Skin Blemishes and The Secret to Removing Them
The skin is perhaps one of our most prominent features. When meeting someone, you may first notice a rather unsightly pimple or how clear his/her skin appears to be. Blemishes are known for being flaws; however, they are what make us unique and can even add to our personality. Regardless, clear skin seems a shared goal among those who suffer from visible blemishes.
For most, the battle to attain unblemished skin involves countless skincare products that claim to remove blemishes. If you have been locked in a similar journey and have tried skincare products with little to no results, maybe it is time to take a step back and understand what your skin needs.
What are Skin Blemishes?
While the answer to this question may seem obvious, blemishes comprise of more than just acne scars or dark spots. A facial blemish is defined as any mark of discoloration or unusual spot that appears on the surface of your skin. Common examples of such marks include age spots, acne, nodules, and ingrown hairs. While most blemishes are not representative of an underlying medical condition, a select few may signal skin cancer in rare cases.
Blemishes can be treated both at home and in a medical setting. To gain a proper assessment of your skin, you may schedule a visit with a dermatologist. Fortunately, most blemishes can be treated within the comfort of your home. The first step to successfully treating any blemish is identifying the type and causation. Here is a brief list of common blemishes and their causes:
- Acne:
Most individuals experience acne at least once in their lifetimes. Acne most commonly appears during the transition from preteen to teenager. For some, this skin condition can last well into adulthood, depending on hormone imbalances, skincare routines, and stress levels. Acne primarily appears in three forms: pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. Whenever sebum (oil) production in the skin increases, your pores may become clogged, leading to the formation of pimples. - Nodules:
Nodules are tissue deposits that appear above or beneath the surface of the skin. Examples of nodules include moles, skin tags, and warts. These marks usually have a reddish tint, depending on how long they have been on your skin. - Ingrown hairs:
Ingrown hairs are typically the result of frequent shaving, waxing, or trimming. When the hairs in your skin begin to regrow, they may become trapped underneath the skin. Ingrown hairs appear as red bumps on the surface of the skin with visible hairs underneath. Individuals with curly or wavy hair are more susceptible to experiencing ingrown hairs than those with straight hair. - Age spots:
Age spots are dark spots that form on the skin's surface after exposure to the sun's UV radiation. These marks typically appear in individuals over the age of 50 but can appear in other age ranges. Sunscreen use and reducing the amount of time spent in the sun can reduce the appearance of age spots on your skin. - Cysts:
Cysts can appear anywhere on the body where your pores are clogged. They are often round and full of fluid or thick substances. Cysts can occur in three forms, depending on the region of the body that is affected. For instance, sebaceous cysts occur in regions where your sebaceous glands are overactive or have increased production. - Hyperpigmentation:
The pigment of our skin is dependent on the amount of melanin within our bodies. Those with more melanin may have a darker shade of skin than those with little melanin. In some cases, an overproduction of melanin can result in dark spots on the skin. Hyperpigmentation has many causes, including increased exposure to UV radiation, acne, and hormone imbalances.
Treating Blemishes
After identifying the type and cause of your blemishes, the next step is to obtain the appropriate treatment. For most skin conditions involving clogged pores, you may benefit from the use of salicylic acid or acne medications.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a medicinal drug that works by assisting in the removal of dead skin cells. In doing so, it may also reduce swelling or redness due to its anti-inflammatory property. Note that salicylic acid can be used for treating ingrown hairs or nodules if prescribed by a dermatologist.
Hydroquinone
If your skin has hyperpigmentation or acne scarring, skin care products containing hydroquinone may reduce the appearance of dark spots on your skin. Hydroquinone is an agent used primarily for temporarily lightening the skin. When using hydroquinone, it is recommended to avoid UV radiation, as this substance increases your skin's sensitivity, making you more susceptible to sunburns. If you purchase a product containing hydroquinone, it is advised to wear sunscreen anytime you venture outdoors.
Skincare Routine
A skincare routine should be a daily ritual, regardless of the condition of your skin. Note that your skincare routine should align with your skin type. For instance, if you have oily skin, you may benefit from products designed to reduce sebum production. A basic skincare routine should consist of cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting with products such as cleansers, hydrating lotions, sunscreen, serums, and toners.
If you have identified blemishes within your skin that you wish to be rid of, it may be best to incorporate a face mask or appropriate product into your skincare routine. The Anti-Spot and Blemish Pore Refining Face Mask Sheet makes use of organic ingredients, such as tea tree oil and witch hazel to unclog facial pores and hydrate the skin. With little risk to your skin, this product works to reduce redness while giving your skin the glow that it deserves. At such an affordable price, achieving clear skin has never been easier!
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