Why We Still Get Pimples, And What it Says About Our Health

For a long time I've struggled with breakouts and blemishes. When I hit puberty, I persistently had to deal with bad skin. While it is a half-expected occurrence when you're a teenager, having to experience the occasional pimple or bout of acne well into adulthood is a topic that, like hair loss in women, feels too embarrassing to discuss. But adult acne is actually pretty common, and many blemishes can be linked to specific causes depending on where it appears.

Knowing this information will make it easier to determine the cause of your pimples and will also enable you to adjust your lifestyle and habits accordingly. Let's take a look at the root causes of pimples and blemishes.

Chin and Jaw Line

Cause: Hormonal shifts

While monthly hormonal cycles can cause flare-ups, going through menopause can also cause some blemishes to appear too. Fortunately, they ought to disappear just as quickly.

Hairline and Forehead

Cause: Hair products

Flare-ups in this area can point to products that do not agree with your skin. It may also mean that you have to reduce the number of times you wash your hair each week - washing your hair too often can cause your scalp to overproduce oil.

Cheeks and next to Ears

Cause: Your hands, or your phone

Resting your hands on your face or keeping your phone by your cheek is a likely cause of pimples and blemishes in this area. Get into the habit of sanitizing or washing your hands regularly and don't forget to clean your phone with an antibacterial wipe too.

Along the T-Zone

Cause: A sign of anxiety or stress

The T-Zone is quickly affected by minor shifts in lifestyle. If you are feeling overwhelmed or grappling with a problem that makes you anxious, the T-Zone area is your early warning signal. To help soothe your nerves, try meditating or drinking a tea rich in antioxidants to combat stress and pimples.

Chest, Collar Bone and Back

Cause: A sign of working up a sweat

If you engage in physical activity or do gardening in the sun, you may be trapping moisture against your skin by wearing the wrong clothes. Opt for breathable cotton or moisture-wicking sportswear to help combat the pimples.

Around the Mouth

Cause: Too much consumption of fat, sugar and alcohol

A diet that is heavy in inflammatories like fat, sugar and alcohol could be what's causing blemishes around your mouth. Another cause may be due to sugary or greasy foods coming into contact with your mouth.

Temples

Cause: Dehydration

Pimples on your temples may indicate that you need to drink up. Not drinking enough water can cause the glands on your temples to overproduce oil, leading to clogged pores and pimples.

In and around the Eyebrows

Cause:  Ingrown hairs from plucking or waxing

Don't pick at the pimple or try to extract the hair. Use a hot compress until the pimple goes down. When tweezing, make sure that your tweezers are sanitized before each use.

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