We use the term blemish for any mark on the skin, but actually there are many different types of blemish. Certain blemishes might be symptoms of an underlying illness, such as skin cancer, that needs immediate medical attention or hormonal disbalance that can cause acne. Or some of the blemishes are the result of a lack of skin care or wrong products.
In this blog post, you will learn about skin imperfections, what can cause them and how to get rid of them.
Different types of skin blemishes
Understanding the many imperfections you may recognize is the best method to answer the question, “What are blemishes?” Here are the most common skin marking types you should recognize:
Acne
The overproduction of oil by the skin leads to a skin disorder known as acne. Overproduction of oil can result from a variety of sources, including:
- hormonal changes that occur during puberty, menstruation, or menopause;
- overactive oil glands;
- stress, anxiety, or depression, can all alter hormones;
Acne comes in a variety of forms with various outward appearances. Several examples include:
Small, dark spots called blackheads to appear on the skin’s surface. They resemble dirt that has become trapped, but they are actually made of oil that has become lodged inside the pore. This oil turns black when it interacts with the air.
Whiteheads are tiny, round bumps that are either skin-colored or white. They appear as a result of dead skin cells and oil-clogging pores.
Papules are tiny, firm, red skin lumps. These appear when dead skin cells, bacteria, and extra oil enter the skin and trigger inflammation. The skin may have a rough, sandpaper-like texture when several papules group together.
Hyperpigmentation
A type of skin imperfection known as hyperpigmentation is darker-looking than the surrounding skin. It is common and typically unharmful. As a result of genetic predispositions, UV exposure, or acne scars, hyperpigmentation can develop.
Hyperpigmentation like freckles is one that can be inherited as a tendency. Small, flat dots that can be black, tan, brown, red, or tan. On the body, they can appear everywhere. Another form of hyperpigmentation is sunspots, also known as “age spots.” On parts of the skin that are exposed to the sun a lot, these little spots or patches might appear. Once the acne has cleared up, black spots may still be present on the skin due to acne scarring.
Melasma – a specific type of hyperpigmentation can appear during pregnancy or after taking birth control pills. The resulting hormonal changes cause a rise in melanin. The pigment that gives skin its color is called melanin. Skin darkening due to melanin overproduction is possible.
Birthmarks
Birthmarks are skin imperfections that develop on a newborn baby. They may appear either at birth or soon after. Some birthmarks fade with time, while others might be lifelong. What causes birthmarks to form is still a mystery to experts. But occasionally, these skin blemishes can appear due to:
- blood vessels not forming properly;
- skin pigment cells clumping together, creating moles or patches of darker skin;
- an overgrowth of skin that creates raised patches of thickened skin.
The appearance of a birthmark will be different from the surrounding skin. These skin blemishes come in all shapes and sizes, and they can have a wide range of appearances. They could be:
- flat or raised;
- similar to a bruise or stain;
- any color, including pink, red, brown, or tan.
Birthmarks are mostly harmless, although some birthmarks can enlarge rapidly, which might be concerning. It can help to better understand what to expect regarding birthmark growth by speaking with a dermatologist.
Cold sores
The lips or the area around the mouth might develop painful, red, fluid-filled blisters known as cold sores. They develop as a result of herpes simplex virus infection. Since cold sores are very contagious, people should refrain from intimate contact with others until the sores have healed.
Treatments for skin imperfections
The base of all treatments is a regular overall skin-care routine, that includes cleansing, toning, and moisturizing, as well as protecting against harmful effects of the environment. However, many skin blemishes do not need to be treated, however, some people may still choose to do so for cosmetic reasons. The treatments depend on the type of skin imperfection. Here are the most common ones that will help your skin appear cleaner and glowy.
Acne treatments
Topical treatments, including those containing benzoyl peroxide, may be useful to treat acne blemishes. These solutions can help in drying out the skin and getting rid of the germs that cause acne. Certain kinds of acne can be treated by twice-daily face washing with a cleanser containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Retinoids are a type of medication that may also benefit in clearing the pores. But remember, treatments for acne may take some time to show results. It could take 6 to 8 weeks for them to start working.
Hyperpigmentation and melasma treatments
The following treatments could decrease melasma and hyperpigmentation:
- prescription medicine containing hydroquinone, which works by lightening darker patches of skin. But keep in mind, hydroquinone is only available as a prescription through your doctor;
- chemical peels are also a great way of lightening hyperpigmentation and melasma;
prescription cortisone or tretinoin cream; - laser treatment;
- lemon is a natural bleaching agent and simply applying lemon juice to the problematic areas and letting it sit there for 20 minutes, washing it with warm water, and in 3 weeks, you’ll notice a difference – lighter hyperpigmentation spots.
Just keep in mind, to prevent hyperpigmentation, you should protect your skin beforehand – use SPF protection when spending time in the sun, especially during summer, when the sun is most harmful.
Birthmark treatment
If you consider treating a birthmark for cosmetic reasons or suspicions have arisen that the birthmark may have cancerous cells, there are few treatments, like:
- laser therapy;
- medications, such as propranolol, timolol, or corticosteroids, which can shrink certain birthmarks;
- surgery to remove a birthmark that may be harmful.
Of course, you may also use makeup to cover any blemishes or discolored skin that you wish to disguise.
Cold sore treatment
Cold sores tend to clear up on their own within 2 weeks, the main rule is to maintain your hygiene. A dermatologist may also prescribe an oral or topical antiviral medicine to treat cold sores.
Final thoughts
When thinking of minimizing skin imperfections, keep in mind a basic skincare routine can go a long way, and then on top of that – skin imperfection treatment. Even tho, there may be more serious skin blemishes of particular types – if you have any doubts you should visit a physician or dermatologist.