As someone who's only ever faced minor skin concerns, my recent development of very mild acne perplexed me. While a more severe case of acne can be diagnosed and managed [1], my duo of recurring pimples that popped up infrequently was a little harder to pin down. I sought the expert advice of a skincare professional to help me deal with my skin woes, but, if you're reluctant to commit to the spend of seeing a dermatologist over one pesky pimple, Group Medical Director at sk:n Clinics [2] Dr Firas Al-Niaimi has some expert insights on how to deal with it yourself.
What's Causing It?
A single recurring spot isn't as simple as your skin playing a cruel game with you. Although many factors such as a "blockage of the pores can give rise to the whiteheads and blackheads", Dr Firas says, "ongoing inflammation in that grease gland could be why it recurs."
How to Avoid It
A lot of the time, dealing with small-scale, infrequent breakouts is about having an effective skincare regimen. Take Dr. Firas's advice and "make sure you're using the right cleanser and an exfoliator to keep the pores open if you're prone to acne." It's also important to identify what factors might be triggering your skin's inflammation because "it could also be due to diet in some people, such as dairy products."
What Products Should You Use?
"Finding a regimen to keep skin clear" is one of the most important aspects of getting rid of that spot for good. Dr. Firas recommends deep cleansers that don't upset the skin's natural balance, such as "products containing vitamin A, benzyl peroxide, and niacin; in the treatment of acne, these are known to prevent clogged pores, target acne-causing bacteria, and antioxidise the skin, respectively."