Have you ever stood in front of the mirror, staring at your dark spots and thought why they always feel at home on my face? What adds to your frustration is when someone points, “Hey! You got blemishes on your face, why don’t you treat them”. And your inner voice shouts, ‘free advice is not acceptable.’ In this desperation, you start using products without getting an insight into the problem or knowing its cause. We understand your annoyance and worry behind it. Many studies assert that blemishes not only affect your appearance but also infect your self-confidence. But, worry not. Understanding what exactly blemishes are and the various reasons behind it will help you in the journey to cure your blemishes effectively. Which is why we have concocted just the list of information to make things easier for you.
What are Blemishes?
Blemishes are scars, spots, discolouration or marks which are visible on your skin, especially on the face area. Precisely, blemishes refer to acne scars; however, it can also include melasma, hyperpigmentation, lentigines, and vascular proliferation, etc. Sun exposure, genetic conditions can be responsible for these marks. However, there can be various other causes that can be leading you to blemishes.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF BLEMISHES?
- Acne
- Genetics
- Ageing
- Hyperpigmentation
- Cysts
- Hormones
- Stress
- Cleansing
- Touching your face
1. Acne
The most common and bothersome skin problem nowadays is acne. If you have oily skin, that makes you among the first victims of zits. Several studies explain that acne happens when extra oil clogs your facial pores causing acne. This ultimately leaves behind uneven scars or dark spots and blemishes.
2. Genetics
DNA has a major role to play in anything and everything that happens within your body. Top dermatologists indicate that marks from any genetic disorder tend to become a possible reason for blemished skin. Birthmarks, Mongolian spots, hemangiomas are some of the scars caused due to genetics, which tend to fade with age in a majority of cases.
3. Ageing
Many studies state that ageing can be a very prominent factor for blemishes amongst people over 50 years of age. However, people below 50 may even have age spots which result from hyperpigmentation.
Blemishes that occur due to ageing are categorized into 3 different types -
- Liver spots or age spots – These types of blemishes are characterized by flat brown spots on your skin, which are usually harmless. Liver spots occur after excessive sun exposure or any other types of ultraviolet rays.
- Purpura - Purpura occurs when small blood vessels called capillaries burst and leak blood into the skin. This results in red spots on the skin which later turns into brown and purple.
- Seborrheic Keratoses - These blemishes usually appear as pale, black, or brown growth on the back, shoulders, chest, or face. However, until now their root cause is unknown.
4. Hyperpigmentation
If you have dark patches or uneven skin tone that means melanin is overproduced. Various studies claim that excessive sun exposure is the biggest reason that can cause hyperpigmentation. This is why dermatologists and skincare experts always emphasize how important it is to apply sunscreen before going out. Other factors accountable for hyperpigmentation are pregnancy, the use of certain medications, acne scarring, and hormonal changes.
5. Cysts
Cysts are generally visible in the form of a bump inside or outside the skin filled with white fluid. A study conducted states that there are commonly three types of cysts which are epidermoid cysts, ganglion cysts, sebaceous cysts. These vary in their sizes and are non-cancerous.
6. Hormones
Menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, puberty and other hormonal changes that take place with age can be responsible for causing or exaggerating your blemishes. Even birth control pills can be a reason behind them. Moreover, many pieces of research studies claim that it is very common in women to get blemishes during the monthly cycle or when they are nearing their menopause.
7. Stress
If you tend to frown more often and smile less then it is high time to break up with stress. You should know that by being stressed you are creating more problems for your skin. This question might strike in your head how stress causes acne. A study conducted by the Stanford University School of Medicine has found that stress during exams in students not only worsened the acne flare-up but also caused blemishes on the face.
Stress boosts up the overproduction of cortisol (stress hormone) from adrenal glands which in turn stimulates sebaceous glands to produce more oil and makes the skin too oily. Hence, stress is another accountable factor that can result in blemished skin.
8. Cleansing
To keep yourself away from unwanted blemished skin, it is vital to properly wash your face before sleeping. Removing makeup before sleeping is an integral part of the skincare routine. Going to bed without cleaning your face only adds up more dirt, oil, and debris on your skin. All these impurities trigger blemishes formation on the skin. Amidst all of this, be selective about your face wash and choose non-comedogenic cleansers and other skin products because they are known as good friends towards your skin.
9. Touching your face
Another shocking fact that needs your attention is touching your face every now and then tends to cause blemishes. The reason behind this is that often touching your face causes dirt and bacteria to accumulate on the skin, which can cause acne and later may result in blemishes on your skin.
Hopefully, you are clear on what blemishes are by now. It is crucial to understand that not treating blemishes in time will only lead to much darker spots and pigmentation. So, it is essential to treat them by following your daily skincare routine religiously. Without further delay, use the piece of tips and advice and thank us later!
P.S.
There are various ways and ingredients that can help you to get rid of those pesky and unwanted liver spots, facial discolouration and blemishes. However, it is very essential to just take a pause, collect facts, think wisely and choose the best remedy that will benefit you to curb blemishes. In the market, several products are available that claim to lighten your complexion. Such products may contain skin-brightening agents like glutathione, kojic acid or hydroquinone which tends to cause more harm than good to your skin. However, Vitamin C, and Alpha Hydroxy Acids, etc are natural skin brightening ingredients that not only help you treat blemishes safely but also offer a natural glow to your skin. The depigmentation, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and skin healing properties of natural ingredients help to brighten your skin colour, thereby revealing a healthier, glowing, and radiant appearance.