What are Blemishes?

define

Blemishes are marks or areas of discoloration on the skin. In some cases, acne such as whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples may also be referred to as blemishes.

Some blemishes, such as port-wine stains, are discolorations a person is born with. Other blemishes, particularly acne, are caused by clogged pores. These are often caused by toiletries and cosmetics, particularly night creams, foundations, and moisturizers. Those cosmetics that are most likely to cause blemishes are referred to as comedogenics. Therefore, anyone with a predisposition to blemishes should only use cosmetics labeled as non-comedogenic.

Environmental factors, such as pollution, can irritate the skin and cause blemishes to form. Blemishes can also become worse when they come into contact with irritants such as hair and clothing.

Stress and hormonal changes can also cause blemishes. In particular, a hormone called androgen can result in blemishes when it becomes particularly active. This is because the hormone increases production of sebum, the skin’s natural oil. As this oil accumulates, it increases the chance for bacteria to grow and clog the pores.

Women are particularly prone to hormonal changes when they enter adulthood and menopause. They are also more likely to develop blemishes during pregnancy or menstruation because of the related hormonal changes. For those suffering from blemishes due to hormonal changes, certain medications can be beneficial. Oral contraceptives and antiandrogens can be helpful for women, while oral corticoseteroids can be beneficial to both sexes.

There are also several natural treatment options available to individuals with blemishes. For those with blotchy skin, rinsing once or twice a day with a mixture of one part apple cider vinegar and eight parts water can be beneficial. Lemon juice can also be applied to spots in order to bleach them.

For acne, applying vitamin E or castor oil to the skin can be helpful. Heating honey and applying it to the face, then rinsing with cool water, can also combat blemishes. Honey is beneficial because it helps kill bacteria that may be in the skin.

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15
i suffer from blemishes. please could you give me a remedy to clear them? i'm so very very desperate to get rid of the blemishes. --aac234
- mim112
14
i have these very ugly blemishes on my face and i have tried everything and they just won't go away. now i have to put a lot of make up to cover the marks and am just so depressed at the way i look. please could you help me get a remedy to at least lighten or get rid of the marks? please i am so like very desperate. mins145
- anon41739
12
hi. i have blemishes all over on my cheeks and nose. i have tried few treatments but it didn't work. can you recommend anything?
- anon40731
11
I just turned 60. the reddening around my nose becomes worse when I get overheated..now I find blemishes after sweating. Any ideas or advice?
- anon36234
10
I've always had quite good skin because i've always taken doxycycline, but i've been on the contreceptive pill for about 3 months now and cannot take it anymore and unfortunately i'm getting pimples. is there anything i can take for a substitute?
- anon32046
9
I got blemishes on my face and nose. Any remedies for them?
- anon31678
8
Things like Proactiv, Neutrogena, Clean&Clear and all the others have trouble working because they are a Unisex product. They just don't address the root causes of acne.

None of these products impact DHT which is THE reason that oil is produced and acne bacteria is feed. You simply can't control acne if you don't knock down oil production.

There's only one product that is has a designed for guys and a different design for girls based on their unique skin anatomy - I use it everyday with great results. My estethetician directed me to it, it's called CTRL.

- Bri
7
I have many spots, scars and blemishes in my face and I've tried many ways to get rid of them but they can't just come out. Can you please tell what I can use to get rid of them?
- katellyne
6
well i've heard laser can remove those blemishes and acne scars so if u can afford it go for it in the future if nothing else works
- anon12336
5
try proactiv!!
- anon11880
4
Like mentioned above, acne is formed by bacteria, clogged pores and irritation. Make sure your pillowcases are clean and changed regularly as you sweat at night and your face rubbing against the pillow, this causes perspiration, dirt and bacteria from the bed to come in contact with your skin. Also, diet is significant. Eliminate processed foods, they contain chemicals are body are not meant for digesting. Sometimes we will be intolerant (but not allergic) to a food and are not aware of it. Unlike allergies, which manifest themselves with noticeable symptoms (i.e. a rash, hives, etc) food intolerances can easily go unnoticed. Also, make sure you are not over cleaning. Over cleansing causes excess agitation to your skin, you are penetrating the surface to deep and this to is causing sebum activation. Also, be aware of the cosmetic products you are using: products should be hypoallergenic (will not cause allergies), noncomedogenic (will not clog pores) and oil free. Lastly, make sure your hair and hands are out and away from your face unless washed before coming into contact with your skin. Also, drinking water helps get toxins out of your system. Good luck!
- anon11738
3
Hey I have pimple marks on my nose...which are visible from a distance and looks ugly. I have tried many things. But cant get rid of them. I would like know if I can do anything to remove them. Plz advice.
- maverick7
2
hey i also have that problem. am pimple free yet i also have blemishes but only on my forehead if there's any gooood advice out there that works i would like to hear about it.
- anon8763
1
hi.. i'm 17 years old and had acne when i was about 14 which lasted until i finally went to my doctor at the age of 16 when he finally subscribed me with dual lotion which contains hydrous benzoyl which worked very well it cleared my acne up however i still have blemishes all over my head and cheeks dark ones which i've tried 2 get rid off but they just wont go or fade i drink lots of water to and theres no difference is they any solution please i'm desperate
- anon3620

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Written by Shannon Kietzman
Last Modified: 17 August 2009

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