Doesn’t it seem like pimples pop up out of nowhere? One day your skin is clear, and the next, you’ve got acne. It feels like you can’t win.
This is particularly true right before a big event. You’re getting ready for a date, wedding, or job interview, and bam! A pimple shows up.
So, why does your acne seem to make an appearance at the most inopportune times?
Acne Doesn’t Develop Quickly
Well, even though it looks like acne develops overnight, it honestly doesn’t. It can take weeks for a pimple to form. So, if you see blemishes on your skin, it’s likely that it’s been brewing beneath the surface for some time.
Pimples form when there is a build-up of sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria in the pores. When this mixture becomes trapped, it can cause inflammation, which leads to redness, swelling, and eventually a pimple.
But it takes time for all this to happen.
- First, the skin cells and oil have to build up enough to clog the pore.
- Then, the bacteria have to multiply and cause an infection.
- Finally, the bacteria and your body have to create inflammation in the pore.
Only then will you start to see a blemish on your skin.
So, you may not have seen an acne lesion on your skin for weeks. But the pimple that finally pops up has been forming for quite some time.
Things That Can Cause Quick Breakouts
However, there are a few things that can cause pimples to come to a head quickly.
Hormones
One is hormone fluctuations. If your body is going through changes, it can trigger breakouts. This is especially true for women who get acne around their menstrual cycle.
Popping Pimples
Another reason for quick breakouts is picking or popping pimples. When you do this, you can cause bacteria and inflammation to spread, which can lead to more blemishes.
So, if you are trying to keep your skin clear, it’s essential to be patient and resist the impulse to pick at your pimples.
Products
You also can break out quickly if you use certain products that irritate your skin. This could be anything from harsh soaps to makeup that is not non-comedogenic. And although moisturizers and sunscreens are healthy for your skin, those that are oil-based can clog pores and lead to breakouts.
Medications
Some medications can also cause breakouts. If you’re taking a new drug, it may be causing your skin to react. For example, certain birth control pills can trigger acne lesions. And surprisingly, even some acne medications may worsen your acne in the short run. However, using those drugs over time will decrease your number of breakouts.
Acne can be annoying and frustrating, especially when it seems to pop up out of nowhere. But remember, pimples take time to form. So, if you see a blemish, it’s likely that it’s been brewing for weeks. That is why most medical treatments try to get to the root of the problem and attack the underlying causes of acne – sebum production and bacteria.
But if you’re patient and use the right products, you can clear your skin. Talk to your doctor or consider using this:
Click here to find out more about acne misconceptions.
