If you keep getting pimples in the same spot—you know how frustrating the never-ending cycle of inflammation and healing can be. Thankfully, there may be a way to prevent them if you can understand the root of the problem. To make it easier for you, here's all you need to know about stubborn zits and what you can do to keep them away for good.
It could be hormonal cysts
Cysts are large, lumpy pimples buried deep under the skin. As they fill up, they become inflamed. The catch is, that even after you manage to soothe the inflammation, the sac still remains and can become inflamed again. These zits never come to a head, take long to go away, and can even leave behind scarring. Plus, they can have a knack for showing up in the same spot. Hormones mostly cause these and because they’re so much deeper than a regular pimple, they’re more difficult to treat and can reappear. These can be hormonal due to imbalanced androgen levels.
Trying to pick, squeeze or forcibly remove these kinds of zits can cause improper drainage of the oil from these follicles, leading to a blockage under the skin, creating more pimples in the same spot. Plus, if you squeeze a zit that isn't ready, it could smear all the bacteria to adjacent locations, causing the spot to flare up again.
Your pores are blocked
Your pores always create sebum, and some areas like the T-zone tend to be oilier. All this sebum combined with dirt and dead skin can lead to blackheads, whiteheads, clogged pores and cysts. Regular exfoliation can help prevent repeated breakouts and clear out the pores. Incorporating a salicylic acid treatment/cleanser can also help control excess oil. “You could be getting a pimple at the same spot if that pimple hasn’t been completely treated or if you’ve tried to squeeze it but it hasn’t completely evacuated all the contents of the sebaceous gland. It’s best to not try to pop it on your own and to get a professional clean-up done always,” advises Mumbai-based dermatologist Jaishree Sharad.
Your zits are period-induced
If you get period-related zits during that time of the month, they're likely to show up by the jawline and the cheeks. If this continues, “go to a professional to get a proper cleanup. We can also treat it with cryotherapy, which is the application of dry ice (it’s carbon dioxide at -79 degrees) and that actually will destroy that stubborn oil gland. Blue light therapy for the stubborn pimple can also be recommended or sometimes cortisone injections,” says Sharad.
You keep touching your face
If you’re constantly fidgeting with your bangs, involuntarily touching your face, mopping up sweat with the back of your hand or not disinfecting your phone regularly, you’re basically inviting zits by creating the perfect environment for them to thrive in. Dirty fingers can transfer bacteria and oil to your skin, which can cause those annoying zits to pop up in the same vicinity.
Plus, touching the skin can stimulate blood flow to the area, which could cause inflammation. This can stimulate more skin cells and sebum, leading to blockages and thus breakouts.
Add these anti-acne products to your cart:
COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
CLINIQUE Mild Liquid Facial Soap
Brillare Better 2% Salicylic Acid Serum
ClayCo Purifying Matcha Clay Mask
Also read:
8 acne-fighting makeup and skincare products that are chock-full of salicylic acid
How to make acne disappear in one hour, one day and one week
