Blemishes on Face Explained: Real Causes and Natural Remedies You Can Trust

Blemishes on face dent your confidence and give you low self-esteem.

You often end up layering tonnes of concealer to hide these ugly patches and spots, only to worsen your skin further. While makeup offers a quick camouflage, what your skin truly needs is healing from within.

Blemishes - whether they’re acne scars, pigmentation spots, or tiny bumps - often reflect what’s going on underneath your skin. They can be triggered by hormones, sun exposure, stress, or even your skincare habits.

In this blog, we’ll explore what blemishes really are, uncover the hidden causes, bust common myths, and share natural, effective solutions that will help your skin feel confident - even without a filter.

What are Blemishes on Face?

Blemishes are a broader term for any mark, spot, or discolouration on the skin. Acne marks, dark spots, pimples, or hyperpigmentation are all considered blemishes. These may occur due to various reasons, including stress, poor lifestyle, clogged pores or hormonal fluctuations. Some blemishes are temporary, caused by clogged pores or skin irritation, while others may result from deeper issues like sun damage, infections or hormonal imbalances.^1,2

Blemishes appear in various forms too. They may be flat or raised and of different colours such as red, brown, black or even white. They are usually harmless and painless. Understanding the different types of blemishes can help you treat them the right way as each kind might require a different treatment. 

Up next, let’s explore different types of blemishes.

Types of Blemishes

Blemishes come in various forms and types. Here is a breakdown of the most common types of facial blemishes.^1,2,3

• Acne

Acne blemishes are the most common type of blemishes, usually caused due to clogged pores, excessive oil production and bacterial growth. Whiteheads, blackheads or severe cysts are classified as acne. These are mostly common in teenagers, but some adults may get them as well.

• Papules

Papules are small, raised, red bumps on the face. These are caused by infected or inflamed hair follicles. Papules do not contain pus and are tender to touch.⁴

• Nodules

Nodules are raised, solid bumps on the skin that lie deep within the skin. Infected, clogged pores further form nodules. They often require professional treatment and leave behind scars.⁴

• Age spots (liver spots)

Also known as liver spots due to their similar colour, age spots occur on the part of the face that is most exposed to the sun. These are more common in older adults after years of sun exposure and appear as flat grey, brown or black spots.

• Pustules

These are a type of reddish acne that has a white or yellow-coloured, small pus-filled centre. These are inflamed acne caused by bacterial infections.⁴

• Ingrown hair

Ingrown hair, as the name suggests, is a hair strand that grows back into the skin instead of coming out of the skin. It can sometimes get inflamed and give the appearance of a red bump that looks like a pimple. Waxing and shaving are the common culprits. 

• Melasma

These appear as brown or greyish-brown patches on the nose, cheeks or forehead and are often triggered by sun exposure, pregnancy or hormonal changes.

Melasma should not be confused with age spots because of their colour. These are often symmetrical and patchy and only appear on the face, while age spots are smaller and isolated and only appear on sun-exposed areas.

• Skin cancer

A persistent or changing blemish on the face can be an early sign of skin cancer. These can appear in the form of moles or dark spots that itch and bleed. 

• Cysts

Cysts are pus-filled blemishes that occur when oil ducts get clogged. They are large, fluid-filled sacs, softer than nodules.4

• Scars

Blemishes can leave behind scars, especially if they are irritated or not treated properly. Pigmented, pitted or raised scars are blemishes that take longer to fade.

• Cold sores

These are fluid-filled blisters caused by the Herpes Simplex virus. Cold sores usually form around the mouth and lips. They are highly contagious and often leave behind temporary blemishes.

• Hyperpigmentation

Sometimes, excess melanin production can result in blemishes that look like dark spots or patches. Sun exposure, hormonal changes or skin injuries can also trigger excessive melanin production leading to hyperpigmentation.5

What Causes Blemishes

Blemishes may show up in different forms, types and colours - but each kind has a different underlying cause. While we have already touched on some triggers in the previous section, let us read more about the root causes of blemishes to understand why they occur. You might find out what is causing yours.^6,7

• Viruses and Bacteria

Cystic acne and cold sores are often triggered by viruses or bacterial infections, causing inflammation or pus-filled blemishes. 

