Understanding and Treating Skin Blemishes: A Comprehensive Guide

Flawless skin is a universal wish. Some people are born with natural acne-free skin, and some people embrace these blemishes that taint a socially idealized flawless skin yet are absolutely happy with it. 

Though these little spots on the body make a lot of people insecure and frustrated, it is a very normal occurrence and must be sorted into proper methods to treat them. 

We shall further discuss more about skin blemishes in this article so that you can treat your skin well. 

What are Skin Blemishes?  

Basically, skin blemishes are any kind of spot, mark, or discoloration that appears on the skin. Yes, it’s very emotionally upsetting watching one of these marks randomly pop up right before an important event, but do not neglect certain blemishes since they may indicate skin cancer symptoms. 

Skin blemish is a name given to a wide category of marks on the skin. Hence there are many types of skin blemishes.  

Types of Skin Blemishes

A famous YouTube channel (Doctorly) suggests various knowledge and understanding of skin blemishes on their YouTube channel, There are various types of skin blemishes that naturally pop on the face. These blemishes usually go naturally, but some of them are rigid and may leave a permanent mark on your face forever. So it is important to treat them in a proper way so that it does not leave a mark: 

• Acne: 

Acne is probably one of the most commonly occurring skin blemishes on the face caused by to clogging of pores from excess oil production on the face, bacteria due to pollution, and dead skin cells. Acne may sometimes cause scars, black patches, or a lump as a sign of inflammation. Scientific research shows that acne can have psychological effects on a person too. Hence it is important to understand and treat these blemishes in the best way possible. 

• Pimples: 

When extra oil is produced on the face or germs, dead cells enter a deeper layer of the skin, leading to a skin blemish called a pimple. Pimples may sometimes be filled with liquor puris also known as pus or can just go down as a red bump on your face.

 (This is obviously the worst type of skin blemish since if you try to pop it, it might leave a permanent mark. But if you keep it, it keeps hurting. Hence it is very important that you consult a dermatologist if your skin is prone to an absurd amount of pimples often.) 

• Age spots: 

These are basically just spots that show up on your face due to extensive exposure to the sun. it usually appears on the face post-50, but you may get these at a young age too. 

• Ingrown hair: 

Hair that grows inside the skin post-waxing or shaving is called in-grown hair. It leaves a red or black mark on your skin. It’s typically harmless so you don’t really have to worry a lot over it. ( if it causes irritation and itchiness, get it checked).

• Dark spots: 

This is also called hyperpigmentation which usually happens due to extensive sun exposure or you may incur it due to hormonal changes. 

• Birthmark: 

As the name suggests, it either appears on your body at birth or is something you develop naturally over time. (It is usually harmless since you are born with it, but there are treatments available to get rid of such marks if you are not comfortable having it taint your flawless skin).

Mark that probably indicate skin cancer symptom: 

It is not something definite and clear to categorize every not-so-normal skin blemish as a symptom of skin cancer, but here are some signs that might suggest the unexpected: 

1. A dark lump with irregular borders. 
2. Yellow scabs 
3. Big red raised bumps that constantly hurt 
4. Extra sensitivity toward sun exposure 
5. Non-healing sore that bleeds often 
6. Rapid growth of a spot or irregular increase of the number of spots or bumps on the skin. 

(Only a doctor can conclusively tell if a skin blemish is a symptom or sign of skin cancer, therefore, make sure you visit a doctor as soon as possible)

How do I know if I have a Skin Blemish-Prone Face? 

If you kept skipping your face care routine and made do with wet wipes, you may have some bad news. When skin is not maintained with proper care when you are exposed to extensive amounts of pollution or dust, when your skin produces excessive oil naturally, or when your skin feels really dry, you may have blemish-prone skin. Here are some indications that you may have a blemish-prone skin:

1. Uneven skin tone.
2. Skin discoloration.
3. Skin Itching
4. Skin irritation.
5. Brown or reddish patches on the skin.
6. Skin Inflammation.
7. Appearance of pimples that are painful and swollen.
8. Skin dryness.
9. Pus eruption from the acnes.
10. Change in the texture of the skin.
11. Virus or any kind of infection.

What are the causes of Skin blemishes? 

Skin blemishes usually are random and uncertain, but there are leading causes that may suggest why: 

• Genetics: 

A scientific study shows that one of the biggest reasons for any skin blemish is the genetics of a person. You basically inherit it from your family and is usually difficult to get rid of without proper medical treatment, another reason is hitting puberty, when your body undergoes many changes in the body which affect the hormones and genetic balance greatly. 

• Sun exposure: 

When you expose your skin to the sun for an extended period of time, your skin may be affected by the harmful UV rays of the sun, which in turn gives rise to skin blemishes. ( always wear your sunscreens!) 

• Excessive oil production on skin: 

When your skin is very oily naturally, you may be inviting skin blemishes. (if it is curable, get it checked with a dermatologist.) 

