We know a pimple to be a pus-filled and inflammatory spot that often causes anxiety and loss of self-confidence, especially if the pimples are highly visible. We may engage in pimple popping in an effort to induce pimples breakdown. Pimples develop when oil glands become clogged and infected, leading to red and swollen lesions filled with pus. Although they usually occur to teenagers, they can occur at any age. To solve a problem we need to find out the root cause. In this case, what would be the common causes of pimples, prevention & pimple treatment in Singapore?
What is a Pimple?
Broadly speaking, we can define a pimple as an acne lesion. This can include non-inflammatory lesions such as open and closed comedones (blackheads and whiteheads respectively), and inflammatory lesions – for instance, papules, pustules, and deeper cysts.
The formation of a blemish can start weeks or even months before it appears visibly. Most infected blemishes form due to pre-existing whiteheads and blackheads. These consist of blocked and hardened sebum deep within the pores. They become inflamed because of dead cells that line hair follicles and create bacteria. All follicles or pores naturally contain bacteria, but when oxygen easily flows into the follicle, the bacterial won’t be able to thrive or cause problems. It is only when you get too much sebum, plus the accumulation of dead skin cells, that leads to the possible formation of a pimple.
An inflammatory pimple has 3 main stages in its life cycle. Firstly, hardened sebum causes blockage in the pores, leading to a blemish. Bacteria accumulates inside the blemish, causing bumps called papules on the surface of the skin, together with redness and pain. White blood cells do their best to break down the bacteria. The result is that the papule is transformed into a pustule, filled with leftovers of a bacterial battleground. As the infection recedes, the bump may scab and potentially scar. This may leave dark spots called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Over time, the natural renewal cycle of the skin cells will push out darkened cells, and the scar will fade gradually.
Common Causes of Pimples
Acne and pimples are typically a hormonal condition driven by androgen hormones. It usually becomes active during the teenage and young adult years. Sensitivity to these hormones combined with bacteria on the skin and fatty acids within oil glands, can result in acne.
Some things can cause acne and make it worse:
- Fluctuating hormone levels during female menstruation
- Hormone changes during puberty or pregnancy
- Air pollution and high humidity
- Oily and greasy personal care products
- Working in an area where you come in contact with greasy regularly
- Stress which increases the hormone cortisol
- Genetics
- Medications
- Diet high in refined carbohydrates e.g. bread and chips
Can I Prevent Pimples
There are numerous ways in which you can try to prevent pimples.
At-home care
There are some self-care activities you can try at home to prevent pimples:
- Clean your skin daily with a mild oil-free cleanser to remove excess oil and dirt
- Shampoo your hair regularly and keep it out of your face
- Use makeup that is water-based or labeled “noncomedogenic” (not pore-clogging)
- Remove makeup and clean skin thoroughly before bed
- Not squeezing or picking pimples. This spreads bacteria and excess oil.
- Do not touch your face
- Avoid tight-fitting clothing
- Shower after exercising
Treatments
Helpful over the counter medication include: Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Benzoyl peroxide is present in many acne creams. It is used for drying existing pimples and preventing new ones from forming. It kills acne-causing bacteria. Salicylic acid is frequently used in soaps and acne washes, preventing pores from getting plugged.
Acne treatment Singapore may also be a helpful idea and more effective than over the counter medication. Eeva Acne Laser Treatment Singapore and Acne Scar Treatment Singapore have been sought after by many of our patients who decided to seek help early for their acne. Our experienced lady doctors daily consult and treat patients from all walks of life with all types of cases of acne. We design a holistic and personalized plan for each patient as not every treatment works the same way for everyone. Some of the in-clinic treatment options include Acne Deep Laser – a deep laser to balance the skin and oil control, restoring glow to the skin and also stimulating collagen. Another option is Acne Clear Laser – a blemish clearing and toning laser on the superficial level to lighten acne marks and blemishes, and shrink oil glands resulting in better oil control of the skin.
Eeva Acne Treatments make optimal use of anti-acne micro-nutrients to enhance the clearance of acne and pimples. They regulate sebum production, anti-bacterial effect, and soothe and moisturize skin to prevent excessive dryness. Skin purifying micro-nutrients are also utilized – these are specially crafted micro-nutrients that work to purify oily skin and clogged pores, clean up impurities and normalise sebum production. They also reduce comedone formation and are anti-inflammatory. Finally, Ultrasonic Derma Cleanse and DermaLight Therapy utilize ultrasonic technology and light therapy respectively to deep cleanse pores, reduce bacteria and stimulate skin healing.
On the first consultation with Eeva, our doctors devise a customized plan for each patient. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Oral medication
- Topical medication
- Doctor-designed acne treatment skincare for daily home use (Dermagold Skincare which is suitable for acne or oily skin). This complements the in-clinic treatments and oral/topical medications
- Sun protection: exposure to UV rays may worsen marks and blemishes caused by acne and pimples. Sun protection can be topical sunblocks or oral supplements such as Crystal Tomato, Heliocare Ultra, and NanoMD Bright
- In-clinic treatments: This helps to control and manage acne and acne complications such as blemishes and scars
Conclusion
After reading the above, do consider Eeva Pimples Treatment Singapore. Even if your pimples are in the early stages, it’s always beneficial to go for treatment to renew and regenerate your skin to be healthier than it was before. We fully understand how you feel and aim to deliver the results our patients want. It is never too late to start treatment no matter how serious your scars are. Book an appointment with us today to find out which treatment could be the right one for you.