Zits are nothing but skin eruptions, just like acne. They appear as red inflamed areas on the skin with yellowish or white pus in the center. Sometimes, they can also cause the development of cysts under the skin. This skin disorder or problem is found to be more prevalent among teenagers, and is presumed to be caused by hormonal changes taking place within their body during this period. What Causes Zits Under the Skin? Zits or pimples are generally caused by the presence of excess oil or sebum on the skin. The sebum or oil is secreted by the sebaceous glands. The excess production of sebum can be stimulated by the elevated levels of androgenic hormones, which is quite common during adolescence or puberty. Though sebum is required to lubricate the skin and hair, it can clog the skin pores, if present in an excess amount. Such clogged skin pores can trap oil, bacteria, and dirt, which can cause inflammation, redness, and the buildup of pus. The bacterium that is more commonly found to cause this skin problem is Propionibacterium. So, hormonal imbalance, as well as clogged skin pores caused by the excess production of sebum are the main contributory factors for the development of zits. The insufficient intake of essential fatty acids, excessive consumption of foods containing non-essential fatty acids, and stress may also cause pimples. Even exposure to certain environmental allergens, and medications can trigger an outbreak of zits, acne, whiteheads, and blackheads. How to Get Rid of Pimples? To get rid of zits, first of all you have to prevent the clogging of the skin pores, and remove or reduce the bacteria present on the skin. So, it is important to clean the face regularly with an antibacterial cleaner. If hormonal imbalance is responsible for causing a severe outbreak of pimples and acne, you may need to discuss the issue with your physician or dermatologist. Certain home remedies can be effective in treating pimples, and preventing infections. Honey is known for its antibiotic properties and so, if applied on the zits, it can help inhibit the growth of infection-causing bacteria, and speed up the healing process. Honey can be mixed with lemon juice to ensure rapid healing of pimples and acne. Another simple home remedy is baking powder. However, it should not be used directly on the skin. Instead, baking powder can be mixed with some water to make a paste, that can be applied on the affected area. Turmeric powder is also known for its antiseptic properties and skin benefits. It can be applied alone or mixed with sandalwood powder to make a thick paste. Apply this paste on the affected areas of the skin, and let it dry completely before rinsing it off with lukewarm water. Along with these natural skin care products, you can try acne creams to treat this skin condition. Apart from these, be sure to drink plenty of water, and follow a healthy diet. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, and reduce the intake of harmful fats, like saturated and trans fats. It has been observed that many youngsters with this skin problem develop a habit of squeezing or popping the pimples in an attempt to get rid of them. However, popping or squeezing the zits can facilitate the entry of bacteria and germs into the skin pores, which can lead to infection and scarring. Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only, and should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice.