Got skin that's acting like a drama queen? Blemish-prone skin can feel like it has a life of its own, with breakouts, bumps, and redness showing up at the least convenient times.
But don’t worry. Whether your skin is more inclined toward blackheads, whiteheads, or the occasional cystic breakout, targeted treatments and proactive habits can make all the difference.
Common Types Of Blemishes
When we talk about blemishes, we’re really talking about a variety of skin issues that each have unique causes and solutions. For some, blemishes might mean persistent blackheads, while for others, it’s inflamed cystic bumps.
The truth is, that blemishes can mean different things for different people depending on factors like skin type, environment, and even genetics. This variety is why it’s essential to understand the types of blemishes your skin is prone to and what they may be signalling:
- Blackheads:Sign of oily skin that may be overproducing sebum. Blackheads usually indicate the skin has a build up of dead skin cells that mix with sebum and clog pores. These blemishes might also be a sign that your skin could use a little extra cleansing
- Whiteheads: Unlike blackheads, whiteheads are closed skin bumps, but they indicate the skin is trapping oil and dead skin cells more than usual. Whiteheads may occur when the skin produces too much sebum or when the pores are tight and congested.
- Papules: These are often an inflammatory response to clogged and irritated pores. Papules are small, red, raised bumps indicating that the skin is responding to potential bacteria trapped within clogged pores.
- Pustules: Papules become pustules when they’re filled with pus. Again, they’re an indication of bacteria (high leukocytes) or excessive oil protection due to overactive sebaceous glands. Skin that’s often sensitive to bacterial infections may develop pustules more often.
- Nodular Acne: These involve large, inflamed, hard bumps that form deep within the skin. They’re a severe form of acne caused by the Cutibacterium acnes bacteria form hard, painful lumps. Due to the depth and not having an opening or a visible head, they’re resistant to most topical treatments.
- Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) is more prevalent and severe in darker skin tones due to their higher baseline melanin levels. PIH occurs as a response to inflammation from acne, cuts, burns, or friction. When the skin is traumatised, its natural healing response can produce excess melanin, resulting in dark spots or patches that remain after the blemish or injury heals.
Simple Remedies For Blemish-Prone Skin
Here’s a few easy remedies to ease inflammation for mild-to-moderate blemishes:
Follow A Consistent Cleansing Routine
A consistent cleansing routine is essential to managing blemish-prone skin. You may already have a cleansing routine in place, but we recommend sticking to non-comedogenic cleansers.
They clean your skin without stripping its natural oils. But be careful of over-cleansing, as it can cause dryness, prompting the skin to produce more oil.
Cleansing is equally important in the evening, especially to remove the buildup from the day’s activities. Start with an oil-based cleanser to break down oils and impurities, then a water-based cleanser for deeper cleaning.
The right technique and temperature are also key. Lukewarm water balances the skin, while too hot can irritate blemish-prone areas. Gently massage your skin while cleansing and use only ingredients suited for your skin type (sensitive, dry, oily, normal, or combination).
Exfoliate, But Don’t Over-Exfoliate
Exfoliating helps clear your skin’s surface of dead cells and other impurities while preventing oil buildup. Skipping this step can lead to common blemishes like blackheads or breakouts, due to congestion and oil buildup.
Meanwhile, over-exfoliation strips the skin’s natural protective barrier, resulting in dryness, irritation, and breakouts, as the skin compensates for the heightened oil production.
Look for exfoliants with ingredients such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or lactic acid, which dissolves impurities within pores and promotes cell renewal. Mechanical exfoliants may be too harsh, but it depends on what works for your skin. Aim for 1-3 times weekly based on your skin type.
Moisturise Appropriately
Moisturisers come in various properties. First, through occlusion which forms a protective barrier over the skin to prevent water loss. Ingredients like squalene and petrolatum create this layer, helping the skin retain moisture.
Second, humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid act as moisture magnets, drawing water into the skin from the air or deeper skin layers. Humectants offer gentle, deep hydration without clogging pores.
Finally, emollients like ceramides soften and smooth the skin by filling in tiny gaps on the surface.
Spot Treatments
Spot treatments help one of the most common types of blemishes: acne. Look for effective ingredients like salicylic or benzoyl peroxide, known for treating mild to moderate acne.
Salicylic acid penetrates the pores to dissolve dead skin cells and prevent blockages, while benzoyl peroxide acts as an antibacterial agent, helping to reduce the acne-causing bacteria that can aggravate blemishes.
Consistency is key with spot treatments, especially for treating isolated spots without widespread irritation. They may not be effective, however, on severe or cystic acne as these often require a deeper approach.
In such cases, the best step would be to consult a dermatologist, who can recommend tailored treatments or prescribe stronger medications if necessary.
Professional Treatments
If you seek professional treatments for those stubborn blemishes, here are some options to consider:
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion exfoliates the outermost layer of the skin using a handheld device with a diamond-tipped wand to gently remove dead skin cells. These are vacuumed away by the same device.
Microdermabrasion helps reduce the appearance of acne, hyperpigmentation, enlarged pores and even mild acne scarring. By promoting cell turnover and stimulating collagen production, microdermabrasion can lead to a smoother, more even complexion with minimal downtime. It’s often recommended for those with mild to moderate blemishes who are looking to refine their skin’s texture.
Cosmetic-Grade Chemical Peels
Cosmetic-Grade Chemical Peels are professional treatments that apply a safe chemical solution to the skin’s surface to exfoliate and rejuvenate. They can address acne, discolouration, and blackheads.
We offer chemical peels that come in various strengths to accommodate different skin types and concerns. A consultation with any of our Skin Therapists at Laser Clinics Canada will help determine the most suitable Tailored Treatment Plan for your needs.
LED Light Therapy
LED Light Therapy is a non-invasive treatment harnessing different light wavelengths to reduce acne, inflammation, and breakouts, and address pigmentation issues like sun damage. Each LED Light colour (blue, yellow, and red) penetrates the skin at different depths and has specific benefits.
Skin Needling / Microneedling
Skin Needling / Microneedling involves a device with fine needles that create tiny, microscopic injuries on the surface of the skin. These tiny punctures activate the body’s natural healing response, prompting a surge of collagen and elastin towards the treatment site. These are both essential proteins for repair and rejuvenation.
However, this treatment is more effective against depressed, not raised acne scars. Its other benefits include reducing the visibility of enlarged pores, fine lines, and even hyperpigmentation over time.
At Laser Clinics Canada, our skilled Skin Therapists are here to guide you through every stage of your skin journey. Take the next step towards blemish-free, glowing skin—consult a Skin Therapist and discover a Tailored Treatment Plan designed just for you.
