Flawless skin is a reflection of good health. Maintaining flawless skin has become challenging due to increased stress, pollution, and a flawed lifestyle. This led to various skin concerns, including blemishes on face triggering emotional distress. Most blemishes on face are harmless, but some may indicate a primary medical condition.
What are Blemishes On Face?
‘Blemishes on face’ is a common skin issue affecting people of all ages and skin types. Various factors, including genetics, hormones, environmental factors, and lifestyle habits, can cause them. Blemishes on face include acne, blackheads, whiteheads, dark blemishes on face, and scars.
It is possible to reduce the visibility of blemishes with medical assistance or by using home remedies. However, to know what works best, it is essential to understand various kinds of blemishes and the methods available meant to treat them.
Types of Skin Blemishes
There can be various types of skin blemishes. Here is a sneak peek of a few common skin blemishes types:-
1. Acne
Acne is a common type of blemished skin caused by clogged pores from excess oil production, bacteria, and dead skin cells. Out of them, blackheads and whiteheads are also caused by clogged pores, but they are not inflamed like acne. Acne may sometimes cause scarring, black patches, or pockmarks on the skin. A visible acne lump, mark, or spot on the skin indicates acne.
2. Papules
Papules, sometimes called pimples, develop when extra oil, germs, and dead skin cells enter a deeper layer of the skin leading to skin blemishes. Papules also include rashes from chicken pox, eczema, and dermatitis.
3. Nodules
Nodules that cause skin blemishes are collections of tissues. They are larger than papules and typically 1 to 2 cm in diameter.
4. Pustules
Pustules are another type of skin blemish, lumps filled with liquid or pus. Scabies and rosacea, skin illnesses that are often observed with blisters and visible blood vessels, are two more conditions that may result in pustules.
5. Age Spots
Age spots can form on any body area exposed to the sun, and they are most common in people over 50 but can also occur at a young age.
6. Ingrown Hair
Ingrown hairs can occasionally occur due to hair removal methods, including shaving, waxing, or tweezing. They are trapped hairs that grow back into the skin, often leading to red bumps.
7. Dark Spots
Dark spots are also known as hyperpigmentation. They occur when the skin produces too much melanin due to sun exposure and hormonal changes.
8. Scars
Scars may either result from acne, or they may also occur due to injuries or surgeries.
How to Know if You Have Blemish Prone Skin?
The following are the common symptoms of blemish-prone skin:
• Uneven skin tone.
• Skin discolouration.
• Skin Itching
• Skin irritation.
• Brown or reddish patches on the skin.
• Skin Inflammation.
• Appearance of pustules that are painful and swollen.
• Skin dryness.
• Pus eruption from the acnes.
• Change in the texture of the skin from soft to rough.
Blemish Color Guide
The colour of a blemish can indicate its severity and underlying cause.
- Red blemishes are inflamed and usually indicate an active acne breakout.
- Whiteheads are closed comedones.
- Blackheads are open comedones with a dark appearance due to exposure to air.
- Brown or dark blemishes on face may be a sign of hyperpigmentation or sun damage.
What Causes Blemishes on Face?
Blemishes on the face are caused by various factors, including:
1. Genetics
Your genes can affect your skin type, and blemishes will likely develop.
2. Sun Exposure
Overexposure to the sun's harmful UV rays can cause inflammation and irritation on the skin, which may lead to blemishes.
3. Excess Oil Production
When the skin produces too much oil, it can clog pores and cause blemishes.
4. Hormones
Fluctuations in hormones, particularly during puberty and menstrual cycles, can cause acne and other blemishes.
5. Diet
Consuming a diet high in sugar and processed foods can lead to inflammation and contribute to the development of blemishes.
6. Certain Medications
Some medications, such as corticosteroids and birth control pills, can cause blemishes as a side effect.
7. Allergies
Skin allergies caused by allergens in makeup, skincare products, or other substances can lead to blemishes.
8. Improper Skincare Routine
An improper skincare routine can lead to clogged pores, excess oil, and blemishes.
How to Prevent Blemishes on Face?
Preventing blemishes on face requires developing healthy habits and following a proper skincare routine. Here are some helpful tips to avoid blemishes:
1. Hygiene Habits
Keep your face clean by washing it twice daily with a gentle cleanser. Avoid hot water, as it can dry your skin and trigger excess oil production.
2. Change in Diet
Consume a nutritious diet; full of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid processed and sugary foods, which can trigger inflammation and worsen blemishes.
3. Sun Protection
Wear sunscreen with a minimum of 30 SPF daily, even indoors. Avoid excessive sun exposure, particularly during peak hours.
4. Proper Skincare Routine
Use gentle skincare products suitable for your skin type. Avoid using harsh scrubs, which can cause irritation and inflammation.
5. Exfoliate Regularly
Exfoliate once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.
6. Hydration
Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated, which can prevent excess oil production and clogged pores.
7. Avoid Touching Face
Avoid touching your face frequently, as it can transfer bacteria and oil from your hands to your face.
Home Remedies for Blemishes on Face
Home remedies can help alleviate blemishes on face. Here are a few helpful home remedies to treat blemishes naturally and gently:-
- Apply tea tree oil, aloe vera, or honey to affected areas.
- Reduce inflammation by cold compress application.
- Use lemon juice or apple cider vinegar as a toner to help exfoliate and brighten the skin.
Treatment for Blemishes on Face
Treating blemishes before they worsen is recommended. Here are a few options to treat blemishes:-
- Over-the-counter acne medication containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinoids which can help prevent future breakouts.
- Salicylic acid and hydrocortisone cream can reduce inflammation and redness.
- Protect your face from the sun using good quality sunscreen and avoid touching blemishes to prevent further damage.
