Pimples or zits are swollen, red lesions filled with or without pus that appear on the face, chest, back and upper arms.

Pimples are a part of acne. Acne occurs when sebaceous glands, or  your oil glands, become clogged  (producing comedones or black heads and white heads) and they get infected sometimes by a bacteria  called propionic bacterium which is normally present in our skin leading to an immune response leading to swollen, red lesions called pimples.

Triggers for pimples

• Puberty: Teens get acne because of the hormone changes that come with, these hormones stimulate the sebaceous glands to make more sebum, and the glands can become overactive.
• Genetics: Family history may play a role in adult and adolescent acne

Cosmetic products

Yes, you can wear makeup, but you’ll want to choose it carefully.  Always choose cosmetic which are water based or non comedogenic

Food

Teenagers who consume high amounts of fast food like burgers and fries as well as refined white sugar in forms like sodas, tetra packs, etc. are known to experience acne. However, the link between fast food and what ingredient exactly causes acne is unknown.

Dairy products

The relation between milk and acne is not clear yet. If you notice acne post milk consumption, it is best to avoid dairy.

Whey Protein Powder

This powder is usually consumed by male athletes and leads to acne.

Stress

Studies have shown that if you already have acne, stress does make it worse.

Certain medicines eg, steroid tablets and creams and mostly over the counter whitening creams like (Gauri cream or Faiza creams) have steroids in it causing acne.

Other medication likes antipsychotics medications, vitamin B12, and progesterone only birth control, etc. also cause acne.

Hormonal acne may be caused by hormones from menstruation, polycystic ovarian syndrome, menopause, etc.

Friction/occlusion can also cause acne as shown by “maskne” which occurs due to the continuous wearing of masks during COVID.