SKIN CONCERN GUIDE

Pimples on Face: Causes, Types, Treatment & How to Prevent Them

Pimples are one of the most common skin concerns. Learn why pimples develop, the different types of breakouts you may notice, which skincare habits can help, what ingredients are commonly used, and how to build a simple routine without over-treating your skin.

Pimples Acne Breakouts Clogged Pores Oily Skin Acne Marks

SKIN BASICS

What Are Pimples?

A pimple is a type of skin lesion that can develop when a hair follicle becomes clogged with oil, dead skin cells and other material. Inflammation and changes within the follicle can then contribute to the appearance of a raised, red or swollen spot.

Pimples are closely associated with acne, although not every individual spot looks the same. Some breakouts may appear as small bumps, while others may contain pus or develop deeper inflammation.

Understanding the type of breakout you have can make it easier to choose appropriate skincare instead of repeatedly changing products.

A breakout is not always caused by "dirty" skin.

Acne and pimples can involve oil production, follicle blockage, inflammation and other biological factors. Washing your face excessively or scrubbing aggressively can irritate the skin without necessarily preventing breakouts.

WHY BREAKOUTS HAPPEN

What Causes Pimples on the Face?

Pimples usually develop through a combination of factors rather than one single cause. The process often begins inside the hair follicle and can involve excess oil, dead skin cells and inflammation.

Excess Oil

Sebum is a natural oily substance produced by the skin. Higher oil production can contribute to an environment in which pores become congested more easily.

Clogged Hair Follicles

Dead skin cells and sebum can accumulate inside follicles. This buildup can contribute to blackheads, whiteheads and inflammatory breakouts.

Inflammation

Once a follicle becomes inflamed, the resulting spot may become red, swollen or tender.

Acne-Associated Bacteria

Changes in the follicle environment can also involve Cutibacterium acnes, a bacterium associated with acne. Acne is not simply caused by poor hygiene.

Hormonal changes can also influence acne.

Hormonal fluctuations can increase oil production in some people. This is one reason breakouts may change during adolescence or around other hormonal changes.

KNOW YOUR BREAKOUT

Different Types of Pimples & Acne

Not every pimple should be treated in exactly the same way. Recognising the general type of lesion can help you understand what your skin may be experiencing.

Whiteheads

Whiteheads are closed comedones. They form when a follicle becomes clogged while remaining closed at the surface. They often appear as small skin-coloured or whitish bumps.

Blackheads

Blackheads are open comedones. Their dark appearance is related to oxidation of material at the opening of the follicle, not simply surface dirt.

Papules

Papules are raised, inflamed bumps that may appear red or pink and can feel tender.

Pustules

Pustules are inflamed lesions that contain visible pus. Picking or squeezing them can increase irritation and may contribute to marks.

Deeper Inflammatory Lesions

Some acne lesions develop deeper in the skin and may be painful. Persistent or severe inflammatory acne may require professional treatment rather than skincare alone.

FACE MAP

Why Do I Get Pimples in Certain Areas of My Face?

The location of breakouts can sometimes provide useful clues about what may be contributing to them, although there is no reliable "face map" that can diagnose the cause of acne from location alone.

Forehead

Forehead breakouts can occur as part of general acne or congestion. Hair products, sweat, hats and friction may also contribute to irritation or follicle blockage in some people.

Nose

The nose contains many sebaceous glands and can therefore develop visible oiliness, blackheads and clogged pores.

Chin & Jawline

Acne around the lower face can occur for several reasons, including general acne and hormonal influences. Persistent adult acne may be worth discussing with a healthcare professional.

Cheeks

Cheek breakouts can be associated with acne, irritation, friction or contact with products and objects that touch the skin.

TREATMENT BASICS

How to Treat Pimples at Home

A simple, consistent skincare routine can be more useful than repeatedly adding new products. The goal is to cleanse without excessive irritation, use appropriate acne-focused ingredients, maintain the skin barrier and protect the skin during the day.

Use a Gentle Cleanser

Cleanse without aggressive scrubbing. For more guidance, see our Face Wash Guide .