• Genetics

Blemishes or acne-prone skin can be inherited as well. 

• Sun exposure

Melasma, dark spots or hyperpigmentation are often caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight, especially without sunscreen protection.

• Clogged pores

Pimples, whiteheads or blackheads are mainly caused by pores clogged with dead skin, dirt or excess oil. 

• Diet

Processed foods, dairy or sugary foods often lead to inflammation and breakouts on the skin.

• Medications

Certain medications can trigger excess oil production and blemishes on the skin.

• Endocrine Disorders

Pregnancy or polycystic ovarian syndrome can contribute to acne. Around 70% of females experience a premenstrual flare-up when the headband oil follicles on the skin swell. ⁸

Apart from these causes, stress and lack of sleep may also contribute to the formation of blemishes on the skin. It is crucial to follow a healthy lifestyle with adequate sleep, exercise and a healthy diet to get healthier skin.

How To Manage Skin Blemishes

Skin blemishes can be treated effectively if you use the right products. Here are some tried and tested dermatologist-approved tips to manage skin blemishes.

1) Use Products with Niacinamide

Vitamin B3 or Niacinamide is finally getting its due as a skincare product. This powerhouse ingredient works wonderfully for blemish-prone skin. Niacinamide regulates oil production, fades dark spots, reduces inflammation and strengthens the skin barrier. Basically, it is everything your skin needs to look younger and healthier. ⁹

Caution: It's best to avoid using niacinamide with very strong exfoliants like high-concentration AHAs/BHAs, especially on sensitive skin. ¹⁰

2) Exfoliate, Exfoliate, Exfoliate

Regular exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells and trapped oil and dirt from pores — the main triggers for breakouts. Exfoliation removes the top dead skin layer, revealing younger and newer skin underneath. 

You can use exfoliants like AHAs (lactic acid, glycolic acid) or BHAs (salicylic acid) for deeper penetration and smoother skin.¹⁰

Caution: Over-exfoliating can irritate and worsen the blemishes. Exfoliating once a week is best.

3) Don’t Pick at Your Pimples

Remember we were often scolded by our grannies and mothers to avoid picking at our pimples? It is quite tempting to squeeze, pinch or scratch the blisters, but doing so can lead to permanent scarring on the skin. ¹¹

Use spot treatment serums or creams for a quick pimple fix.

4) Consult a Professional

If your blemishes do not appear like regular temporary ones, it is best to consult a professional before trying any over-the-counter products. Dermatologists can help identify the underlying cause of your blemishes and suggest treatments accordingly.

Some dermatologists may also recommend chemical treatments like lasers, chemical peels or prescription medicines. ³

When it comes to managing your blemishes, remember you need to be patient with your skincare treatments. Acne treatments take time, and switching treatments too often might only irritate your skin further. 

How to Remove Blemishes on Face 

Blemishes on face can be treated and even prevented with the right mix of care, consistency and natural remedies. Here is a list of science-backed treatments and natural remedies useful for removing blemishes from the face.¹²

• Acne Medications

For mild to moderate acne, you can buy over-the-counter acne creams and gels containing retinoids, benzoyl peroxide or clindamycin. These can effectively reduce breakouts and prevent new blemishes from forming. ¹³

• Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a gentle exfoliant that penetrates deep into the pores to clear out excess oil and trapped dead skin cells. It is one of the best ingredients to treat blemishes like acne, blackheads and whiteheads.¹⁴

• Hydrocortisone Cream

This is the best cream for inflamed, red or itchy blemishes. A mild concentration of 1% is usually enough to calm irritated skin. However, it is best to avoid long-term use as it can make the skin thin.¹⁵

• Sun Protection

The harmful UV rays from the sun can worsen acne scars, dark spots and pigmentation. A broad-spectrum sunscreen, usually with SPF 30 or higher, is recommended as sun protection. It is advisable to use sunscreen every day, even when indoors, to prevent blemishes from darkening. 

