Alright ladies, it’s that time of year again. Finals. Not only are we all stressed trying to get everything done in time, we’re trying to cram all this textbook information that we’re almost guaranteed to forget five minutes after the evaluation is over, while also fighting on campus for a place to study. If that wasn’t enough, we tend to lose track of our friends and family, by having way too much on our plates in such a short period of time.
With all that stress come, let’s just say it, pimples. More specifically stress pimples, worse than those PMS breakouts; blackheads, whiteheads and even cysts.
Our lives are stressful; we lack sleep, can barely consider putting makeup on or assembling a decent outfit, and now these blemishes start appearing on our face. It’s a disaster and the thought of being a hermit for the next two to three weeks until finals are over doesn’t seem like such a bad idea anymore. It’s not like you’re presentable anyways.
Let me explain how stress causes acne. Without getting into too many details, stress produces cortisol in your system, which is the main stress hormone. When you are under stress, this hormone creates the ‘Fight or Flight’ reaction. However, since we often keep it in, it becomes an internal battle. When you do not physically release stress, it creates inflammation and increases oil production. Therefore, there is a higher concentration of sebum, which results in pimples. Sebum often appears on your face, since this is where the most oil accumulation happens, especially on your T-zone. That being said, using products that are oil-free is best, because they won’t clog your pores.
Fun fact, this is even worse for boys since they have more testosterone, which also increases oil production. Therefore, they are more prone to have these types of breakouts when they are under stress.
This explains the importance of staying active, even when you have finals coming up. You should stay healthy and release stress, especially since stress causes many other negative side effects, besides pimples.
We all react differently to stress. Some of us get it worse than others, but what’s important is to treat it properly, so you’re not stuck with these unwanted zits past Christmas.
Blackheads: What you should do
What is great about blackheads is that they’re pimples that don’t have skin overtop of them. Therefore it’s just a matter of cleaning out your pores. Clay masks might be something to incorporate into your busy schedule about once a week. Following this weekly ritual can be highly effective for removing blackheads and preventing their return. In fact, masks help ease the extraction of blackheads. Exfoliating and microdermabrasion are also a must for combating blackheads. You can use cleansers, brushes or sponges to scrub and unplug pores. Many believe in the effectiveness of water mixed with baking soda. Pore strips are also very popular for removing blackheads, but some have had bad experiences since they can be irritating to sensitive skin and tend to increase pore size. Maybe it is something that should be done exclusively during sleepovers for the fun of it.
What you shouldn’t do!
Do not, under any circumstances, squeeze blackheads. If you do, they will have the tendency to worsen and become whiteheads.
Recommended Products:
- Murad Exfoliating acne treatment gel
- Clinique Exfoliating scrub
- Boscia Pore purifying black strip (If you insist on using pore strips)
- Origins Clear Improvement™ Active Charcoal Mask To Clear Pores
- Clarisonic Detoxifying clay mask
Whiteheads: What you should do
These are worse than blackheads because not only are they noticeable, they are often accompanied by redness around the clogged pore. Unlike blackheads, they are formed under the surface of a closed pore when there’s an accumulation of dead skin cells, oil and bacteria. Just like blackheads, this type of mild acne is due to oil production in your pores.
Once you have a whitehead, it is harder to treat since it’s a matter of letting it heal over time. The best thing to do is to act proactively to prevent their appearance by;
- Reducing your stress by being active; simply taking a walk around the block can help.
- Eating healthy. Taking the time to cook good meals that contain a lot of fiber, vitamin A, C and E.
- Keeping your skin balanced and hydrated. Do not forget to use moisturizer on your skin to keep a balanced moisture level. Dry skin will stimulate your body to increase oil production to compensate, which is not something we want.
When it comes to treating whiteheads, spot treatment is one of the best remedies. Brent Wainwright, MD, of New York University Medical Center recommends using a salicylic-acid cream. However, there always comes a time when letting a whitehead be just isn’t an option. It needs to come out. WAIT! Before going for the pinch, make sure you wash your face as well as your hands and that you use a clean tissue. Furthermore, apply a warm compress on the clogged pore to open up your pores, and make sure all the gunk is ready to come out.
What not to do!
If the pimple is red, do not irritate it even more by squeezing it, especially if there is no visible white gunk at the surface. This will only cause it to bleed and worsen the pimple by irritating the skin around it, as well as the blood vessels underneath.
Recommended Products
- Clinique Acne Solutions Spot Healing Gel
- Benefit cosmetics Boo Boo Zap
- Philosophy Clear Days Ahead™ Fast-Acting Salicylic Acid Acne Spot Treatment
Read this Cosmopolitan article to learn how to effectively conceal a whitehead with make-up!
Acne Cysts: What you should do
Acne cysts are a type of pimple many people get when they are under stress. These cystic pimples appear deep underneath the surface of the skin, so don’t even think of trying to squeeze them upwards. They cannot and should not be popped. You’ll only make them last longer, since they’ll get much worse and irritated. Also, if you don’t treat them correctly, your chances of scarring are much higher. Some people have very serious acne cysts across their face, but usually when they’re caused by stress, only a few show up and don’t last more than a couple weeks.
The best thing to do is to let it be. Wash your face at least twice a day with a water-soluble cleanser, not forgetting to moisturize your skin after each wash. Exfoliating once a week is also strongly recommended as well as drinking a lot of water every day. Of course, avoid touching it!
What not to do!
You know what I’m going to say.
DO NOT touch it!
All in all, keeping a healthy body will help prevent unwanted breakouts. Stay active, eat well, drink a lot of water and wash your face twice a day with quality products. Use a cleanser, a toner and moisturizer, and don’t forgetting to exfoliate and apply a weekly purifying mask.
Good luck on all your finals, collegiettes™!
Pictures
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