Pimples and zits are two terms of skin disorder that are used interchangeably, although the two have got quite different characteristics. Zits is a popular breakout in adults, although teenagers may also experience it. Zits are visible and can be quite painful. With improper treatments, it may also develop into worsening skin condition.

What may cause zits?

Acne can be triggered by a variety of risk factors. Complication of these factors may cause severe breakout that can possibly reoccur. While pimples are caused blocked skin pores, zits are triggered by clogged oil and melanin glands in the skin. Thus, zits commonly occur in a form of small pustules with white pus filling on the surface of the skin. There are highlighted risk factors that lead to zits in most people. Those include:

• Hormonal imbalance

Hormonal imbalance can be undergone by either adults or adolescents. Zits are likely to occur when the hormone testosterone raises. Overproduction of this hormone leads to increasing oil production, which may end in clogged oil beneath the skin. When these clogged oil is infested by bacteria residing on the skin, it may become infected, signed by the accumulation of pus underneath the skin. Zits are thus common in early adolescent, when growth hormone increases drastically. Pregnant women and women in their monthly menstrual cycle are also prone to zits, considering hormonal imbalance undergone.

• Stress

Stress is related to zits, since the sebum-producing cells have the receptors responding to stress hormone. Hence, when you are excessively stressed out, your sebaceous glands are producing more sebum that may clog beneath the skin, resulting in zits.

• Diet

What you consume have a significant role to your entire health, including the occurrence of zits and other skin disorders. Foods containing sugar and carbohydrate elevate sugar level, which triggers skin’s inflammatory response provoking breakout. Foods that are dairy are also not advised for those susceptible to acne, as these might be a significant trigger, as well.

• Cosmetics and skin care products

Wearing cosmetics clog pores and thus may leave clogged sebum beneath the skin, especially when you fail to thoroughly remove it. Harsh skin care products may also trigger clogged oil that may result in zits.

What makes zits worse?

Certain people are susceptible to zits and skin breakout, which causes them to experience the problem more than once or twice. Many zit problem in some people is even recurring, leading to worse acne problem. In order to avoid this, apart from the hereditary and hormonal factors, there are some risk factors and habits that can lead to worsened zit problem. Preventing ourselves from doing these zit-triggering habits may improve skin condition and prevent worsened problem.

• Over-washing the face. Washing the face more often trigger the body to produce more oil, which in the end, triggers the occurrence of zits on the skin surface.
• Scratching and touching the facial skin—and the zits excessively. This will transfer bacteria from the hands onto the facial skin, infecting the clogged skin that may aggravate the existing zits.
• Picking at and squeezing the zits. These habits are harmful, since they trigger more inflammation and may provoke infection. Avoid squeezing zits carelessly. Instead, put on a warm compress to make it tender and easier to burst.
• Failing to keep the hair clean. Dirty, greasy hair may cause more skin clogs, which may make the zits worse. Clean and wash your hair regularly to prevent it from aggravating the facial skin.
• Consuming medications that promote excessive oil production that may cause skin clogs and trigger new breakout.