But are they the same thing? No, they’re not but we are often so unaware of the underlying acne vs pimples that we use the terms interchangeably. Through this blog post, we hope to set many misconceptions right, so stay with us as we take you along!
What is the difference between Acne and Pimples?
The only acne and pimple difference is that acne is a disease, and pimples are one of its cues or signs. Acne is caused when the skin pores get clogged due to excess sebum, dead skin cells, and pollutants. They may also occur in teenage or adulthood, and are not limited to any skin type.
What is Acne?
Acne is the persistent appearance of pimples due to excess sebum production in the skin’s oil glands and hair follicles. The skin has tiny openings or pores in which oil and sweat reach the surface from their respective glands below. These oil glands constantly secrete a sticky substance called sebum to protect the skin against moisture loss.
A canal connects sebaceous glands and pores and typically has thin hair growing outward. When sebum, dead skin cells, dust, grime, bacteria, etc., are trapped together, they create a plug in the follicle. Over time, bacteria in these plugs start to cause inflammation leading to redness and inflammation, these are some of the telltale pimple signs on the face.
Causes of Acne
While there is no one definite cause of acne known, dermatologists suggest that certain things or conditions can trigger acne or make them worse, such as:
- Changes in hormones, such as during teenage, menstrual cycle, and pregnancy
- Infections caused by squeezing or picking pimples
- Use of harsh chemicals or toxins on the skin
- Cosmetics or the use of too many makeups products
- Bacterial infections
- Weather conditions such as high humidity
- Stress
- Exposure to environmental aggressors
- Scrubbing skin too vigorously
- Certain medications also trigger acne
- Consuming junk food and cola drinks
Acnes are unappealing and often affect the self-esteem of many men and women. Therefore, it is high time you get rid of them with a pimple or acne removal skincare regimen.
Types of Acne on face
There are two different types of acne on face- Acne Vulgaris and Acne Rosacea. They are medically sensitive skincare conditions arising during puberty and adulthood, respectively. Both types of acne usually appear on the face, but they can also be seen on the neck, shoulders, chest, arms, and back. They can go from mild to severe depending on the condition.
Did you know?
More than 80% of people experience some acne or pimples at one point in their lifetime.
What is a pimple?
Acne appears in different stages, and each stage may have onsets of different signs. Pimples are one of those acne signs marked with pus-filled lesions and inflammation. Pimples result due to the burst of dust and dead skin cells in clogged pores. This allows bacteria to multiply inside them, causing inflammation and resulting in oils reaching out to the surface.
Different types of pimples on face
Whiteheads, blackheads, cysts, nodules, papules, and pustules are the different types of pimples. Whiteheads and blackheads are less severe than cysts and nodules, which are usually more painful and affect the skin’s deepest layers.
Whiteheads, also called closed comedones, are small, white bumps on the skin’s surface. On the other end, blackheads turn out to be black because of the oxidation of dust buildup in the pores by air. Papules are ordinary-sized pimples that can be easily treated. On the contrary, pustules are swollen and enlarged pimples that generally require professional treatment.
Reason behind Pimples on face
Hormonal changes are the most obvious reason behind pimples on the face in teenagers and young adults. Some of us get pimples into our twenties and they never leave us unless we stick to a better skincare routine. Sometimes, acne may also affect infants. People with sensitive skin types like oily and dry are susceptible to developing pimples.
Some proven ways to reduce acne and pimples
Usually, it is the excess sebum secretion that results in frequent pimples popping out on the skin. One may exercise preventive measures to keep skin oil-free and devoid of dust and grime. You may note that these methods are equally applicable to people of all age groups over 15 years, and do not require any elaborate arrangement to work.
Cleansing your face regularly
Using a face cleanser is the first step in achieving healthy skin. It marks the beginning of an effective skincare routine. Keeping your face clean ensures there is no dirt or dust on your face and bacteria are gotten rid of. It also helps control sebum secretion, thus decreasing the onset of acne.
You should opt for an oil-free (and non-comedogenic) face wash for a flawless skin texture. Rinse off your face twice a day, particularly in your AM and PM routine, but don’t rub vigorously. Pat dry with a clean and dry washcloth.
Use toxin-free skin care products
If you have acne-prone skin, you should opt for ingredients such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide, etc. They are highly effective in treating pimples. Although you may experience some tingling sensation when using it for the first time. One should avoid skincare products that are made of alcohol, sulfates, minerals, parabens, phthalates, and artificial fragrances to avoid potential side effects.
Moisturize
People with oily or acne-prone skin presume they don’t need moisturizer as the skin is already producing too much sebum. But using many skincare products may dry out the skin even faster. So it is essential that you use an effective and lightweight moisturizer that won’t block your skin pores.
Tip:
An efficient moisturizer controls excess sebum and hydrates the skin, thus keeping it fresh.
Use makeup sparingly
Greasy cosmetics or products enriched with nasty chemicals can result in acne or pimple. However, if you want to use makeup, use natural or non-comedogenic makeup. Ensure that you remove all of it before dozing off.
Don’t touch your face too often
Most of us touch or pop pimples without understanding that these may aggravate the issue. Unclean hands have bacteria that could get transferred to the face. So it’s best not to touch your cheek or chin with unwashed hands. You should also not squeeze or pop a pimple, no matter how tempted you are.
Watch your hair growth
Keep your hair away from your face. Sometimes dandruff on the scalp is also responsible for clogging the pores on your face, mostly affecting your forehead. So it is best to keep your hair pulled away from your face. You should also avoid using fragrances or oil overnight as this may irritate the skin.