Choose One Main Acne Active

Depending on the product and your skin, ingredients such as salicylic acid or retinoids may be used in acne-focused routines. Avoid starting several strong actives at once.

Moisturise

Acne-prone skin still needs hydration. A suitable moisturiser can help support comfort and reduce excessive dryness.

Protect Your Skin During the Day

Use broad-spectrum sunscreen during the daytime. This is particularly important if you are also concerned about dark marks left after pimples.

SKINCARE INGREDIENTS

Ingredients Commonly Used for Pimples

Different acne-focused ingredients work in different ways. Choosing one based on your main concern can make a routine easier to manage.

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid commonly used for clogged pores, blackheads and oily skin. Explore our Salicylic Acid Guide for more information.

Retinol

Retinoid-based ingredients can play an important role in acne-focused skincare. If you are new to retinol, see our Retinol for Beginners Guide .

Niacinamide

Niacinamide is widely used in skincare and can be included in routines focused on oiliness, uneven appearance and supporting the skin barrier.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is primarily used for hydration rather than treating the root causes of acne. It can complement an acne-focused routine when the skin needs additional hydration.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is commonly used for brightening and uneven skin tone. It may be particularly relevant once your focus shifts from active pimples to the appearance of post-acne marks.

Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is an established acne treatment ingredient that works differently from exfoliating acids. Product instructions and individual skin tolerance are important.

ROUTINE BUILDER

A Simple Skincare Routine for Pimples

When your skin is breaking out, a complicated routine can make it difficult to identify what is helping and what is causing irritation. A simple routine is often easier to maintain.

Morning Routine

Gentle cleanse if needed → moisturiser → broad-spectrum sunscreen. If you use an active product in the morning, follow that product's specific directions.

Evening Routine

Cleanse → acne-focused treatment or active, if appropriate → moisturiser. Introduce new actives gradually rather than layering multiple strong products immediately.

Give the Routine Time

Skincare generally requires consistency. Frequently changing products makes it difficult to understand how your skin responds to an ingredient.

Want the complete beginner routine?

Read our How to Build a Skincare Routine for Beginners guide for a broader step-by-step approach.

SKIN BARRIER

Why Your Skin Barrier Matters When You Have Pimples

It can be tempting to attack breakouts with multiple acids, scrubs, masks and spot treatments. However, excessive exfoliation can leave the skin feeling dry, tight, irritated or uncomfortable.

Supporting the skin barrier does not mean ignoring acne. It means balancing acne-focused ingredients with gentle cleansing, moisturising and sensible product frequency.

Irritated skin can make your routine harder to maintain.

If your skin becomes persistently irritated, consider reducing the number of active products and focusing on gentle cleansing and moisturisation. Learn more in our Skin Barrier Guide .

COMMON MISTAKES

10 Common Mistakes That Can Make Breakouts Harder to Manage

More products do not necessarily mean faster results. Some common skincare habits can increase irritation or make a routine unnecessarily complicated.

Washing the face repeatedly throughout the day.
Scrubbing pimples aggressively.
Picking or squeezing active breakouts.
Starting several strong active ingredients simultaneously.
Using exfoliating acids too frequently.
Skipping moisturiser because the skin feels oily.
Ignoring sunscreen during the daytime.
Changing products every few days.
Applying excessive amounts of spot treatment.
Treating every bump as if it were the same type of acne.

Avoid picking pimples whenever possible.

Squeezing or picking can increase inflammation and may increase the likelihood of temporary marks or scarring. If breakouts are painful, persistent or severe, professional advice may be appropriate.

PREVENTION & DAILY HABITS

How to Prevent Pimples From Coming Back

There is no single method that prevents every breakout, but consistent skincare and sensible habits can help reduce unnecessary irritation and congestion.

Keep Cleansing Gentle

Remove sweat, sunscreen and daily buildup without repeatedly stripping the skin.

Choose Non-Comedogenic Products Where Appropriate

If you are prone to clogged pores, consider products labelled non-comedogenic, while remembering that individual reactions can still vary.