• Diet: 

A scientific study established that an improper diet does not necessarily cause acne but rather influences it to a great extent. But even so, it is always recommended to follow the nutrition required by your body in order to prevent unhealthy habits that may eventually lead to unhealthy skin. 

• Certain medications/allergies: 

If you are allergic to certain weather conditions or if you are allergic to certain medications prescribed for anything else, as a form of side effect, your skin may be an origin for unexplainable skin blemishes. (If you are not sure about your allergic reactions, meet a general physician who can help you run an allergy test.) 

• Improper skincare routine: 

Sometimes, whatever routine you may be following to nourish your skin and ensure it is healthy may not be working towards it purpose, or if you have been ignoring taking care of your skin via skincare routines, blemishes are a very obvious occurrence, therefore, make sure you know what you are using on your type of skin under the recommendation of a dermatologist. 

How to prevent Skin blemishes: 

Skin blemishes are usually easily preventable if you follow certain steps and guidelines to take good care of your skin:

• Hygiene: 

Make sure you wash your face and your skin often. Do not neglect it just because the dullness does not show up on the skin. It is very important to maintain hygienic habits in general and take good care of your skin. 

• Changes in the diet plan: 

Your diet is probably one of the biggest culprits of skin blemishes, changes from an unhealthy diet may really improve your skin condition. Adequate intake of water, all the rich proteins and minerals that nurture and nourish your skin well must be added to your diet in order to ensure you are healthy in general. (time to ditch that bucket of ice cream on a Sunday night!) 

• Protection from the sun: 

It is 8th-grade science when you learn about the harmful radiations the sun emits that can really damage your skin and lead to worse skin conditions such as sun poisoning. Therefore make sure your skin is not too sensitive to face the sun, especially after using products that can make your skin sensitive and vulnerable to damage. 

• Proper skin care routine: 

One of the most globally renowned dermatologists, Dr. Zein E. Obagi suggests that the best way to take care of your skin and prevent any harm done to the skin is to follow a proper skin care routine. He suggests that taking care of your skin is more important than treating diseases and damaged skin. You may be following the wrong skincare routine if you still get blemishes unannounced, hence make sure you follow the proper routine that suits your skin type. 

• Avoid touching your face often: 

You may have touched every possible surface with your hands that is home to billions of bacteria and viruses, and then if you proceed to touch your face, you basically transfer all that dirt and germs onto your face, which makes it worse and that would be the easiest way to welcome blemishes. 

Home remedies for Skin blemishes: 

A Indian leading magazine for women (FeminaIndia) has a YouTube channel that discusses various topics including home remedies for skin blemishes, I shall mention some more here: 

1. Applying tea tree oil, aloe vera, or honey over the affected areas, basically reduces inflammation and swelling to a great extent. 
2. Cold compression. (warm compression if the skin blemish contains pus, it helps the pus to ooze out sooner and relieve you of pain.) 
3. Use lemon juice or apple cider vinegar as a toner to exfoliate your skin, (caution it makes your skin sensitive, therefore do to sunbathe after this.) 
4. Vitamin C-rich facial products that can help with dark spots and baggy eyes. 
5. Hydrating face masks that can nourish as well as hydrate your skin. 

Another YouTube page that provides extensive information and skin care routines (THEACNECHANNEL) may help you understand your skin type, condition, and blemishes better, and provide you with good tips and skincare routines to follow. 

When to visit a dermatologist? 

A doctor should be consulted if you observe dark spots, uneven skin tone, discolored areas on your skin, increased melasma, freckles, macular amyloidosis, or hyperpigmentation.

A trained dermatologist can examine the affected area to determine the kind, depth, and all potential causes of blemishes. He can identify the underlying cause of blemishes that may develop as a result of sun damage, acne, hormonal imbalance, or any other reason with a thorough investigation.  

Additionally, it is advised to see a doctor if a facial blemish changes in size, or color, or begins to bleed because these symptoms could be signs of skin cancer. In order to be effectively treated and avoid leaving scars and harm, severe acne types also require medical attention.

FAQs

• Do skin blemishes go off naturally? 

Most of them yes, but not all of them, some of them might require extensive care and treatment by a trained doctor who deals with the same. 

• How do I avoid excessive oily skin or over-dryness? 

Change your face wash. That is probably one of the main causes of abnormal skin issues. Use a face wash that is recommended for your skin type by a doctor and not based on what everyone uses. What works for others may not work for your skin type. 

• How do I hydrate my skin? 

Use face masks, drink ample amounts of water, use moisturizing serums, and vitamin C serums, avoid long hot showers, and use gentle facial products that suit your skin type. 

• What can I do to instantly glow my skin? 

Rely on those face creams and moisturizers, use a Honey And Lemon Mix. While lemons can help you brighten up your face, honey moisturizes it. A quick way is to mix honey and lemon In a bowl, add 1 tbsp honey and mix 1/2 tsp of lemon juice to it. Apply this mix all over your face and neck.