We know blemishes can mess with your self-esteem and also make many socially meek. It is impulsive to hunt down all the commercial beauty products and medicines that claim to make blemish marks disappear. But this practice can make your skin prone to chemical treatments that can cause other allergies, chafing, and dryness. Therefore, trusting natural things is a safe alternative. From egg whites and baking soda to turmeric and oatmeal, there is a lot you can work with at home without much expense and hassle. You can work on a budget and make sure that your dark spots are taken care of. Keep scrolling for more info!
What Are The Causes Of Blemishes?
Blemishes occur due to one major reason, and that is excessive oil production. They usually happen post acne, and though the pimple goes away, it leaves behind scars that will never let you forget it. The cause of a blemish is the clogging of pores with dead skin cells and excessive oil, which results in acne. When this happens in the upper layers of the epidermis, we get whiteheads and blackheads. However, when this happens in the inner layers, we end up with acne. Acne leaves our skin red and inflamed, which then turns into a blemish once the pimple goes away. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association(AAD), 50 million U.S. citizens get acne every year. Around 85% of them experience at least minor acne between 12-24. It is also estimated that acne in adults is increasing and affects around 15% of adult women. Blemishes can vary in size, shape, and color. Check out the next section to learn about the common types of blemishes.
Types Of Blemishes
Acne: They can appear as blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, and papules. Deep and severe acne often leaves dark spots and scars on the skin.
Hyperpigmentation: It may appear as freckles and age spots. While age spots may develop due to sun exposure, freckles could be genetic or may develop due to UV damage caused by excessive sun exposure.
Melasma: It may occur due to hormonal changes during pregnancy or in individuals on birth control pills. This results in excess skin pigment production, which makes the skin appear darker.
Birthmarks: These blemishes may appear either at birth or shortly after it. Some of them may disappear over time, while others are permanent.
Obviously, waiting for the pimples to vanish and praying that blemishes don’t appear is not the solution. Some things don’t fix themselves, and pimples are one of them. Treating them appropriately is the only way you can make sure they don’t come back to haunt you. Here is how you can remove blemishes (while treating acne) with wonderful secrets from my grandmother’s diary.
How To Remove Blemishes On Face
The Most Popular Home Remedies For Blemishes
1. Calamine Lotion For Blemishes
Calamine lotion Apply this directly to the blemish and leave it on. Reapply every few hours. Calamine lotion is composed of zinc that absorbs excess oil and helps get rid of acne and the accompanying blemishes. Zinc is a common ingredient used for the treatment of acne vulgaris (1).
2. Cocoa Butter For Blemishes
Organic cocoa butter Repeat this every night. Cocoa butter contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties that help to fade the blemish. It also hydrates and moisturizes the skin (2).
3. Baking Soda For Blemishes
1 teaspoon baking soda Water or olive oil
Repeat this twice a week. Baking soda neutralizes the pH of the skin and also scrubs away the dead cells that have accumulated at the site of the blemish (3). This makes the blemish appear lighter. And after multiple uses, your blemish will be completely gone.
4. Egg White For Blemishes
1 egg white A face pack brush (optional)
Apply this face mask twice a week. Egg white contains natural enzymes that tone the skin and lighten blemishes and scars (4).
5. Apple Cider Vinegar For Blemishes
1 part apple cider vinegar 8 parts water Spray bottle
Do this once or twice daily. ACV works as an astringenti A substance or chemical agent that helps shrink tissues and dry up skin secretions to tighten pores and cleanse the skin. and balances the skin’s pH while killing the harmful microbes that may infect the pores. Its mild acids help to lighten blemishes. The excess oil production is also brought under control (5).
6. Aloe Vera Gel For Blemishes
An aloe leaf Apply aloe gel twice a day. Aloe vera possesses healing and skin rejuvenating properties. It has antioxidants and polysaccharidesi A major group of biomolecules made from long chains of carbohydrates that are abundant in food. that are responsible for these effects on the skin (6).
7. Honey For Blemishes
Raw honey Apply honey every day to get rid of blemishes quickly. The humectant and emollient properties of honey nourish the skin cells and keep the skin in optimum health. Its antioxidants remove free radicals and fade away scars as new cells replace the damaged ones (7).
8. Potato Juice For Skin Blemishes
1 small potato Apply potato juice 1-2 times daily. Potato contains enzymes that act as mild bleaching agents on the blemishes when applied topically (8).
9. Lemon Juice For Blemishes
Fresh lemon juice Repeat this every day. Lemon juice works as a bleach on the skin, lightening scars, blemishes, and also your skin tone (9). If you have sensitive skin, dilute lemon juice with an equal amount of water before applying it.
10. Toothpaste For Blemishes
Toothpaste Reapply if required. Toothpaste dries out the pimple or spot and absorbs the excess oil present there. If it contains essential oils like mint or peppermint, it can also aid the healing of the blemish. Mint contains salicylic acid that may remove excess oil, treating blemishes (10).
