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Are those things on my back pimples, too?

What causes body acne?

How is body acne different than acne on my face?
 


Skin care tips
 

What causes acne or pimples?

Will eating chocolate make me break out?

What happens when I squeeze a zit?

Will cleaning my face make pimples go away faster?

Why do I get pimples during my monthly cycle when I have clear skin the rest of the time?

At what age will I stop getting zits?
 


Are those things on my back pimples, too?  top
 
While acne is most common on the face, you can get it on your back, chest, shoulders, neck, scalp, upper arms, and legs. You can use the same preventative measures for acne on your body as you do on your face.
 
What causes body acne?  top
 
Body acne is caused more by bacteria and friction from clothing and athletic gear than face acne.
 
How is body acne different than acne on my face?  top
 
The biggest differences between body acne and facial acne are location, size, persistence and difficulty of treatment due to low blood flow to the neck, chest, arms and back. Additionally, sweating and friction from clothing can make the problem worse.
 
What causes acne or pimples?  top
 
There are four basic factors that work together and result in acne:


1.Hormones
2.Increased oil (sebum) production
3.Changes inside your pores (hair follicles)
4.Bacteria

Pimples usually begin with changes in your hormones, called androgens. These hormones cue the glands in your pores to produce a sticky oil called sebum, which keeps your skin and hair from drying out. Under ordinary circumstances, sebum moves to the surface of the skin and carries out normal skin bacteria and old skin cells. When these glands are overstimulated by hormonal changes, they can produce high levels of sebum resulting in clogged pores. This is kind of like a traffic jam that happens when a four-lane highway has to go through a one-lane tunnel. When your pores get clogged, they become a breeding ground for bacteria, causing them to multiply rapidly. This overgrowth of bacteria can lead to inflammation, or zits.
 
Will eating chocolate make me break out?  top
 
Although it's been said that you are what you eat, you do not have to worry that eating chocolate or fatty foods will cause zits or make them worse. Extensive scientific studies have not found a connection between diet and pimples. Hey, eating a balanced diet always makes sense. But if acne is being treated properly, you can have clear skin and a slice of pizza!
 
What happens when I squeeze a zit?  top
 
Acne can be cleared, but squeezing pimples just increases the chance of scarring. And who wants that? Instead of using your fingers, use a topical treatment, like Benzoyl Peroxide creams for existing zits. Benzoyl Peroxide works by destroying the bacteria associated with pimples, which will heal existing zits on your face and help achieve clear skin.
 
Will cleaning my face make pimples go away faster?  top
 
Zits are not caused by dirt or surface skin oil. So scrubbing your face will not give you clear skin any faster. In fact, if you wash or scrub your face too vigorously, you can irritate your skin and make the acne worse. Best solution? Cleanse and care for your skin with gentle products such those in the Nature's Cure 3 Step Anti-Acne Kits. And stop zits before they start by using a combination topical and internal treatment for continuously clear skin.
 
Why do I get pimples during my monthly cycle when I have clear skin the rest of the time?  top
 
The answer is hormones. During your menstrual cycle, hormonal changes can trigger imbalances in your oil production system. Hormones called androgens stimulate the production of sebum, the sticky oil that keeps hair and skin from drying out. The greater the sebum production, the increased likelihood that your pores will get clogged and cause zits to develop.
 
At what age will I stop getting zits?  top
 
While acne used to be considered primarily a teen phenomenon, dermatologists report that the number of adults with pimples is on the rise, with about one in ten adults aged 25 to 44 suffering from acne. Some think the number is closer to one in five adults not having clear skin. Regardless of age, the causes of acne are the same. Stress and hormonal imbalances, which often lead to pimples, are becoming more common in women's lives.
 
What else can I do to prevent acne?  top
 
Effective acne prevention requires using the right treatments, and adjusting product use and hygiene habits. If you want to know how to get rid of pimples, and deal with other skin problems like oiliness and blackheads, take a look at these great tips from the acne prevention experts at Nature's Cure.
  • Oily hair can aggravate acne, so stay away from oily products like pomades or hair spray, especially if you want to get rid of pimples on your forehead.


  • Avoid using moisturizers on acne-prone areas unless it is specifically formulated to treat acne and is not acnegenic. Nature's Cure Acne-Repairing Papaya Moisturizer for females or All-Day Acne-Repair Lotion for males is a great way to prevent dryness while continuing to fight acne the whole day.


  • Use "noncomedogenic" (won't clog pores or cause blackheads) or "nonacnegenic" (won't cause pimples) cosmetics and suntan lotions.


  • Use topical treatments, such as Nature's Cure medicated spray, anywhere that you tend to get breakouts for acne prevention - don't just spot-treat existing blackheads and pimples. The pore-clogging process happens two to three weeks before any blackheads or blemishes become visible on the skin. Since the salicylic acid acne medication in the body spray is an exfoliant, it helps to remove the dead skin that combines with oil and dirt to form those nasty blackheads and whiteheads that can get infected and become pimples.


  • Wash skin gently with the Acne Clearing Papaya Cleanser or the Acne Clearing Foaming Face Wash and warm (not hot) water once or twice daily. Hot water and harsh cleansers can further irritate your skin and undermine your acne prevention efforts.


  • It's tempting to try to scrub away acne, but that's not how to get rid of pimples. Scrubbing too hard or too frequently can actually make your acne worse and promote scarring by increasing inflammation or rupturing cysts under your skin, making bacteria spread.


  • Don't pick acne or blackheads on your face or body. It can permanently scar your skin. If you must pick, immediately apply a topical antibiotic to help stave off infection.


  • Since stress can trigger acne, try to avoid stressful situations, resolve stresses by talking to friends/family or a professional, and be sure to eat right and get enough sleep. Sometimes the stress of having acne and trying to figure out how to get rid of pimples can make things worse. But if you take action toward acne prevention with these tips, you can diffuse some of that stress.


  • Exercising regularly can also help reduce stress and it increases blood circulation and oxygen penetration to the skin, which may help with acne prevention.


  • Drink at least 64 ounces of water a day to help "detoxify" the body from the inside out.


  • Avoid hot, humid environments such as poorly ventilated kitchens, gyms, or tropical climates and stay away as much as possible from cooking grease or machine oil that can contribute to blackheads and clogged pores.


  • If you work out, bring along pre-moistened alcohol towelettes to wipe sweat off your face, back and chest. Use towels to cover neck and chest areas to prevent coming in direct contact with the equipment.


  • If you want to know how to get rid of pimples on your body, you need to realize that bumps on chest and back can be caused by tight fitting workout clothes that trap moisture and heat, so wear loose-fitting all-cotton clothing when you work out.


  • Wear loose fitting clothing whenever possible and try to avoid friction against the skin caused by helmets, straps, backpacks or handbags.


  • Sweat combines with skin oils to trap dirt and bacteria in your pores, causing blackheads and pimples, so it's important to shower as soon as possible after you work out or sweat profusely.


  • Clean cosmetic brushes regularly in soapy water and throw out old, contaminated makeup. Since bacteria is one of the key causes of acne, anything that keeps bacteria from touching your skin will help in acne prevention.

 



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