round, white lumps on the skin. Blackheads, on the other hand, obtain their color when the plugs that obstruct the pores are oxidized by air.
Acne is classified into two types: Acne Vulgaris, which appears during puberty, and Acne Rosacea, which appears in maturity. Both types can appear on the face, as well as the neck, chest, back, shoulders, and arms. Depending on the severity, the presentation may change.
Symptoms of Acne
Different symptoms can indicate various types of acne and include:
- blackheads: plugged pores on the skin’s surface, open
- whiteheads: plugged pores, under the skin’s surface, closed
- papules: small, tender red or pink bumps
- pustules: papules with pus on top
- nodules: large, painful lumps deep under the skin’s surface
- cysts: painful, pus-filled lumps under the skin’s surface
Causes of Acne
Increased sebaceous gland oil (sebum), skin cells (keratin), and hair follicles combine to form a clog. This causes blocking of the skin pores, which results in acne. Propionibacterium acnes can thrive in these closed pores because the circumstances are favorable. When this occurs, the skin’s outermost layer, which normally sheds, becomes trapped beneath the skin and infects the plug.
Increased sebum secretion may also be caused by an increase in androgen hormone production. Some of the major variables that may be causing an increase in acne outbreaks are:
- Stress
- Medications like corticosteroids
- High humidity
- Oil-based cosmetics like makeup, hair oil, moisturizer, shampoo, etc.
- An unhealthy diet that includes greasy food, dairy products, carbohydrates, and sugars
- Genetic causes
- Hormonal imbalances like pregnancy, puberty, and menstrual cycle
- Bacterial infections
- Activation of inflammation through scratching
- Intake of anabolic steroids
- Exposure to harmful chemicals
Pimples
Acne progresses via several phases. various symptoms appear and increase at various phases. Pimples are one of those acne signs, appearing as inflamed, pus-filled lesions that range in color from pink to slightly red. They are caused by blocked pores rupturing. This permits germs to develop inside them, producing inflammation and the release of white fluid (oils) to the surface.
Types of Pimples
Pimples are further subdivided into papules and pustules. Papules are regular-sized pimples that are thus easy to cure. Pustules, on the other hand, are pimples that have enlarged and engorged and require prescription medication to heal.
Now that we’ve examined the types of Pimples, let’s move on to the treatment for Acne and Pimples.
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Treatment for Acne and Pimples
Since the major cause is an excess of oils, the primary preventive approach is to maintain our faces oil-free and clear of debris and pollutants. Other methods for preventing, reducing, and treating acne and pimples include:
Clean your face regularly:
Whether you have acne or not, keeping your face clean is the first step to having healthy, bright skin. It eliminates excess oil, dead skin cells, and debris, reducing the likelihood of acne. Use warm water and a gentle facial cleanser to wash your face twice a day. Scrub gently, rinse thoroughly, then pat your face dry with a clean, dry washcloth.
Make use of Medication Grade products:
Over-the-counter acne medications including benzoyl peroxide (2.5%), salicylic acid, glycolic acids, topical retinoids, and other ingredients are often used to treat acne and pimples. While you can access them without a prescription, it is advisable to take them exclusively under the supervision of your dermatologist and as directed to avoid any potential negative effects. Prescription medicines include topical antibiotics, oral antibiotics, combination oral contraceptives, and off-label use of anti-androgen drugs like spironolactone.
Procedures:
Dermatologists may use procedures such as chemical peels, intralesional medications, light, and laser treatments, cryotherapy, and others for the treatment of acne and acne scars. If they are warranted, your dermatologist will go through them in further detail with you.
Moisturize:
Many acne products can cause skin dryness and peeling. To avoid this, you should use a non-comedogenic moisturizer suited for your skin type daily.
Makeup should be used sparingly:
Avoid using oily cosmetics and lotions, as well as wearing makeup, especially if you have acne or pimples. If you must, wear non-comedogenic cosmetics. However, make sure you’ve removed everything before going to bed.
‘No hands’ rule:
Bacteria can also be found on your hands. As a result, it’s advisable to avoid touching your face or using your hands to prop up your cheek or chin. No matter how tempting it may seem, never squeeze, pinch, or pop a pimple or acne. This may result in infection and scars.
Keep your hair away from your face, and avoid applying scents, oils, or gels on your hair, especially overnight, as they will irritate your skin when it comes into touch with them.
Avoid the sun:
The sun’s UV radiation can cause inflammation, redness, and hyperpigmentation in the skin. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved clothing, and scarves, and minimize your time in the sun regularly.
Water is the source of all life, as well as the source of healthy, bright skin. Drink at least 2-4 liters of water every day to help your body and skin cleanse.
Avoid junk food, dairy products, and high-sugar processed meals, since they may aggravate acne. Fresh fruits, veggies, and entire grains will nourish your skin. You can take multivitamin pills every morning if you are unable to do so effectively.
Daily exercise is beneficial to the body, mind, and skin. Shower shortly after working out.
Maintain your sleep cycle by doing the following: Every night, give your body and skin 6-8 hours of unbroken beauty sleep. Also, to keep your cortisol levels in check, go to bed and wake up at the same time every night.
De-stress:
Stress raises cortisol levels, which can lead to an increase in oil secretion. So, to become more calm, make the appropriate lifestyle modifications.
You don’t have to suffer in silence any longer now that you know the difference between acne and pimples and how to cure them. If your skin has been a source of concern and has hampered your confidence, seek treatment as soon as possible.
What is the connection between sulfur and acne?
The name “sulfur” may conjure up images of chemistry class, yet this ubiquitous element is a staple in natural medicine. Sulfur has been used for millennia to cure acne and other skin disorders due to its antibacterial characteristics.
It’s also quite easy to get to. Sulfur is commonly accessible in over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription acne treatments.
Continue reading to find out more about this acne-fighting chemical, including the types of acne it can cure and over-the-counter (OTC) medications you may try at home.
How does it function?
Sulfur works similarly to benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid as a topical acne therapy. On the other hand, it is kinder on your skin than these other acne-fighting substances.
It helps dry up the surface of your skin, allowing it to absorb excess oil (sebum), which can lead to acne outbreaks. It also helps to unclog your pores by drying up dead skin cells.
Some formulations combine acne-fighting chemicals, such as resorcinol, with sulfur.
Is it healthy for all skin types?
Sulfur, like other acne components, has the potential to irritate. It is, nevertheless, regarded as a safer option for delicate skin. Sulfur may also help clear acne outbreaks in dry-to-combination skin types when applied as a spot treatment.
Scars
If you have a history of acne outbreaks, you are likely to have some acne scars. Acne scars vary in color and size, but they all have one thing in common: they’re tough to remove.
Because sulfur dries out and eliminates dead skin cells, it may, in principle, lessen the visibility of scars. However, you should not use sulfur as your first line of defense. Consider a skin-lightening ingredient, such as Admire My Skin Ultra-Potent Brightening Serum, for persistent scars.
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