11. Neem For Blemishes
A handful of dried neem leaves 1-2 tablespoons honey
Use this face pack twice a week. Neem absorbs the excess oil that is being produced by the skin and clogging the pores. It also fades blemishes with regular usage (11).
12. Papaya For Blemishes
A few pieces of green papaya Repeat this 2-3 times a week. The enzymes found in papaya exfoliate the skin and bring the oil production under control. The accumulated impurities are all removed to reveal a smooth and blemish-free skin (12, 13).
13. Shea Butter For Blemishes
Organic shea butter Do this every night. Shea butter nourishes the skin and contains vitamin A that is excellent at reducing blemishes and scars. It will keep your skin smooth and young looking (14).
14. Yogurt Mask For Blemishes
2 tablespoons plain yogurt A pinch of turmeric 1/2 teaspoon gram flour
Repeat this 2-3 times a week. Yogurt contains lactic acid that acts as an exfoliant and a blemish lightening agent. It also prevents future acne breakouts that can easily leave scars and blemishes behind (15).
15. Turmeric Face Mask For Blemishes
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 tablespoon honey 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Apply this every alternate day for best results. Curcumin, a key phytochemicali Chemical compounds found in plants that help protect against free radical (unstable atoms) damage. found in turmeric, possesses antioxidant and skin healing properties. It evens out the skin tone and fades blemishes, scars, and dark spots (16). Turmeric is also a prominent ingredient in ayurvedic remedies to reduce acne, making it a valuable addition to natural acne treatments.
16. Tomato For Blemishes
1 small tomato Follow this routine once every day. The antioxidants and vitamin C found in tomato juice remove blemishes and skin tan (17). Your skin will be clear and glowing in just a few weeks.
17. Garlic For Blemishes
1 garlic capsule 1 tablespoon moisturizing lotion
Repeat this every alternate night. With its antibiotic and antioxidant properties, garlic can remove blemishes and acne scars easily bring a glow to your complexion (18).
18. Oatmeal Mask For Blemishes
2 tablespoons uncooked oats 1 tablespoon lemon juice Rose water
Use this face mask twice a week. Oatmeal soothes and cleanses the skin and exerts antioxidant effects on the damaged and blemished areas (19). The lemon juice aids in lightening the blemishes.
19. Oils For Blemishes
(a) Almond Oil For Blemishes
A few drops of sweet almond oil On a cleansed face, apply the almond oil and massage it in. Do this every night before going to bed. Almond oil contains skin bleaching agents, along with essential fats, that will lighten your blemishes and also keep your skin hydrated and healthy (20).
(b) Argan Oil For Blemishes
Argan oil Massage a few drops of argan oil on your face before going to bed. Repeat this every night. Argan oil rejuvenates and hydrates the skin while fighting acne and blemishes (21).
(c) Tea Tree Oil For Blemishes
A few drops of coconut oil or olive oil 1-2 drops tea tree oil
This is best done every night until the blemishes are gone. Tea tree oil is an antiseptic essential oil that prevents breakouts as well as the formation of blemishes. It also possesses healing properties that will help in erasing the existing blemishes and scars (22).
(d) Coconut Oil For Blemishes
A few drops of virgin coconut oil Apply coconut oil directly on your blemishes and leave it on. Do this twice a day. The phenolic compounds in coconut oil act as antioxidants and will help to get rid of the blemishes in just a few weeks (23).
(e) Castor Oil For Blemishes
Castor oil Apply a drop of castor oil on the affected area and massage in a circular motion until it gets absorbed. Repeat this twice a day. Castor oil is an emollient that rejuvenates and heals the skin. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (24, 25).
(f) Olive Oil For Blemishes
A few drops of extra virgin olive oil Massage your face with the oil and leave it on overnight. Repeat this every night. Olive oil is excellent for topical application. Its anti-inflammatory compounds, antioxidants, and nutrients keep the skin clear, supple, and blemish-free (26).
(g) Rosehip Oil For Blemishes
A few drops of carrier oil 2-3 drops rosehip oil
Do this every day. Rosehip oil can improve the appearance of scars, blemishes, and even pigmented skin as it contains vitamin A, vitamin E, and fatty acids (27).
(h) Jojoba Oil For Blemishes
A few drops of jojoba oil Massage the oil well into the skin and leave it on overnight. Repeat this every night. Jojoba oil is rich in antioxidants, and it refreshes and rejuvenates your skin. It gets easily absorbed into the skin as it resembles the skin’s natural oils. It heals blemishes and scars and prevents wrinkles as well (28).
(i) Eucalyptus Oil For Blemishes
1-2 drops eucalyptus oil A few drops of carrier oil
Reapply this essential oil twice a day. Apart from being a strong antimicrobial essential oil, eucalyptus oil can fasten the healing process of your blemishes as it contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances (29).
