How does a pimple form?

By Jenny ObamiApril 19, 2023

Blackheads , papules , pustules , microcysts … all these imperfections refer to the different types of pimples that can appear on the skin. How does a pimple form ? What are the characteristics of the different types of buttons ? Response elements.

How does a pimple form under the skin?

The pimples are located on the areas where there are the most sebaceous glands : the face, the bust, the shoulders, the back, etc. Discover the origins of their appearance.

excess sebum

When excess sebum is produced, it accumulates in the pores . Mixed with dead skin and pus, it causes the birth of pimples. Oily skin is more likely to see an acne breakout than dry skin due to excess sebum.

Hormones

Hormonal changes that occur during adolescence or adulthood lead to an overproduction of sebum . In this case, we speak of hormonal acne .

The use of unsuitable cosmetics

Comedogenic beauty products clog pores and promote the emergence of pimples . The ingredients to avoid to prevent their appearance are:

Silicones;
Mineral oils;
Fatty esters (preparations that contain fatty acids in an alcohol base).

In some cases, the use of these products can cause allergies. If you feel itchy and have redness , you should stop using the product.

Skin purging

Skin purging manifests itself when you incorporate a new product into your routine. Treatments based on AHA, BHA, vitamin C or retinol accelerate the regeneration process of the skin .

Unlike allergies, skin bleeding is not a sign that the product is unsuitable. This phenomenon proves that the active ingredients act on the skin and bring all the impurities to the surface.

The hygiene of life

A poor lifestyle involves a diet high in sugar and saturated fats, alcohol consumption, smoking and lack of sleep.

In some individuals, dairy products cause pimples to appear .

What are the different types of pimples?

Buttons differ in size and appearance. They fall into two categories: non-inflammatory pimples and inflammatory pimples .

Microcysts

They are shaped like small balls that give a grainy appearance to the skin. They appear as a result of the accumulation of dead skin and pus.

The white buttons

They present as a slight bump that has a white head. They result from the formation of pus in the pores.

Inflammatory pimples

Papules

They are painful to the touch and red. No pus is seen on the surface of the epidermis .

pustules

They look like swollen, inflamed pimples . You can feel pus inside.

Cysts

They are manifested by the formation of hard lumps. They can be more or less large (up to 5 cm). They are usually painless. They leave red traces of inflammation on the skin.

How are blackheads and sebaceous filaments formed?

Blackheads and sebaceous filaments form in the pores. They are often identified on the T zone (forehead, nose and chin).

blackheads

Blackheads or “open comedones” appear when sebum accumulates in the pores. The black color comes from the fact that the sebum plug oxidizes on contact with air.

The sebaceous filaments

The sebaceous filaments are located on the areas that secrete the most sebum, just like the blackheads. They look like white threads. They appear when the pores fill with sebum and dilate.