- Dermatologic procedures such as laser therapy, chemical peels, or microdermabrasion can address hyperpigmentation.
- Creams containing hydroquinone or kojic acid can lighten dark spots.
- Healthy hygiene habits and natural solutions such as tea tree oil helps treat blemishes naturally.
In case if remedies mentioned above fail to provide results, then it is recommended to visit a doctor.
How to Get Rid of Blemishes on Face After Pregnancy?
If you are breastfeeding, here are some of the ways to get rid of blemishes on face after pregnancy:-
1. Topical Medications
The dermatologist prescribes topical medications as the first line, topical creams or lotions containing Vitamin A are generally prescribed & creams containing benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, which can remove the blemishes.
2. Oral Medications
For people suffering from severe blemishes, dermatologists may prescribe oral medications along with topical medications. The doctor may also prescribe birth control pills to treat specific types of blemishes. Creams that contain Retin-A, Azelaic acid, and Resorcinol are highly recommended for effectively treating blemishes.
3. Chemical Peels
These are advanced skin treatment options that remove the external skin layer. A few popular choices in chemical peels that help treat blemishes include the salicylic acid peel, pyruvic acid peel, TCA peel, lactic acid peel, Jessner’s peel, and glycolic peel.
Difference between Pigmentation and Blemishes
Pigmentation is often mistaken as blemishes, but there is a clear difference between both.
Pigmentation
Pigmentation means skin tone and skin colour that does vary from one person to another. The presence of a specific pigment named melanin decides the skin's colour, and every human’s genetic profile does contain melanin.
Blemishes
Sometimes certain external and internal factors, including genes, diet, lifestyle, and environmental factors, trigger skin concerns leading to blemishes. They include spots, marks, patches, acne, papules, cysts, blackheads and beyond.
Blemish Prone Skin Care Tips
Treating blemishes or blemish prone skin requires additional effort. Here get hold of a few helpful blemish prone skin care tips:-
- Healthy Hygiene Habits: Clean your face morning and evening, and remove makeup before bed. Change your sheets and pillowcases regularly.
- Changes in Diet: Eat a healthy, rich diet. Avoid dairy products such as milk, cheese, and sugary foods.
- Sun Protection: Abroad-spectrum sunscreen helps you protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays, not allowing them to penetrate your skin.
- Proper Skin Care Routine: Follow the skincare cleansing, toning & moisturising routine. Products should be non-comedogenic that won’t clog the pores.
- Hydration: Drink enough water so that your skin is hydrated.
In addition to the above blemish skin care tips, it is imperative to avoid touching the face to prevent the infection further. In addition, it is also essential to get adequate sleep and stay physically active with the help of regular exercise.
When to See Your Doctor?
It is recommended to visit a doctor in case if you notice dark patches, uneven skin tone, discoloured areas on your skin, increased melasma, freckles, macular amyloidosis, and hyperpigmentation.
A qualified dermatologist can analyse the affected area for the blemish type, depth, and all the possible causes of blemishes. With a detailed analysis, he can diagnose the root cause of blemishes that may trigger due to sun damage, acne, hormonal imbalance or any other reason.
Also, it is recommended to visit a doctor when the blemishes on the face seem to change size, or colour or start to bleed, as these may indicate skin cancer. Severe acne types also need a doctor's care to be treated effectively, not to leave behind scars and damage.
Summing Up on Blemishes on Face
Blemishes on face take a toll on mental health and occur for numerous reasons, from genetics to hormonal, from excess oil production to diet and beyond. Adopting a healthy diet and lifestyle can prevent blemishes on the face. Also, due to medical advancements, many options are now available to treat blemishes. In addition, the uses of home remedies also help in treating naturally without any side effects. People with blemish-prone skin can follow skin care tips to prevent blemishes. However, some skin blemishes may be more serious. In that case, it is recommended to visit a dermatologist for the correct diagnosis on time.
FAQs
Do Blemishes Go Away on Their Own?
Blemishes on face usually go away on their own, and the skin starts its defence mechanism to eliminate them, but the duration may vary from weeks to years depending on the type of blemish and healing time. That is where the role of remedies helps to remove blemishes on face in less time. The treatments include oral and topical medications, laser resurfacing, chemical peels and more.
Does Aloe Vera Gel Remove Blemishes?
Yes, Aloe Vera Gel helps remove blemishes. It possesses antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that soothe skin, heal wounds and reduce pain caused by blemishes.
What Helps Blemishes Overnight?
Many tips help blemishes overnight, including applying ice cubes for 5-10 minutes on blemishes after washing the face gently and application of the cream that contains 2% benzoyl peroxide.
Does Coconut Oil Clear Blemishes?
Coconut oil is a natural remedy for skin disorders, including blemishes on face. It contains lauric acid, anti-inflammatory properties and antimicrobial effects, which combat blemish-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation. However, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist before using Coconut oil because it is unsuitable for people with oily skin.
How Long Do Blemishes Take to Fade?
The time for blemishes to fade can differ depending on the type and severity of blemish. Indentations or raised spots are the reason for skin damage at a deeper level. If you notice indentations, consult with a dermatologist may help to fade the blemishes from forming.
References
Acne - https://medlineplus.gov/acne.html
Davidson, August 2005; Scar management: prevention and treatment strategies - https://journals.lww.com/co-otolaryngology/Abstract/2005/08000/Scar_management__prevention_and_treatment.8.aspx
How to Treat Different Types of Acne - https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/DIY/types-breakouts
Age spots (liver spots) - https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/age-spots/symptoms-causes/syc-20355859
Rajani Katta, July 2014; Diet and Dermatology - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4106357/
