Under-the-skin pimples: The Skincare Routine to Eliminate Them

WHAT ARE UNDER-THE-SKIN PIMPLES

I under-the-skin pimples, or cystic acne, they are a very common skin blemish that is difficult to treat. They are deep bumps that form under the Skin across the entire face, especially on the forehead, cheeks, and under the chin. They can be tiny or large, red and inflamed, or nearly invisible.

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the causes and various treatments you can use to get rid of under-the-skin pimplessafely and effectively.

CAUSES OF UNDER-THE-SKIN PIMPLES

Under-the-skin pimples form when sebum, bacteria, cellular debris, and dirt get trapped deep withina hair follicle (pore).

The end result is a cyst under the Skin that does not have a "whitehead" like other blemishes might, and it is generally located in areas of the Skin with more sebaceous glands, such as the face, neck, shoulders, back, and chest.

The causes of this inflammation are numerous:

1. Those with oily Skin may be more prone to under-the-skin blemishes than people with Dry skin or normal skin.
2. The hormonal imbalances sometimes they can cause an excess of sebum in the Skin. This is very likely to occur during specific periods of your life, such as puberty, pregnancy, or times of high stress.
3. The use of certain medications can contribute to the formation of blind pimples. These include oral corticosteroids and some birth control pills.
4. Cosmetics or irritating Skin care products or unsuitable for your Skin type.
5. Inadequate or incorrect facial cleansing.

A key piece of advice is to never squeeze or puncture under-the-Skin blemishes with a needle. Why? The contents of the cyst will most likely rupture under the Skin, spreading the infection and likely making the inflammation even worse. Squeezing blemishes can also lead to long-term scarring.

UNDER-THE-SKIN PIMPLES OR CYSTS?

Under-the-skin pimples are also known as 'cystic acne'.

Cysts are significantly more painful, swollen and filled with pus that form under the Skin. They carry an increased risk of scarring due to their depth.

The reason for this is that the pressure of such a deep inflammation causes the entire follicle to collapse, trapping the base of the hair follicle under the Skin and causing infections.

The key difference between cystic acne and a regular pimple is that cystic acne forms well below the surface of the Skin and produces what is known as a cyst, which is the defining characteristic of this type of acne (cystic pimple).

UNDER-THE-SKIN PIMPLES: REMEDIES TO GET RID OF THEM AND PREVENT THEIR FORMATION

Under-the-skin pimples can be tricky to get rid of, but they are treatable with patience and the right targeted treatment. Always make sure your hands are clean before using any at-home treatment.

Below is the recommended skincare routine:

Morning

1. CLEANSING: use a gentle foaming cleanser. It is critically important to keep your Skin clean.
2. BOOST: with niacinamide serum, that has sebum-regulating and anti-inflammatory properties.
3. MOISTURIZING: with a lightweight facial moisturizer that contains purifying active ingredients as well as hydrating ones (e.g., Hyaluronic Acid) to regulate sebum production and prevent the formation of comedones
4. SUN PROTECTION: it’s important to protect your skin from UV rays using specialized products that are especially lightweight, non-greasy, and non-comedogenic.

DOCTOR’S TIP: if applying facial moisturizer + sunscreen feels heavy, use only sunscreen in the morning and facial moisturizer in the evening.

Evening

1. MAKEUP REMOVER: if you’re wearing makeup, start by removing it. You can choose between a Micellar Watermicellar water for light makeup and an oil-based cleanser for heavier, more long-wearing makeup.
2. CLEANSING: use a gentle foaming cleanser.
3. EXFOLIATION: use a chemical exfoliant such as Salicylic Acid, which helps remove impurities that clog pores and prevents comedones from forming. This should only be done in the evening.
4. BOOST: for a full treatment, choose a Retinol Boosterretinol treatment that reduces sebum production and regulates keratinization. This should only be used in the evening. If you prefer to use just one booster, apply the niacinamide-based one both morning and evening.
5. MOISTURIZING: again with a Purifying Face Cream.

Treatment Plus

1. Purifying Face Mask applied 2 times per week to absorb excess sebum and keep pores clear
2. Anti-Blemish Gel: SOS treatment to apply directly to the targeted pimple to quickly reduce swelling.

HOW TO GET RID OF PIMPLE MARKS AND PREVENT THEIR FORMATION

While treating under-the-skin pimples, be sure to do your best to lower your risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (skin marks) and use specialized products to fully eliminate them.

This refers to post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation: it is an acquired hypermelanosis that occurs after inflammation or a skin lesion, which can develop in all types of Skin.

An example of post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation is acne spots.

The cosmetic ingredients for treating pimple marksare:

- high-percentage niacinamide (4-5%);

- salicylic acid;

- retinol;

- azelaic acid (or azeloglicine).

STRESS-INDUCED PIMPLES: MYTH OR FACT?

Can stress cause pimples? The answer is yes.

Take, for example, stress-induced acne: when we’re stressed, our body releases stress hormones, including cortisol, which can increase sebum productionincreasing your risk of developing comedones and under-the-skin pimples.

NO MORE UNDER-THE-SKIN PIMPLES WITH SKIN FIRST PRODUCTS

Now that we’ve covered the best routine for getting rid of under-the-skin pimples, all that’s left is to use the correct, targeted dermatocosmetic treatment.

If cosmetic treatments alone aren’t enough to clear up your skin, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist to pursue a more targeted, personalized treatment plan. And don’t forget to keep reading our content to stay up to date on the Doctor’s tips!