How to get rid of blemishes on your face:
the causes, treatments and how to prevent them
What is a
sudden breakout?
A breakout refers to the sudden appearance of lots of spots, blackheads, whiteheads or other blemishes on your skin. These breakouts typically occur when hair follicles get clogged with excess sebum, dead skin cells and bacteria, which causes inflammation and the appearance of different types of acne. Sudden breakouts can affect people of all ages and are most often found on the face, neck, chest and back. Various factors, such as hormonal fluctuations, genetics, diet and skincare habits, can all contribute to a sudden breakout on your face.
The 5 most common types of breakouts:
- Acne vulgaris:
Acne vulgaris is probably the most common type of breakout. It includes blackheads, whiteheads, pustules and cysts, and is often caused by excessive sebum production, clogged pores and bacterial inflammation.
- Hormonal sudden breakouts:
Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during puberty, your period, pregnancy or the menopause, can lead to hormonal acne. This type of acne typically shows up as deep, painful cysts along your jawline and chin.
- Comedonal acne:
This type of acne is characterised by non-inflammatory blemishes such as blackheads and whiteheads. It’s often seen if you have oily skin and happens because hair follicles become clogged.
- Cystic acne:
Cystic acne is a severe form of acne characterised by large, painful, inflamed cysts located deep beneath the skin’s surface. It can lead to scarring if it isn’t properly treated.
- Rosacea:
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that causes facial redness, visible blood vessels and sometimes spots. It often affects people with fair skin and can get worse over time if it’s left untreated.
It’s really important to understand the type of acne or pimple breakouts you’re dealing with so you can choose the right treatment approach, as different types of breakouts may need different ways of managing and preventing them. If you think you’re suffering from severe acne, cystic acne or rosacea for example, it’s strongly recommended that you speak to a dermatologist, who can help you work out the most appropriate action plan for your specific skin concern.
Common causes
of pimple and acne breakouts:
Breakouts can happen for lots of different reasons, and it’s essential to understand these common causes so you can better prevent them and treat them effectively. Some of the main factors that contribute to breakouts are:
- Excessive sebum production:
Overproduction of sebum, your skin’s natural oil, can lead to clogged pores and blemishes. This is often influenced by hormonal fluctuations, particularly during puberty, your period, pregnancy or the menopause.
- Clogged pores:
When dead skin cells and sebum build up in the hair follicles, pores become blocked. This creates the ideal environment for acne‑causing bacteria to grow, leading to blackheads, whiteheads and spots.
- Bacterial development:
Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is a bacterium that lives on the skin’s surface. When it multiplies too much, it can trigger inflammation and acne breakouts.
- Diet:
High glycaemic index foods (which quickly increase blood sugar levels), sugar and dairy products have been linked to a higher risk of breakouts in some people. These foods can influence hormone levels and inflammation, and therefore contribute to acne or occasional breakouts.
- Stress:
Stress can lead to the release of stress hormones, such as cortisol, which can stimulate sebum production and trigger breakouts. Stress‑related habits, such as touching your face or picking at spots, can also make blemishes worse.
- Genetics:
Your family history can play a role in how prone you are to developing spots or other blemishes. If your parents or siblings have suffered from acne for example, you may be more likely to experience breakouts too.
Understanding the specific causes of your spots can help you put together an appropriate and effective care and prevention programme.
A NIVEA Derma Skin Clear
skincare routine to reduce blemishes
The NIVEA Derma Skin Clear range is designed to help tackle the appearance of blemishes and includes vegan formula* products that you can use as part of your day or night care routine. This range, which has been clinically and dermatologically tested, uses three main ingredients – niacinamide, salicylic acid and glycolic acid – to help improve the look of blemish‑prone skin.
Cleanse: use a gentle cleanser to wash your face twice a day, morning and evening, to remove dirt, excess sebum and impurities from your skin’s surface. The NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Cleansing Gel helps to remove unwanted sebum that could clog pores and encourage new blemishes to form. This gel contains salicylic acid and niacinamide to help reduce blemishes and prevent them from coming back.
*no ingredients of animal origin
Exfoliate: exfoliating your skin 1 to 2 times a week with a gentle scrub or exfoliant can help to remove dead skin cells and stop pores becoming clogged. Containing salicylic acid and niacinamide, the NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Scrub is specially formulated for blemish‑prone skin. It helps to unclog pores and reduce the appearance of blackheads and whiteheads without drying your skin out.
NIVEA Derma Skin Clear also includes the Derma Skin Clear Daily Night Exfoliating Care, which you can use every day to help remove dead skin cells and support the skin’s renewal process. Take care to read the usage precautions on the packaging.
It’s important to exfoliate your skin gently to avoid over‑exfoliation, which can actually be counterproductive.
It’s important to be patient with your skincare routine when you’re dealing with breakouts. It can take time to see results and consistency is essential. If your breakouts are severe or won’t go away, think about seeing a dermatologist for personalised advice and suitable treatment options.
How to help prevent
breakouts on your face and skin?
Tackling skin breakouts involves a mix of good skincare habits, a healthy lifestyle and being aware of the factors that might trigger spots. As we mentioned above, it’s essential to cleanse your skin effectively and gently morning and evening and to exfoliate regularly. On top of that, here are some extra tips to help you prevent breakouts:
- Use non-comedogenic products:
Choose skincare and make‑up products labelled “non‑comedogenic” to help reduce the risk of clogging your pores.
- Avoid touching your face:
Touching your face can transfer bacteria and oils from your hands to your skin, which can lead to sudden breakouts on your face. Try to avoid touching your face unless you really have to.
- Wash pillowcases and bedding regularly:
Bacteria and oils from your hair and face can build up on your pillowcases and sheets. Change them regularly to help avoid sudden breakouts on your face.
- Adopt a balanced diet:
Adopt a balanced diet that’s rich in fruit, vegetables, wholegrains and lean proteins. Try to limit sugary and highly processed foods, as they may encourage the development of spots or acne.
- Stay hydrated:
Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and help your body flush out toxins. As a guide, you should aim to drink between 1.5 and 2 litres of water per day.
- Manage stress:
High stress levels can trigger breakouts. Try stress‑reduction techniques such as yoga, meditation or deep breathing exercises.
- Exercise regularly:
Exercise boosts blood flow, which can help to nourish your skin cells and keep them healthy. Shower and cleanse your skin after exercise to remove sweat and bacteria.
- Avoid excessive sun exposure:
While sun exposure can temporarily make acne look better, it can also increase sebum production and damage your skin in the long term. Skin damage can disrupt the protective barrier, leading to more inflammation and acne‑causing bacteria, which in turn causes breakouts. Use sun protection to shield your skin whenever you’re outdoors.
- Don’t overuse acne or pimple products:
Using too many acne products or using them too often can irritate your skin. Always follow the instructions and be patient, as acne treatments and cosmetic blemish care can take time to show results.
- Avoid popping pimples:
Popping or picking at spots can make inflammation worse and cause scarring. Try not to touch them, or seek professional help if you feel you need it.