Have you ever wondered why a pimple can hurt so much? It may be hard to believe, but the science behind why a pimple hurts is surprisingly complex. It all starts with the inflammation that occurs when your skin’s pores become blocked with dirt, oil, and dead skin cells. As the pores become clogged, your body’s immune system sends out signals that can cause swelling, redness, and pain. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to reduce the inflammation and treat pimples. From using over-the-counter acne treatments to maintaining a consistent skincare routine, there are a variety of treatments available. Read on to learn more about the science behind why pimples hurt and how to treat them.
Why Do Pimples Hurt?
The answer lies in the way our skin works. At the root of every pimple is a clogged pore. When this pore becomes clogged, it creates an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. As the bacteria grow, your body responds with an inflammatory response, which causes the redness, swelling, and pain associated with a pimple.
What Causes Pimples?
- Inflammation: The main cause of pimples is the inflammation that occurs when your skin’s pores become blocked with dirt, oil, and dead skin cells. This can cause swelling, redness, and pain.
- Acne bacteria: Acne bacteria are the root cause of most pimples. When these bacteria get trapped in the pores of your skin, they produce an inflammatory response that leads to pimples.
- Blockages in the pore: Pimples can also develop due to blockages in the pore of your skin. This can be caused by excess oil or dead skin cells, which block the flow of essential oils and nutrients to your skin cells.
- Genetics: Some people are more likely to get acne than others, and there is no one definitive answer as to why this is the case. However, genetics may play a role in how quickly your skin becomes inflamed and develops pimples.
- Stress: Stress can also contribute to the development of acne. The hormone cortisol can increase the production of acne bacteria, and stress can cause your skin to become more sensitive to these bacteria.
- Diet: Certain foods can aggravate your skin and lead to the development of acne. For example, sugar can increase the production of oil and dead skin cells, which can block your pores.
- Smoking: Smoking can also contribute to the development of acne. Smoking increases the amount of dirt and oil in your skin, which can block your pores.
- Acne medications: Some over-the-counter acne treatments can also cause inflammation and pimples. For example, benzoyl peroxide (BPO) is a type of acne medication that can cause inflammation and pimples.
- Pimple popping: Pimple popping is a technique used to remove pimples by using pressure and a tool such as a popsicle stick or a popsicle hammer.
The Science Behind Why Pimples Hurt
- The inflammation that occurs when your skin’s pores become blocked with dirt, oil, and dead skin cells is what causes the pain and swelling associated with pimples.
- Over-the-counter acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can help to reduce inflammation and relieve the pain and swelling associated with pimples.
- Maintaining a consistent skincare routine can also help to reduce inflammation and improve the overall health of your skin. This includes avoiding factors like excessive sun exposure or using harsh chemicals on your skin.
- Treatment options like over-the-counter acne treatments or skincare routines can be effective, but they may not always be suitable for everyone. If you’re struggling to find a solution that works for you, speak to your doctor about potential treatment options.
Over-The-Counter Treatments For Pimples
- Apply an over-the-counter acne treatment that is designed to clear and dry up the pimple. Choose a product that has a low concentration of benzoyl peroxide, which can cause irritation and dryness.
- Apply an over-the-counter acne treatment that is designed to kill the bacteria that is responsible for causing pimples. Choose a product that contains salicylic acid, sulfur, or retinol.
- Apply an over-the-counter acne treatment that is designed to moisturize and soothe the skin. Choose a product that contains glycerin, aloe vera, or green tea extract.
- Apply an over-the-counter acne treatment that is designed to reduce the appearance of pores. Choose a product that contains benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, or retinol.
- Apply an over-the-counter acne treatment that is designed to tighten the skin. Choose a product that contains adapalene, azelaic acid, or coal tar.
Home Remedies For Pimples
- Apply a cold compress: When you have a pimple, applying a cold compress can help reduce the swelling and pain. Simply put a cold, damp cloth onto the pimple and hold for 10 minutes.
- Apply an over-the-counter acne treatment: There are a variety of over-the-counter acne treatments available that can help reduce the inflammation and pain caused by a pimple. These treatments include benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinoids.
- Use an acne cream: Acne creams can help to treat the underlying cause of acne, which may reduce the amount of inflammation that occurs. Choose an acne cream that contains benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids for the best results.
- Use a facial mask: A facial mask can also be helpful in reducing the amount of inflammation that occurs around a pimple. Choose a facial mask that contains ingredients like glycolic acid or sulfur to help reduce swelling and redness.
- Apply a topical cream: Topical creams can be helpful in treating pimples and reducing the amount of inflammation that occurs. Choose a topical cream that contains benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids for the best results.
Maintaining A Consistent Skincare Routine
- Consistently use a good skincare regimen. This includes using an anti-inflammatory cleanser and moisturizer, as well as a sunscreen that protects against the sun’s harmful rays.
- Avoid picking or popping the pimple. Picking or popping the pimple can cause further inflammation and make it harder to treat.
- Apply cold compresses to the area several times a day. Cold compresses help reduce swelling and pain and can also help speed up the healing process.
- Use over-the-counter acne treatments. Over-the-counter acne treatments can help to reduce the inflammation and redness that are associated with pimples.
- Use topical retinoids if your skin is prone to acne breakouts. Topical retinoids are a type of anti-acne medication that can help to reduce the number of pimples and blemishes on your skin.
Conclusion
Acne can be frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little preparation, you can easily prevent and treat acne whenever it pops up. Follow these tips, and you’ll be pimple-free in no time.