Pimples on face: causes, treatment and the right face wash in Pakistan

A pimple starts when oil and dead skin block a pore. Bacteria that live on the skin grow in the blocked pore and the area becomes red, swollen and sore. Blackheads and whiteheads are blocked pores that have not become inflamed yet.

Common triggers in Pakistan include heat, sweat and humidity, heavy creams and hair oils, hormonal changes, stress, touching or popping pimples, and dirty phone screens or pillowcases.

Where pimples appear can hint at the trigger, though it is not a diagnosis.

Morning and night, wash with a salicylic acid face wash, then apply a light moisturizer so the skin does not dry out and make more oil. Use sunscreen every morning so pimples do not leave dark marks.

Give the routine four to eight weeks. Pimples that are already there heal in about a week; the routine works by stopping new ones from forming.

Face washes and pimple creams use a small number of proven ingredients. Start with one, and add another only if needed.

A face wash is the base of every pimple routine, because it keeps pores clear every day. A pimple cream is a leave-on treatment for red, inflamed pimples, usually with benzoyl peroxide, adapalene or azelaic acid.

BlossomK Anti Acne Face Wash combines 2% salicylic acid with ceramides and niacinamide, so it clears pores without leaving skin tight. BlossomK does not sell a medicated pimple cream; if you need one, a pharmacist or dermatologist can advise which suits your skin.

Do not pop or squeeze pimples; it pushes the infection deeper and leaves dark marks and scars.

Do not put toothpaste, lemon juice or baking soda on pimples. They irritate the skin and can leave dark patches.

Do not scrub inflamed pimples or switch products every few days. Irritated skin breaks out more.

See a dermatologist if pimples are deep, painful or lumpy, leave scars, or do not improve after eight to twelve weeks of a steady routine. Also see a doctor if adult pimples come with irregular periods or extra facial hair, which can point to a hormonal cause such as PCOS.