For many of us, pimples can be an exceedingly embarrassing manifestation of adolescence. In a time of great changes and confusion, the presence of this annoying skin condition only makes things more difficult! Unfortunately, pimples are a very common occurrence due to the nature of our skin. Normal, healthy skin is continuously ‘shed’ by our body, helping it stay fresh and healthy. However, sometimes some of the dead skill cells become trapped by sebum, an oil-like substance produced by sebaceous glands inside our pores. These trapped cells block the pore, leading to a build-up of sebum, and we have a brand new pimple. The reason why we may observe more pimples during adolescence is that our skin becomes thicker during puberty. As each pimple is created, it usually contains bacteria and can be infectious; therefore, doctors do not advise forcibly popping a pimple.
Over the centuries, people have tried many remedies for pimples. Today, most common over-the-counter products contain benzoyl peroxide as the main ingredient. This chemical is keratolytic (it dissolves the dead skin cells plugging the pores) and antibacterial (reduces the risk of spreading the infection). A natural remedy is also available that shows similar effects. This is tea tree oil (usually in 5% strength) that can cure the bacteria inside the pimples and is also an effective anti-inflammatory. Another extremely popular ingredient is aloe vera, a plant famous for its many benefits. It is believed to help stimulate cell growth, increase blood circulation, soothe cuts and burns, reduce pimple swelling, and function as an antiseptic. However, there is no solid evidence that aloe vera can help with pimples, though many people have reported that it helps to deal with the after effects of an infection.
Once a pimple has popped, the injured skin is in danger of infection. In addition, it is advised to heal the minor wounds as soon as possible, to prevent any fresh outbreaks of pimples. Aloe vera’s many benefits can be very helpful at this stage. While not as harsh as most chemicals, it contains various compounds such as bradykinase, salicylic acid, and magnesium lactate that reduce inflammation and swelling. Aloe vera can also help to soften dead skin cells and help clear them from the skin’s surface, thus preventing formation of new pimples. In addition to aloe vera, a gentle, regular face wash product with salicylic acid are recommended, as they can help maintain healthy skin, clear away dead skin cells and prevent pimples.