5 Tips by physicians on how to remove pimples and pimple marks

What are Pimples?

Pimple is a type of acne that results from blocked pores, which may be due to excess production of oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria, getting trapped in the pores of the skin.

Acne is a long term condition of skin involving oil glands at the base of a hair follicle that can cause many non-inflammatory and inflammatory skin lesions, such as pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, pustules, cysts, etc.

Causes / Triggers / Risk Factors of Acne

Certain triggers are reported to cause Acne.

Puberty is the most common trigger
Stress
Lack of sleep or sleep Irregularities
Hormonal changes
Inadequate water intake
Genetic Susceptibility
Certain Medications such as Steroids
Dandruff can cause pimples on forehead
Humidity and excessive sweating
Harsh Environment: Pollution, Aggressive skincare products, toxins, ultraviolet rays
Smoking and alcohol consumption
Diet: Dark chocolates, food containing high sugar content or sweets and excessive use of milk products may worsen acne

Types of Acne Based on Severity

Acne is graded according to the severity of acne

Grades Of Acne	Symptoms and Signs of Acne	Pimple Marks
Mild Acne	Few whiteheads and blackheads or a little number of mildly irritated small pimples or pustules	No
Moderate Acne	More blackheads, whiteheads, multiple pimples, and pustules mostly on the face	May be present
Severe Acne	A large number of whiteheads and blackheads, a lot of papules and pustules, as well as painful nodules on their skin	Yes

Pimple marks

Dark spot (pink or brown) or hyperpigmentation results from skin damage after the inflammation subsides. The trauma to the skin by excessive sun exposure or popping pimples leads to increased production of melanin during the healing process, resulting in hyperpigmentation.

5 Effective Tips to get rid of pimples and pimple marks

Living with pimples can make you lose confidence. Effective Tips with Dos and don’ts to keep acne at bay

Maintain Skin Hygiene
- Cleanse your face twice every day with mild soap/face wash and lukewarm water to remove excess dirt, sweat, and oil
  - Don’t rub face harshly
  - Always moisturize the skin with moisturizer after washing
- Don’t touch your face again and again
- Wash hair regularly and keep them away from the face
Avoid heavy makeup
Use good oil-free sunscreen to prevent hyperpigmentation
Don’t squeeze whiteheads, blackheads or pop pimples, to prevent infection and scarring
Diet and Lifestyle Intervention
- Drink lots of water for hydrated and glowing skin
- Add fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet
- Destress yourself by meditation, yoga and a healthy lifestyle

How to remove pimples naturally at home?

Natural Home remedies to reduce pimples and pimple marks

Ingredients	Scientific Properties	Effective for Dark spot removal
Lemon	Antimicrobial activity and natural Bleaching agent
Raw Honey	Antimicrobial property Skin Hydrating
Argan Oil	Anti-proliferative and anti-bacterial activity
Clay masks: Clay jojoba oil facial mask, Kaolin clay, fuller’s earth clay, and French green clay	Absorbs excess oil	-
Vitamin E oil	The regenerative power of Vitamin E
Tea tree oil	Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial	-
Apple cider vinegar + Honey (1part ACV with 2 parts honey))	Antibacterial activity of organic acid and honey	-
A Paste of Mint leaves in water or Rosewater + Lemon Juice	Salicylic acid in mint leaves Anti-inflammatory, astringent and antioxidant properties
Turmeric	Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties
Green Tea	Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory Reduce the secretion of excess oil production	-
Aloe Vera	Anti-acne properties

Treatment for Acne scars

This includes specialized treatments done by certified dermatologists.

FAQ

Are pimples and acne the same thing?

Pimple is a symptom of Acne (a skin condition)

How can I remove pimples from my face?

Follow skin care regime, usage of natural ingredients and application of medicated creams can reduce the pimples.

How can I clear up acne fast?

Acne takes time to heal. There is no treatment to remove acne or scars overnight. Follow the Dos and Don’ts for fast healing.

About the Author

Dr Aarti Nehra is an MBBS graduate and pursued Masters of Medical Science and Technology from IIT Kharagpur. She has worked as a consultant to provide services across the medical device and pharmaceutical industry. A cross-domain expert with experience in clinical practice, clinical marketing, competitive intelligence, market strategy and analysis, statistical analysis, and medical research.