Understanding the Causes of Blemishes on the Face and How to Prevent & Treat Them

Feb 7, 2025

Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes

A clear, white shirt is so elegant, beautiful, and pleasing to look at. Now imagine, there being ink stains on it. The canvas in this case is such that even one spot would ruin the whole look of it!

Similar applies to you and your skin. Your skin is the white shirt and blemishes that appear are like those stubborn ink stains. But just like there’s a specific way to get rid of stains, there’s a clear-cut way to treat and prevent these too.

In this guide, we’ll explore the root causes of blemished skin, effective skincare solutions, and natural remedies to achieve healthy, blemish-free skin.

Continue reading!

What are Blemishes?

Blemishes are flaws or imperfections that appear on the skin’s surface in the form of marks. Some common examples of blemishes include pimples, scars, and dark spots. Blemishes can usually appear anywhere but most commonly appear on the face and back.

The before-and-after results of pimples/acne are visible on the lady's cheek.

These can be caused by a variety of reasons, which are discussed in detail below.

Blemishes on the face or blemished skin, in general, are quite common and everyone suffers from or has suffered from it at least once in their life. Hence, along with their causes, this blog also discusses possible treatment options, from anti-blemish creams to natural remedies, so that you can maintain healthy and clear glowing skin.

Causes of Blemishes

The several factors contributing to blemished skin include:

1. Excess Production of Oil: When your sebaceous gland starts producing sebum (oil) in excessive amounts, the appearance of acne and pimples becomes common due to pores being clogged.

2. Imbalances in Hormones: During important phases of your life, such as puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or times when things are quite stressful, there are a lot of changes and fluctuations in the hormones leading to blemishes on the face, usually in the form of breakouts.

3. Poor Eating Habits: A diet rich in sugary items and dairy is a huge trigger for inflammation and acne, and thus, blemished skin.

4. Lack of Proper Skincare: Dirt and bacteria left behind on the skin’s surface due to not cleansing the face properly can lead to blemishes on the face.

5. Environmental Pollutants: Things like dust, smoke, and, pollution present in the environment can irritate the skin and cause breakouts.

6. Stress: Stress triggers the production of cortisol which leads to an increase in overall sebum production and is responsible for blemishes on the face.

7. Using the Wrong Skincare Products: Using comedogenic products, products that contain harsh chemicals, and, artificial fragrances can worsen skin conditions.

The lady's blemishes are highlighted on her cheek with a white pencil outline.

8. Medication: Certain over-the-counter (OTC) medications can cause acne as a side effect.

9. UV Damage: Not protecting yourself from the UV rays of the sun by improperly applying sunscreen or not applying it daily can be the cause of hyperpigmentation and other skin issues that lead to blemished skin.

10. Genetics: Your genetics play a major role in determining whether you’ll have blemished skin or not.

11. Behavioral Triggers: Constantly touching your skin, and not removing makeup before sleeping are also major reasons why you might have blemishes on your face.

12. Other Causes: Some other causes of blemishes on the face also include infections, viruses, bacteria, and, inflammation.

Types of Blemishes

Acne: Acne can be of many types-

1. Blackheads: These are small black-colored spots caused by clogged pores. They are usually found on the forehead and nose.

2. Whiteheads: These are also caused by clogged pores but resemble the color of the flesh rather than being dark.

3. Pimples: The third major type of acne is pimples, which are like small raised spots on your skin.

Hyperpigmentation: Dark spots caused due to sun exposure, excessive melanin production, acne scarring, or hormonal imbalance.
Melasma: These are brownish or gray patches that appear on the skin. This is a very common condition that happens during pregnancy. It is usually triggered by sun damage or hormone changes.
Freckles: These are small brown spots usually caused by sun exposure.
Cold Sores: Cold sores are fluid-filled blisters found near or on the mouth. They are usually caused by a virus; Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1).

The lady is attempting to pluck her acne while looking into the mirror she is holding.

