acne skin care

Difference between Pimples and Acne {Reader’s Query}

Swathy · December 11, 2011 · 64 Comments

This has been lately asked by one of my friend’s and frankly, the question confounded me. I mean everyone knows what pimples and acne are but how do you really define them and differentiate between them? Putting in words was not very easy for me and I thought this is a question or a topic which should be discussed on a larger scale. So, do join in with what you think too 🙂

Ok, so my experience with breakouts overall is not very extensive and I am very grateful for that. In the course of last one year, I did face some series of acne cysts and the first of them was pretty serious. But, later on, I managed to control the breakouts by hit and trials. So, anyways, that was just a reference to how much I actually know about breakouts. But, lets see what I have found out by reading combined with something I know.

What is Acne?

Acne is an inflammation of the skin in which the secreted sebum gets collected in the pores of the skin and gets trapped there. That causes the skin to elevate in the form of a breakout. It may or may bot have a head. If its acne, it will most likely have a white head and is painful to touch. If its a pimple, it is not painful unless it is too severe. Pimple is also a form of acne. Any breakout on the skin can be termed as acne and then, acne is classified into various categories depending on its size and severity.

Pimples are generally milder than a full-blown acne attack. But, the reason for both the skin conditions is same – clogged pores. And, why are they common in oily skin types? Because, the skin secretes more sebum and is more likely to have deposits of sebum on the skin. So, keeping the skin clean is one of the carnal rules of skin care. If you find that your skin suffers regularly from breakouts, you should consult a dermatologist and use prescription products as they have chemicals which are better at cleaning the pores and keeping them unclogged.

Salicylic Acid is one of the common ingredients of such products. And, many people use aspirin tablets at home in their DIY’s. I would like to reiterate the fact that only 2% concentration of salicylic acid is advisable for the skin at max so if you are one of the people who uses full dosage of aspirin for face, please refrain from doing that. You are damaging your skin instead of helping it. Read more about this here. I have already done a post on how to safely use aspirin tablets at home.

Are you Cleansing properly? {Skin Care}

Swathy · November 23, 2011 · Leave a Comment

I have stressed it before hand also that double cleansing should be a part of our daily routine whether one applies makeup or not. The dirt accumulated in the day and the number of products applied to the skin are enough to choke the skin so double cleansing will help get rid of all their residue. Now, while it is very easy to cleanse the nose and cheeks and forehead, it is very much possible to miss on crucial areas like ears, behind the ears, the hair line and under the chin. That might be one of the reasons you might be having breakouts on the areas. So, next time you cleanse your face, make sure you do not miss out on any of the crucial areas. And, always extend the cleansing process to the exposed part of your chest and include your entire neck (back or nape of the neck too which is generally left exposed and very less taken care of).

Carrot and Bottle Guard Mask {Reader’s Tip}

Swathy · September 21, 2011 · 2 Comments

This is one tip which was posted as a comment on an earlier post yesterday. I thought it was a really good one so sharing it all with you. This is what the reader shares:

I tried having carrot and bottle gourd juice every morning (empty stomach). Also i apply crushed carrot and bottle gourd on my face after cleansing for 30 mins everyday. My pores have visibly reduced in size from day 1 and my skin tone is improving as well.