Keep SPF handy
The sun’s ultraviolet rays can harm the skin. Prolonged exposure to these rays may trigger inflammation, redness, and itchiness. We recommend wearing an SPF 30 sunscreen every day (preferably the one with PA +++ protection) to protect your skin against radiation and slow down multiple signs of aging.
Drink about four liters of water every day
Keeping yourself hydrated flushes out toxins from the body and gives you healthy and glowing skin. It is advisable to maintain your water intake to around 2 to 4 liters every day to detoxify your body.
Watch your diet
Eat healthily to attain glowing and healthy skin. Skin is the largest organ in the human body, so it should be nourished with fresh fruits, grains, and veggies. At the same time, avoid processed foods high in sugar and junk food as they may disrupt sebum production.
Exercise daily
Walking, running, yoga, or any form of exercise ritual is good for the body, mind, and skin. It helps detoxify your body and boosts blood circulation, making your skin look healthy.
De-stress
Stress alters cortisol hormone levels which also disrupts oil secretion. So making necessary changes in your lifestyle lets your mind and body relax. It helps to be more mindful, focus on your wellness, and cultivate positive thoughts- these contribute to decreasing cortisol levels.
Mamaearth’s Anti-Acne Kit
Crafted with the Goodness of Nature, Mamaearth Acne Removal Kit is a set of three proven skincare products that you may use for flawless skin. It helps fight acne and breakouts without stripping the skin’s essential oils. This kit comprises Tea Tree Face Wash, Oil-Free Face Moisturizer, and Skin Correct Face Serum.
It is suitable for all skin types, and is free from harmful chemicals such as parabens, mineral oil, silicones, phthalates, artificial fragrances, etc. This safe and gentle skin pimple removal product controls excess oil secretion and prevents further outbreaks. Exposure to the sun or environmental stressors can result in enlarged pores. It also helps reduce pore size, increases skin elasticity, and works great on acne marks and blemishes.
This easy-to-use anti-acne kit has:-
- Tea Tree Face Wash: Formulated with Neem, Tea Tree Oil, and Aloe Vera, this face wash deeply cleanses the epidermal layer of the skin to control oil and maintain the pH levels. It also helps reduce inflammation and soreness by driving away bacterial infection.
- Oil-Free Face Moisturizer: It features Apple Cider Vinegar, Cetearyl Octanoate, Fatty Acids, and Betaine, making the moisturizer lightweight with excellent usability. Use it on damp skin to allow the ingredients to be absorbed completely.
- Skin Correct Face Serum: The combination of ingredients like Niacinamide, Ginger Extract, and Zinc PCA, this face correct serum reduces acne marks, shrinks enlarged pores, restores the skin’s elasticity, and improves overall skin texture.
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Takeaway
It is important to know your skin type before you start exploring its treatment. Teenagers and grown-ups with oily skin are prone to acne pimple faster than others, but this does not mean that people of any other skin type or age group may not get affected. The treatment plan thus includes a proper assessment of the skin type and then curating a list of cleansing ingredients that one may use to eliminate these blemishes.
Using skincare products made of safe and toxin-free ingredients is your best bet in combating this nuisance. One may also get better results with some positive lifestyle habits. We thus advise consulting a skincare expert and doing a patch test for the best course of further treatment.
FAQ
Why do pimples occur on the face?
There could be many reasons why pimples appear on the face. It could be because of hormonal changes in the body, infections caused by picking pimples, use of harsh chemicals on the skin, weather conditions, eating too much junk food, responsible for acne bursts. Being constantly under the influence of stress also puts you at risk of pimples and breakouts.
Are acne and pimples the same?
No. There is a difference between acne and pimples. Acne is a persistent and recurring protrusion on the face, neck, and chest, while a pimple is a small pustule on the skin’s surface. Pimple is a symptom of acne and thus signifies some underlying skincare issues related to toxin buildup under the epidermal layer of the skin.
What does acne look like?
Pimples are raised red spots or acne lesions with a white center (called pus) that develop when blocked hair follicles get inflamed with bacteria, dust, and dead skin cells.
How to remove pimples and acne from the face?
If acne is an outcome of factors like hormonal changes, there is only so much that can be done about them. However, curating an anti-acne regimen can help prevent acne from worsening and avert future breakouts. Begin with an oil-free face wash and cleanser, and let dirt and dust be removed from the skin’s surface. When looking for anti-acne skincare products, it is best to go with products made with deeply cleansing ingredients like Salicylic acid, tea tree, and neem.
We recommend you use Mamaearth Acne Marks Reduction Kit, which has Tea Tree Face Wash, Oil-Free Moisturizer, and Skin Correct Face Serum. With active ingredients like Niacinamide, Apple Cider Vinegar, and Neem, this easy three-step formula prevents excess oil production, which leads to breakouts.What are acne and pimples?
Acne is a condition in which pimples appear persistently on the face, neck, and chest, while a pimple is a small pustule on the skin’s surface with pus-filled in it.
How many types of pimples are there?
There are six types of pimples- whiteheads, blackheads, cysts, nodules, papules, and pustules. Whiteheads and blackheads appear due to the blockage of dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria. However, whiteheads are closed pores, while blackheads are open pores that appear black. Cysts and nodules are painful lumps under the skin’s surface. Papules are ordinary-sized pimples, and pustules are swollen and enlarged pimples.
How do pimples form on the face?
The skin is covered with millions of tiny pores. Pores connect the underlying glands called sebaceous glands to the hair follicles. Sebum is a waxy substance produced by the glands constantly but in small amounts. Occasionally, there is excess production of sebum on the skin, which clogs the pores and traps dead skin cells and bacteria. These bacteria can lead to swelling and inflammation around the blocked pore. A white tip of pus can sometimes form at the top of the clogged pore, which is called a pimple.
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