• Dermatologic Procedures for Hyperpigmentation

Dermatologic procedures should be in a clinic by certified professionals only. These include laser therapy, chemical peels and microdermabrasion. Such treatments are effective in fading deep acne scars and stubborn pigmentation.⁵ 

• Creams for Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation can fade away with creams containing ingredients like kojic acid, vitamin C, azelaic acid and niacinamide. These help to lighten dark spots and even out skin tone over time. ⁵ A good skin-brightening serum can also help fade skin pigmentation. 

• Healthy Hygiene Habits

Simple hygiene habits like washing your face twice daily with a mild face wash, regularly changing your pillowcase and avoiding touching your face can prevent bacterial build-up, thereby keeping blemishes at bay. 

• Natural Solutions

There are many natural remedies available for treating blemishes effectively and without any side effects:¹⁶

• Aloe vera gel or pure aloe vera extract can help soothe and calm irritated, red blemishes.
• Diluted tea-tree oil has acne-fighting properties.
• Lemon juice, when used sparingly, can help lighten dark spots over time.
• Honey can be applied to the skin once a day for its antibacterial and healing properties.

• Experiment with Diet

Sometimes, a wrong diet may be the sole cause for triggering an acne outbreak. You could monitor your diet to check which ingredient is causing a flare-up. The common food items that have been known to cause acne include sugary and processed foods as well as dairy items. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, zinc and omega-3 can give you a clearer complexion. ¹⁷

When to See your Doctor

Sometimes, blemishes cause psychological distress and low self-confidence in people. Thus, most of the time, people want to get rid of these for cosmetic reasons. In both cases, your dermatologist can guide you on the treatment plan.³ 

You should also see a dermatologist if your acne is changing its form rapidly and becomes painful, bleeding or itchy. These could be early signs of skin cancer or other serious skin concerns that should be checked immediately.

Conclusion

Remember, blemishes are a sign of your skin speaking to you. It could be stress, diet, hormonal, infection, sun exposure or another underlying cause. The key is to listen and respond with care. Clear skin is within reach with consistency and patience. 

While there are many skincare solutions to target blemishes, you can also check out the products at AreoVeda, a skincare brand artfully curated with natural and plant-based ingredients. It has an exciting range of skincare products for expecting mothers, moms and babies. It is in fact India’s 1st brand to be EWG-Verified, Ecocert-Certified and Cellularly Proven. To learn more, visit www.areoveda.in. 

FAQ:

Q1) How do you get rid of blemishes on your face?

To reduce blemishes, focus on calming inflammation, fading pigmentation, and restoring skin hydration. The AreoVeda Skin Clarifying Serum is formulated with Canadian Willowherb, CryoGold, Turmeric, and Sodium Hyaluronate to soothe acne-prone skin, fight blemish-causing bacteria, and keep your skin barrier hydrated and healthy. The other must-try serum in our kitty is the Skin Brightening Serum, enriched with Bakuchiol, CryoCoffee, and NaturePep® Pea to visibly reduce dark spots and even out the skin tone without irritation in just 28 days. 

Q2) What are blemishes on the face?

Blemishes on the face refer to any kind of mark, spot or discolouration on the skin. There are different types of blemishes, each with a different form and underlying cause. While most are harmless, some may indicate a serious underlying medical condition like cancer.

Q3) Why am I getting blemishes?

Various factors such as bacterial infections, prolonged exposure to sun, poor sleep, an unhealthy diet, stress or hormonal changes can cause blemishes. Sometimes, an underlying medical condition or using the wrong skincare products can also lead to a flare-up or pigmentation. Genetic factors may also be responsible for blemishes. ^1,2,3,

Q4) What is the difference between pigmentation and blemishes?

Pigmentation is also a kind of skin blemish. It refers to discolouration, redness, black or brown spots, melasma or tanning of the skin. Blemishes is a broader term that includes acne, scars and pigmentation. To put it simply, pigmentation issues are blemishes, but not all blemishes are necessarily pigmentation.