Avoid Constant Product Switching

Introduce changes gradually so you can understand how your skin responds.

Keep Your Routine Consistent

A manageable routine is easier to follow than an elaborate routine that causes irritation or becomes difficult to maintain.

AFTER A BREAKOUT

Pimples Can Leave Dark Marks — What Should You Do?

After a pimple heals, some people notice a flat area of increased pigmentation. These post-inflammatory marks are different from an active pimple and can take time to fade.

Sun exposure can make uneven pigmentation more noticeable, so daytime sunscreen is an important part of a routine focused on post-acne marks.

Ingredients such as vitamin C and retinoid-based products may be included in routines targeting uneven skin tone, depending on individual tolerance and the rest of the routine.

Treat the breakout and the mark as separate concerns.

Trying to aggressively exfoliate a fresh pimple because you are worried about the mark can increase irritation. For more information, see our Dark Spots & Acne Marks Guide .

WHEN TO GET HELP

When Should You See a Dermatologist?

Mild occasional pimples can often be managed with a consistent skincare routine, but some forms of acne need more than cosmetic skincare.

Painful or Deep Breakouts

Deep, painful lesions may need professional assessment and treatment.

Persistent Acne

If breakouts continue despite consistent skincare, a healthcare professional can help identify appropriate treatment options.

Scarring

Acne that is leaving noticeable scars may benefit from professional management.

Acne Affecting Your Daily Life

If acne is causing significant discomfort or affecting your quality of life, seeking professional support is reasonable.

RELATED NDERMI GUIDES

Continue Your Skincare Journey

Explore related NDERMI guides to build a more complete understanding of acne, ingredients, skin concerns and daily skincare.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Pimples & Acne FAQs

Why do I keep getting pimples on my face?

Recurrent pimples can be related to oil production, clogged follicles, inflammation, acne-associated bacteria and hormonal influences. The exact combination varies between people.

Should I pop a pimple?

It is generally better to avoid squeezing or picking active pimples because this can increase inflammation and may contribute to temporary marks or scarring.

Is acne caused by dirty skin?

No. Acne involves biological processes inside and around hair follicles. Excessive washing and aggressive scrubbing can irritate the skin without addressing the underlying causes.

Is salicylic acid good for pimples?

Salicylic acid is commonly used in acne-focused skincare, particularly for clogged pores and comedonal breakouts. Product strength and frequency should match the formulation and your skin's tolerance.

Can moisturiser cause pimples?

A moisturiser does not automatically cause acne. However, individual skin can react differently to products. Choosing an appropriate lightweight or non-comedogenic formulation may be useful for acne-prone skin.

Should I use a face scrub if I have pimples?

Aggressive physical scrubbing can irritate inflamed skin. If exfoliation is appropriate for your routine, a suitable chemical exfoliant may be preferable to harsh scrubbing, depending on your skin and product.

Can pimples leave dark spots?

Yes. Inflammation from acne can be followed by areas of increased pigmentation, particularly in some skin tones. These marks can take time to fade.

Can sunscreen help with acne marks?

Sunscreen does not directly treat the underlying acne, but protecting the skin from ultraviolet radiation is important when managing uneven pigmentation and post-acne marks.

Can I use salicylic acid and retinol together?

Both are active skincare ingredients and can potentially increase irritation when combined, particularly in sensitive skin. Whether they belong in the same routine depends on the individual products, frequency and skin tolerance.

How long does it take for pimples to go away?

The timeline varies according to the type and severity of the breakout. Persistent or worsening acne may require professional evaluation rather than simply waiting for individual spots to disappear.

When should I see a dermatologist for acne?

Consider professional advice for painful or deep acne, persistent breakouts, significant scarring or acne that is substantially affecting your daily life.

Build a simple routine for clearer, healthier-looking skin.

Explore NDERMI skincare products and build a practical routine around cleansing, hydration, active ingredients and daily sun protection. Keep your routine consistent, introduce new products gradually and choose products according to your skin's needs.

Explore NDERMI Skincare →

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