Want to know how to get rid of blemishes? Marks or discolouration on the skin can be caused by a range of things and there are different types.
Wrapping your head around the cause of the blemish on your skin – and the ways to reduce its appearance – can seem confusing. But fear not! We've created a guide to getting blemishes under control. Read on to find out more.
What are blemishes?
While acne might be the first thing many people think of when they hear the word 'blemish', this term can be used to describe any temporary mark on the skin that changes a person's appearance. It could refer to a spot, discolouration, or other flaw and can vary in colour, shape, and size.
In most cases, blemishes are nothing to worry about. But if you're concerned about a mark on your skin, it's always worth seeing your GP for advice.
What are the most common types of blemish?
There are different types of skin blemishes.
Acne
In the UK, acne affects around 95% of people aged between 11 and 30 and it can appear as blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. It occurs when the pores become clogged with oil or bacteria, or dirt blocks hair follicles.
- Whiteheads and blackheads
A whitehead is a type of acne that isn’t inflamed. These occur when a combination of skin cells, oil, and bacteria create a white tip of oil over the pore. A whitehead looks like a small pimple, but it doesn't have the inflamed, red appearance around it that you get with a pimple.
Like whiteheads, blackheads are also not inflamed. They are a 'plug' in the pore that looks like trapped dirt, but is actually oil that's become stuck inside the pore. It turns black because that's what occurs when the oil reacts with air. - Pimples
A pimple – or a zit – is when a clogged pore becomes infected. The technical term for a pimple is papule and these are raised red bumps on the skin.
The papule becomes a pustule when the red pimple is filled with white or yellow pus. This sits on top of the affected pore and the area around the infected pore can become inflamed, red, and sensitive.
- Nodules and cysts
Nodules appear when blocked pores become a bigger infection than the standard zit. This happens when oils, dead skin cells and bacteria combine and become trapped deep in the skin. They can be sore. Cysts are a membrane that forms around the infected area when a break in a pore lining causes oil and bacteria to spread to the surrounding skin.
Both nodules and cysts can cause permanent blemishes and scarring on the skin.
Acne and blemishes can be triggered during puberty. During these adolescent years, there's an increase in sebum – the oil in the skin. When there's too much, pores can become blocked, leading to infection.
However, adults are also affected by excess oils in the skin. Acne can affect people long after their teens. That's why MIGHTY PATCH ™ pimple patches have proven so popular. They zap those zits, reducing the feel and appearance of spots.
Other types of blemishes
Cold sores
Cold sores can leave blemishes behind. These are painful, red, fluid-filled blisters that form on the lips or around the mouth. They're a result of infection caused by the herpes simplex virus and they're contagious. Speak to a pharmacist if you have a cold sore and they can advise on the best treatment.
Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is an area of darker skin. This can be caused by sun damage, genetics, or it may be the blemish left due to acne scarring.
One common type of hyperpigmentation is freckles and these can appear anywhere on the body. Sunspots – also known as age spots – fall into this category too. These are marks on the skin that form in areas that see a lot of sun exposure.
Birthmarks
Birthmarks are blemishes that appear on the skin at birth or shortly afterward. Some birthmarks disappear over time, while others can be permanent.
Experts are still not sure what causes birthmarks to form but, like hyperpigmentation, they are generally harmless patches on the skin. If you have a birthmark that you're concerned about – perhaps it's changed shape or grown – speak to a dermatologist.
What causes blemishes?
It may be that you have one blemish caused by one condition, such as acne, and another caused by a cold sore. The triggers may be genetic, as seen in those with freckles, or it could be the result of hormonal changes causing an increase in sebum production and leading to pimples.
Another reason for blemishes can be stress. It may be that you're feeling frazzled, and this leads to your body making hormones like cortisol which cause skin glands to make more oil.
Overexposure to the sun can also see blemishes on the face and body develop. This can cause discoloration and photoaging which puts you at an increased risk of skin cancer. Wearing a high SPF will form a barrier and protect your skin from UV rays.
The best blemish treatments
Want to know how to get rid of blemishes? Zits have the worst timing. But there are ways to tackle the sudden appearance of spots.
- Calm breakouts: Hop into a hot shower or place your face over a bowl of steaming water. Steam won't cleanse pores but can soften blackheads and non-inflamed breakouts allowing them to drain naturally.
- Ice it: Ice is ideal for reducing the appearance of a blemish. Apply some ice wrapped in a washcloth to the pimple for a minute and this can reduce swelling and shrink the spot.
- Apply a patch: Pop a MIGHTY PATCH ™ on and let it get to work while you sleep. You'll notice a difference in the appearance of the pimple after 6-8 hours.
How to avoid blemishes in the future
Reduce the risk of reappearing blemishes by:
- Not touching! Don't touch your face, even if the temptation is strong. You don't want to transfer bacteria to your pores.
- Eat healthily: Chocolate and carbs can cause poor skin. Eating nutritious, balanced meals packed with fruit and vegetables can do wonders for your skin's appearance.
- Drink water: Swapping that brew for a bottle of water can be ideal for hydrating both your body and your skin.
Find blemish treatments at Hero Cosmetics
MIGHTY PATCH ™ is the go-to choice if you want to calm a spot and reduce the risk of blemishes appearing. Dermatologically tested, these patches prevent you from picking your skin and absorb the gunk in 6-8 hours. Need no fuss, no pus advice? Get in touch with the Hero Cosmetics team or check out our FAQs page.