Scars: These are permanent marks left behind with severe skin trauma or acne. It happens due to damage to the dermis layer.
Ingrown Hair: Ingrown hair can happen during hair removal through tweezing, shaving, and, waxing. The hair curls up and starts growing back into the skin which leads to the formation of a red bump. These are usually uncomfortable or painful to touch.
Birthmarks: These are marks that appear on the skin during birth or shortly after it. Some like moles and port-wine stains are permanent while others like hemangiomas and salmon patches, are temporary and usually fade over time.
Papules: These are small, red, hard bumps caused by the presence of bacteria, excess oil, or dead skin cells.
Cysts: These are large and round spots that are similar to boils. They tend to be painful and usually cause scarring.
Pustules: These are raised, red bumps that are filled with pus.

How to Prevent Blemishes?

Now that you know the various types of blemishes and their causes, the following are the ways that would help you to avoid them:

Proper Skincare Routine: Maintain a proper and consistent skincare routine by using products best suited to your skin type.
Regular Cleansing and Exfoliation: Keep your face and body clean by cleansing twice a day and exfoliating once or twice a week to help remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.
UV Protection: Choose a sunscreen with SPF 30 or more and apply a generous amount of it every day.
Healthy Diet: Maintain a healthy and balanced diet. Focus on foods containing vitamins C and E and omega-3 fatty acids. You can also try maintaining a food journal to keep track and figure out if certain products are causing your breakouts and limiting or eliminating their consumption.

Fresh vegetables are displayed on a plate with a table watch placed on it.

Stress Management: Indulge in inefficient stress management techniques like yoga, meditation, or exercise.
Behavioral Habits: Do not touch your face with unclean hands. Avoid touching your face often. Remove your makeup before you go to bed.
Hair Hygiene: Keep your hair clean and free of oil so that the dirt or oil doesn’t transfer to your face and cause blemishes on your face.

Best Products for Blemish-Prone Skin

If you have blemished skin, choosing the right products is crucial. Go for:

Acne Medications: There are many over-the-counter medications available for treating blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. If these don’t work, your dermatologist may prescribe oral or topical medication.
Anti-Blemish Creams: Anti-blemish creams contain salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or retinol, all of which are extremely effective at targeting and treating acne and pigmentation.
Cleansers: Switch to gentle cleansers. Avoid cleansers that contain harsh sulfates, as they might strip the skin.
Non-Comedogenic Moisturizer: Go for moisturizers rich in ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which hydrate the skin without clogging the pores.
Niacinamide and Vitamin C: These help to brighten the skin and reduce dark spots.
Hydroquinone: Anti-blemish creams containing hydroquinone help to lighten dark spots, acne scarring, and melasma by reducing the production of melasma.

Benefits of Anti-Blemish Skincare Products

Reduces Blemishes: Anti-blemish products are specifically targeted at reducing the excess sebum production as well as the appearance of blemishes on your face.
Reduces Pigmentation: Anti-blemish creams are very effective in reducing pigmentation and restoring the skin’s natural tone.

Improves Skin: Anti-blemish creams don’t just reduce the appearance of blemishes but also help in improving the overall skin texture and making it look more clear and radiant.
Anti-Aging: Anti-blemish creams unclog the pores and prevent future breakouts, thus, aiding in the anti-aging process by reducing the appearance of wrinkles and dark circles.
UV Protection: Anti-blemish creams also help protect the skin from the harmful rays of the sun.

Natural Remedies for Blemishes

For everyone who prefers the natural way, here are some remedies to try out:

Tomato Juice: Tomatoes also have healing properties since they are rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants. Massage your skin with the juice of one tomato and rinse it off after it has dried completely.
Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe vera gel is known for its soothing and healing properties. You can use natural aloe vera (from the plant) or a gel. Simply apply it to your face and rinse after it has dried.
Egg White: Egg whites contain enzymes that help to lighten the blemishes on your face. Apply the whites of an egg and rinse after it has dried.
Honey and Lemon Mask: Lemon has bleaching properties and honey has anti-inflammatory properties. Applying this mask will help to brighten the skin and also have antimicrobial effects.
Turmeric Paste: This would help to reduce redness and pigmentation.

Honey and lemon are placed on the table as ingredients for a face mask.

Final Thoughts on Blemish Care

Blemishes on the face are common but manageable with the right skincare routine and lifestyle changes. Whether using anti-blemish creams, natural remedies, or dermatologist-recommended treatments, consistency is key to achieving clear skin.