Pimples and skincare

Pimples are a common skin condition where your skin’s glands swell and fill with pus. This usually happens when the glands get blocked by hairs, dead skin or bacteria. Pimples commonly affect the face, shoulders and chest and they may occur due to triggers such as puberty and stress. You need to watch what you eat, clean your skin well and apply creams on your skin.

• Good personal hygiene: ensure that you wash your face twice a day with warm water; when you wake up and before you go to bed. Do not rub your face roughly. Also make sure that you regularly wash bedspreads, pillowcases and towels, and that you clean makeup brushes and phone screens. Washing your hands with soap and water a number of times a day also helps to reduce the transfer of bacteria to your face.
• Avoid popping your pimples: bursting your pimples can lead to a scar on your face or a transfer bacteria from one place on your skin to another.
• Drink plenty of water: try to drink at least 6 sachets of water or 3 bottles of water every day. Doing this would also help reduce oily skin.
• Eat healthily: include foods that helps your skin, such as fruits like watermelon, vegetables like spinach ‘efo’ and fish.
• Use sun protection: protecting your skin from the sun is important in taking care of your skin. You can do this by wearing hats, sunshades and long sleeves, and by applying sunscreen whenever you go out into the sun for a longer period.
• Avoid stress: participating in yoga or meditation helps in relieving stress. You can also play with family or friends if it helps in relieving stress.

• Does eating butter and oily food cause pimples? Eating butter or oily foods have not been found to cause pimples. If you suspect that a particular food causes an increase in pimples try to avoid the item for while to see whether it improves the condition of your skin.
• Are pimples a result of an allergy? No, but stress can trigger pimples.
• Would bursting my pimples make it go? Don't burst your pimples as this can leave scars on your face.
• Are acne and pimples the same? Pimples is a very common symptom of acne. Most times the names are used interchangeably.
• Are pimples the most common skin condition? Yes, as it affects about 80% of adolescents at some point.

Take care of your skin well by washing it frequently. Avoid popping or scrubbing your pimples to prevent scars. When shopping for products for your skin, lookout for the ones that work with your skin type. If you have tried various products and your pimples are not improving or even getting worse, you should visit your healthcare provider to discuss treatment.