How do humans get pimples? By Kezia

 How do humans get pimples? 

Almost 8 in 10 people have pimples, including some adults. Everyone at some point in their life gets them. The formation of pimples occur when oil glands become clogged. Your body sends blood-turning the bump red- and immune cells to the germs lurking in the blockage, sucking them all up. Pimples are natural, and they have their own cycle to complete. 

Firstly, pimples form due to the hair follicle in your skin that contains sebaceous glands. These glands make an oil called sebum, that liquid rises through to the surface and moisturises your hair and skin. Usually, the glands produce the correct amount of sebum, but as you hit puberty, your hormones stimulate the rate of sebum produced.

Secondly, the glands release sebum inside the pores, at the same time, new skin cells are also growing as well, shedding the outer layers of skin. Sometimes, these skin cells are not shed and block the pores, meaning that the extra amount of sebum is stuck inside. That then forms a bump around it. because the sebum provides food for bacteria, they start to build their colonies in it and start to multiply, causing an infection! 

Lastly, Our body quickly reacts by sending blood and immune cells to fight it. The blood turns the infected area red and the immune cells attack the bacteria, eliminating them. This all results in the swelling and formation of a pimple. There are ways to help reduce the amount of pimples that appear on your face such as washing your face day and night. An interesting fact is that the population of around 1200 kitavan islanders in Papua, New Guinea reported no pimples at all! And it was the same case in the Aiche tribe in Paraguay. Researchers think that this is because of their diet, which is entirely free from refined sugar, and processed foods. 

In conclusion, the cycle of the development of pimples happens naturally, and you shouldn't panic and try to pop them. I hope you have learnt more about how and why humans get pimples.  

By Kezia