(j) Lavender Oil For Blemishes
1-2 drops lavender oil A few drops of carrier oil
Repeat this 2-3 times daily. Lavender oil is soothing and healing for the damaged cells at the site of the blemish (30). When used along with a good carrier oil, like coconut oil, olive oil or even jojoba oil, the blemish will fade away soon.
(k) Peppermint Oil For Blemishes
1-2 drops peppermint oil A few drops of carrier oil
Mix the oils and apply the blend just on the affected area. You can also apply it to the entire face. Apply this every night, before going to bed. Peppermint oil has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that can help you deal with skin irritation and issues such as rashes, scars, blemishes, and acne (31). Barb Misiuda, a beauty blogger, crafted the Nightime Blemish Busting Stick in her quest for clear skin with sea buckthorn oil. She said in her blog, “I just love the way sea buckthorn oils make my skin look brighter, glowly, and all the good things you want your skin to be. Who am I to argue with those kinds of results (i)!” Entranced by its transformative effects, she favored it over rosehip oil for scar healing. She mixed it with beeswax, sweet almond oil, and Vitamin E and started applying it every night, enhancing her complexion and combating blemishes. These remedies will work the best when used as soon as the acne breakout occurs or immediately after the blemish surfaces. However, this is one case where we can positively say that prevention is better than cure. Once the acne hits, getting rid of it is a time-consuming process that eventually affects your self-confidence and self-image. So, here are a few simple steps to keep blemishes at bay and simultaneously get an idea of how to prevent acne.
Simple Tips To Prevent Blemishes
Gently exfoliate your skin every day to remove excess oils and prevent spotting. However, you must consult a dermatologist before using any harsh scrubs on your skin. Don’t use rough washcloths, alcohol-soaked pads or sponges on your skin. These can cause irritation that increases the production of oil and creates new blemishes. Make the Cleansing-Toning-Moisturizing routine a part of your daily schedule, especially if you have oily skin. Moisturize your skin with an oil-free and alcohol-free moisturizer every day after you rinse off your cleanser and before you put on any makeup. A moisturizer with alpha-hydroxy acids may be good for your skin, but you need to ask your doctor first as AHAsi A group of plant and animal-derived chemical compounds that help exfoliate the skin for a glowing complexion. do not suit everybody. skin, but you need to ask your doctor first as AHAs do not suit everybody. Don’t poke, probe, squeeze, or otherwise manipulate blemishes or pimples with your fingers, especially if they are dirty. Let your cleanser and exfoliator do the work. Use a good sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher whenever you go outside. The sun can make blemishes worse and interfere with certain acne medications and treatments. Improve your diet. You should consume fiber-rich fruits and vegetables in plenty. Consuming ginger and garlic is good. Include a good balance of foods high in antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and E. Detoxifying the body is also very good. Drink about 6-10 glasses of water on a daily basis. Moderate exercise helps to detoxify the blood and clears your skin. Change your pillow cover every day as the perspiration on it can contain bacteria.
In certain cases of extreme acne, you might need microdermabrasioni A painless, non-invasive (treatment that does not cut the skin) procedure used to renew skin texture. , chemical peel or even laser surgery to control sebum secretion, and these can be prescribed and done only by a certified doctor. But in a lot of cases, this form of treatment fails us, and that is when we give in to the age-old wisdom of our ancestors and get back to tried and tested natural remedies to attain flawless, radiant skin. What foods cause blemishes? No foods directly cause blemishes. However, refined sugars, dairy products, processed and oily foods, foods high in omega-6 fatty acids, chocolate and whey protein may cause acne, which can lead to blemishes. How long does a blemish take to fade? Blemishes may take anywhere between 3 months to 2 years to fade. However, if those spots are scars, they may take longer to fade and might need cosmetic treatments. Do blemishes spread? No, blemishes do not spread, but acne does. And since acne and pimples are one of the most common causes behind skin blemishes, they can lead to more blemishes. Therefore, it is important to find the root cause of your acne and get them treated. Can blemishes be permanent? No, blemishes are not permanent and can fade away with time. However, if you suffer from severe forms of acne, like inflammatory acne lesions, they may result in permanent scars. The best approach is to get acne treatment soon after it appears. Does everyone have blemishes? No, everyone does not have blemishes. They are most prevalent in people with acne-prone skin. That said, almost everyone may have expired blemishes at least once, as we all are prone to a few breakouts during our teenage years. Are blemishes genetic? No, there is no evidence stating that blemishes are genetic. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that lifestyle, hormonal, and genetic factors may play a role in determining whether you are prone to acne, the most common reason behind blemishes. Is blemish removal painful? No, blemish removal is not painful. Blemishes are harmless marks on the skin and can be reduced with simple home remedies like aloe vera and honey, or you can get medical treatment for the same.
Illustration: Best Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Blemishes On Face
Learn how to naturally reduce acne scars with the informative video below! Discover simple and effective remedies to help reduce the appearance of acne scars. i. DIY: Nighttime Blemish Busting Stickhttps://scrubmedownsoap.wordpress.com/2018/02/05/diy-blemish-busting-stick/
