Pimples…Zits… Acne… these are only some of the common threats to human skin, especially in the face. But wait, aren’t they just the same?

Well apparently they are all interrelated . These terms may have been used by many interchangeably but they all mean the same thing — it’s those pesky, sometimes painful, red bumps that break out of the skin surprisingly due to a lot of reasons. While they may seem similar, there are actually some differences that you need to know about these skin issues that could help you piece up ways to clear up your skin from these blemishes.

Well, you need to know your enemy A.K.A pimple/zit/acne to know how to fight it.

Let’s break it down a little by defining first these terms then eventually getting down to real business — treating it.

Let’s start with ACNE

What is Acne?

Acne is one of the most common skin problems that occurs across all age groups of which teenagers entering puberty are the most prone to having it. Not only in teens, but also in adults particularly those experiencing hormonal imbalances. In fact, it is one common skin problem in the Philippines that is affecting over 17 million people of various ages and gender.

Acne or Acne vulgaris is an inflammatory skin condition that affects the hair follicles and oil glands of the skin. The pores underneath the skin are connected to the glands that produce an oily substance called sebum. On the other hand, the pores and glands are connected to the follicle, a canal that grows thin hair out to the surface of the skin.

Acne grows when sebum and dead skin cells clump together and clog the follicles. The bacteria that build up in the clog can cause inflammation that leads to the appearance of pimples. Acne is often characterized by blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples, not just small pimples, but those big red inflamed bumps that are often painful to touch. You can have acne anywhere where hair follicles and oil glands are connected which is mostly around the mouth, cheeks, forehead, and on the back.

There are actually several types of acne, namely—- blackheads, whiteheads, pustules (pimples), papules, cysts, and nodules.

What causes Acne?

Acne is caused by various reasons. One of the most common causes is hormonal changes in the body, which explains why most teens in puberty are mostly affected as well as women. Other causes can be also attributed to improper skin care and hygiene, excessive oil production in the skin, bacteria, and other elements like dirt and pollution which cause clogging of pores.

What is Zit? Isn’t it just Pimple? Zit VS Pimple

Zits and Pimples are two terms that are commonly used interchangeably that both refer to the same thing. These two are actually inflammatory acne lesions such as papules and pustules that both develop when impurities such as bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells are trapped deep into the skin. Zits and Pimples are actually moderate forms of acne that take form as swollen and red bumps in the skin.

Pimples are caused by hormonal changes and blocked skin pores while Zits are breakouts due to clogged melanin and oil glands commonly caused by stress, build-up body toxins, and other causes such as poor diet, hormonal imbalances, and improper skin care. Breakouts can be caused by many other reasons. Typically, those painful red bumps are caused by a high presence of P. acnes bacteria which is a microbe that has been associated with the development of acne.

What is the best way to treat them?

Realistically, pimples, and zits are only some of the imperfections that cannot be completely prevented. Breakouts can happen to everyone and there is no such thing as perfect skin.

Ask anyone if they haven’t even once gotten some breakouts all their life.

While it can be inevitable sometimes, these blemishes can be definitely controlled using effective treatments available today. Acne can sometimes leave marks and discoloration due to irritation, thus, it is important to NEVER poke or touch them with dirty hands.

Pimples and zits can be treated by letting them heal on their own, however, if you want a faster way to get rid of them, use treatments like Benzoyl peroxide cream, cortisol, and products containing salicylic acid like the Aivee Skin Ultra Spot Corrector.

There are several treatment options available that can help in the treatment of inflammatory acne. But the best treatment for this is to have a regular skincare routine using skincare products that go well with your skin. Aside from these products, a healthy diet and lifestyle can also contribute to your overall skin health. Eat foods that are rich in antioxidants and eat less fatty foods to lessen the occurrence of breakouts. If you’re going through a life-changing experience with acne, we recommend that you visit the Aivee Clinic near you or have an online consultation so our doctors can recommend the best treatments that will suit your current skin condition.