What are these blemishes on my face, and how do I get rid of them?

It’s no secret that we all want clear, glowing skin. But the quest for perfect skin never ends — and whether you’re in the prime of your life or hitting your golden years, chances are you’ve found yourself squinting in the mirror at one or two imperfections. Blemishes on the face can make your skin tone look uneven, making you insecure and messing with your makeup routine.

So, let’s break down what these blemishes on your face actually are, and what you can do about them.

First, what do we mean by "blemishes" on the face?

The definition of the word “blemished” is anything “marked or spoiled by a flaw.” In other words, a blemish is anything that detracts from an otherwise aesthetically perfect appearance.

You might have heard it used to reference anything from blemished fruit to a blemished reputation… but most commonly, blemishes are used to describe facial imperfections.

Different types of face blemishes

A blemish is any type of mark, spot, discoloration, or flaw that appears on the skin, but that’s a fairly broad term. There are numerous different types of face blemishes, such as:

• Pimples are caused when pores become clogged, creating little red bumps. Acne (and especially cystic acne) can sometimes leave dark spots, pockmarks, or scarring on the skin.
• Papules are small skin lesions of varying types, often caused by eczema, dermatitis, or psoriasis and leading to red skin and inflammation.
• Pustules are fluid-filled bumps sometimes caused by scabies, rosacea, or other skin conditions associated with blisters.
• Nodules are a collection of tissue which are usually 1-2 centimeters wide and hard to the touch — such as skin tags or warts.
• Age spots (also sometimes called liver spots) are red face blemishes, most common in people over 50.

The color of the blemishes on your face may provide a clue as to their cause: If they appear red, they’re likely pustules, rosacea, or an allergic reaction. White blemishes are typical of whiteheads (acne) and certain types of fungal infections. Birthmarks and hyperpigmentation are often brown.

Black could be cause for concern, as it is associated with malignant melanoma. If you see black, raised dots (sometimes surrounded by a halo of red), be sure to speak with a dermatologist. It’s also worth a call to your doctor if any blemish begins bleeding, has irregular borders, or changes in size or color, since those could be signs of skin cancer.

What causes blemishes on your face?

With so many different types of facial blemishes, their contributing factors can be just as varied. But in general, there are a few common culprits when it comes to skin imperfections:

• Genetics: Certain hereditary conditions can also cause blemishes to occur, especially when it comes to acne.
• Sun Exposure: It should come as no surprise that overexposure to the sun’s harmful rays can cause hyperpigmentation and other forms of skin damage.
• Diet: Food allergies and contact dermatitis can both cause skin irritation and red bumps. Dairy products, sugar, and simple carbohydrates may also lead to blemishes.
• Medication: Some prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications may cause blemishes on the face as a side effect, such as corticosteroids, antiseizure drugs, and lithium.
• Viruses and Infections: Depending on the type of blemish, it could be caused by a virus such as HSV-1 or chickenpox. Certain types of skin infections can also cause red face blemishes.: Depending on the type of blemish, it could be caused by a virus such as HSV-1 or chickenpox. Certain types of skin infections can also cause red face blemishes.

How to get rid of blemishes on the face

There’s no one-size-fits-all cure for how to clear blemishes on the face. But when it comes to blemishes, skincare is your first line of defense. Treatment for blemishes on the face can include:

• Blemish home remedies can sometimes help blemishes not caused by underlying medical conditions — such as witch hazel, aloe vera, and apple cider vinegar.
• Topical creams can reduce allergic reactions and irritations, and may also be beneficial for alleviating ingrown hairs.
• Several facial treatments exist to help clear blemishes on the face. Ask your esthetician about anti-aging facials or facials for acne.

Preventing further blemishes on your face

Then again, facial blemish removal isn’t always easy — which means the best blemish remedy is prevention.

• Sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, sunglasses, and hats reduce your exposure to UVA and UVB rays. This can help protect your skin from additional damage.
• Healthy hygiene habits can also go along way. Regular cleansing of your face, body, and hair can help eliminate excess oil, dirt, and bacteria on the skin.
• And of course, good skincare starts from the inside out. Keep a food diary to monitor your diet and pinpoint foods that might be contributing to facial imperfections.

Tired of your facial blemishes? I can help.

Since blemishes on your face can have so many potential causes and treatments, your best bet is to speak with a licensed esthetician. They can make recommendations based on your unique skin type, and help you achieve the long-lasting results you deserve.
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