When an indignant crimson or white lesion pops up in your face, likelihood is you’ll instantly assume it’s a type of pimples — a cystic pimple, possibly, or maybe a whitehead. And why wouldn’t you? Google photographs of pimples and also you’ll discover your display screen inundated with images of simply that: a slew of anonymous faces scattered with infected crimson and white spots, various in form and measurement. The identical goes for #pimples on social media, in fact.
However right here’s the factor: It’s a bit of extra difficult than that. As a result of there’s really fairly a number of totally different pores and skin situations that may be confused for pimples in a method or one other. They could overlap with bumps, redness, and even pustules. The excellent news is we’re breaking all of them down right here with the assistance of a board-certified dermatologist with the intention to really feel geared up to find out the distinction and deal with your self accordingly. Data is energy — always remember it.
Sebaceous filament
What it’s: Sebaceous filaments are a great factor: They really assist to moisturize our pores and skin by lining pores to facilitate the move of sebum to the pores and skin’s floor. Type of cool, proper? Whereas they’re utterly regular, Dr. Garshick says they will turn out to be extra seen when there’s an overproduction of sebum as a result of the pore seems bigger — and thereby it turns into extra seen.
Methods to inform it other than pimples: Sebaceous filaments are tiny, sometimes observed on the nostril, and received’t have a darkish heart like blackheads do.
Therapy suggestions: Dr. Garshick recommends retinoids and exfoliants, corresponding to beta hydroxy acid, which, in contrast to alpha hydroxy acid, is oil-soluble and is due to this fact capable of dive into and clear clogged pores from inside. Strawberry Easy BHA + AHA Salicylic Serum and Watermelon Glow PHA+BHA Pore-Tight Toner can each help in regulating oil manufacturing by way of a mild BHA and, in doing so, stop pores from changing into clogged.
Folliculitis
What it’s: Because the identify implies, folliculitis is irritation of the hair follicle. In line with New York Metropolis dermatologist Marisa Garshick, M.D., it sometimes presents as crimson or pus-filled bumps centered round a hair follicle, and might seem on each the face and physique. “For some individuals, it may be extra typical alongside the hairline or involving the decrease face,” she says.
Methods to inform it other than pimples: With folliculitis, there are sometimes no comedones, whiteheads, or blackheads. With that stated, lesions can look extraordinarily just like pimples bumps — so it’s all the time greatest to see your dermatologist if you happen to’re uncertain.
Therapy suggestions: Dr. Garshick recommends antibacterial washes and topicals, and on the subject of prevention, she recommends being additional cautious when shaving and avoiding plucking, which might set off irritation of the hair follicle.
Rosacea
What it’s: Rosacea is a standard pores and skin situation characterised by facial redness, flushing, and/or crimson bumps and pustules. It’s most frequently seen in middle-aged girls with truthful pores and skin tones, although it might happen at any age. Whereas redness can seem in all pores and skin tones, it’s sometimes not attributable to rosacea amongst these with deeper pores and skin tones.
Methods to inform it other than pimples: With rosacea, you received’t see the whiteheads and blackheads that go together with pimples. Furthermore, Dr. Garshick notes that individuals with rosacea sometimes expertise different signs, corresponding to flushing and hostile reactions to triggers like spicy meals, sizzling temperatures, and alcohol — which is a key differentiator from pimples.
Therapy suggestions: With regards to treating rosacea, Dr. Garshick drives residence the significance of utilizing mild, skin-nourishing merchandise with components designed to calm and soothe the pores and skin. She recommends niacinamide in addition to ceramides, each of which you’ll discover within the Avocado Ceramide Restoration Serum. Moreover, prescription choices can be found to scale back bumps and enhance redness, in addition to sure beauty lasers like Intense Pulsed Gentle (IPL).
Keratosis pilaris
What it’s: Keratosis pilaris — usually known as KP — is usually regarded as a “hen pores and skin”-like rash that seems on the again of individuals’s arms, however as Dr. Garshick explains, it might additionally happen on the face. KP develops when the pores and skin produces an extra of keratin, which might block hair follicles and trigger ingrown hair-like bumps to pop up.
Methods to inform it other than pimples: “Keratosis pilaris can happen on the face as small pinpoint bumps inflicting the pores and skin to really feel tough and bumpy,” says Dr. Garshick. “When involving the face, it tends to happen on the outer cheeks.”
Therapy suggestions: Retinoids and exfoliating components, like lactic, glycolic, and salicylic acids are nice at lowering KP bumps, however Dr. Garshick stresses the significance of nourishing and hydrating the pores and skin as effectively. Strive the Strawberry Easy BHA + AHA Salicylic Serum to sort out clogged pores whereas concurrently hydrating the pores and skin; for dealing with KP on the pores and skin, the Watermelon Glow Pink Dream Physique Cream pairs smoothing AHAs with a number of weights of hyaluronic acid to maintain pores and skin clean and comfy.
Dermatitis
What it’s: Dermatitis is an umbrella time period for a variety of pores and skin situations characterised by irritation; nonetheless, it’s mostly related to eczema, which might seem wherever on the face or physique.
Methods to inform it other than pimples: In contrast to pimples, dermatitis seems as crimson flaky patches of pores and skin (flat or raised), which are sometimes itchy and sore to the contact. With dermatitis, you received’t see pus-filled bumps, papules, or whiteheads and blackheads.
Therapy suggestions: Just like rosacea, you wish to goal for soothing merchandise that calm and hydrate infected pores and skin. Our Avocado Ceramide Restoration Serum is nice for this, as is the Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream, which options ice willowherb to assist a wholesome pores and skin barrier. Moisturizing typically is useful for dermatitis, because it usually manifests as an impaired barrier — and due to this fact leaves pores and skin extra vulnerable to dryness and dehydration alike.
Learn extra about getting clear, calm pores and skin:
