There are times when it may seem like your skin is difficult to manage, especially when a pimple appears for no reason, blackheads continue to accumulate on your nose, or acne marks turn into scars. 

Problems like these tend to occur because of people’s unguided and ineffective skin treatment or makeup habits, which may result in the appearance of more obvious blemishes. 

But First, What Are Blemishes? 

A blemish is a condition where the skin is decolorized, resulting into marks, spots, flaws or imperfections. Blemishes can be found on your face, neck, chest, and general areas that have the most oil glands. Blemishes on the face can be the most upsetting to deal with since they tend to catch unwanted attention. 

While acne and blemishes are often used interchangeably, it’s important to note that both conditions are different. Acne is a general skin condition caused by the overproduction of sebum and/or hormonal changes in the body. This can range from comedones, papules, postules, nodules, and the like.

Meanwhile, blemishes may vary depending on its causes and treatments, but these are generally markings or scars that may result from acne. Aside from acne, common blemishes can be due to rashes, hyperpigmentation, age spots, cold sores, birthmarks, and melasma, among others.

Before dealing with these skin conditions, it’s essential to first differentiate them accordingly. Since some blemishes may seem similar, it’s important to identify the difference between acne vs cold sore or hyperpigmentation vs melasma to know the appropriate remedy for each one. 

While most blemishes aren’t life-threatening, some may be symptoms of skin cancer, therefore making it important to effectively deal with them. Here are some tips and preventive measures you can follow: 

1. Don’t Pop Your Pimples

A pimple is usually an isolated, inflamed blemish filled with pus. While it can be tempting to pop that annoying pimple, learn to control yourself and use a topical treatment instead. Don’t attempt to pop it at any cost! 

Attacking a zit can create more trouble than it’s worth. Keep in mind that squeezing your pimples may trigger bacterial infection, which may lead to swelling, redness, and acne scars. This may also cause bacteria to sink into the skin and trigger cystic acne. Potentially, this may also spread bacteria towards a nearby pore and cause another pimple. All of this can eventually lead to further skin damage.

For this reason, it’s crucial to consult a dermatologist or ask a professional skin expert regarding your current condition. If you notice an incoming pimple, a dermatologist can help offer treatment to prevent scarring or further infection.

2. Keep Your Hands Off Your Face

Refrain from touching your face or leaning onto objects that may collect sebum, pimple-causing bacteria, and dirt. Keep in mind that your hands have been holding onto different objects the entire day, and touching your face may only result in spreading more bacteria that could further irritate your pores, especially if your skin is already inflamed.

Make it a point to keep your hands off your face except for purposes of hygiene. If touching your face has become a habit, try to wash your hands frequently. Clean your hands prior to touching your face and/or applying facial products. Learn to be mindful of where you put your hands to prevent further skin problems or damage.

3. Purchase Skin-Friendly Products

Surprisingly, cleansers are products that may cause further damage to your skin. This is especially true when you use them excessively as they may have ingredients that could dry your skin. 

For some, opting for noncomedogenic products helps prevent pesky blackheads, acne, and whiteheads from emerging. Moreover, if you have to use acne-fighting ingredients such as salicylic acid, make sure it’s mild enough for your skin. Consider pairing it up with a hydrating ingredient to fight off skin dryness. 

In addition, when buying makeup, check brands that promote skin-friendly ingredients that help prevent comedones from piling up. Choose mineral-based products because these tend to be lighter and work better for blemished skin. Also, another skincare mistake to avoid is sleeping with your makeup on. No matter how tired you are, it’s important to take off your makeup to prevent your skin from being harmed further.

4. Feed Your Skin

Aside from exercising good hygienic practices, making deliberate lifestyle choices may help you deal with blemishes as well.

As the old saying goes, you are what you eat, and this can manifest in the kind of skin you have. Thus, to keep your skin healthy, it’s crucial to incorporate changes in your diet. Choose wholesome foods that boost your skin’s health. Fruits and veggies are always great go-to foods for healthy skin. Fish like salmon and mackerel can also help in this regard. While sweets might not directly cause acne breakouts, it’s essential to avoid complex carbs and processed sugar that may trigger inflammation. 

In addition, it might be beneficial to stay away from greasy junk food. As much as you can, cook for yourself at home to ensure that not too much oil is used.  

Further, drinking water helps flush out unwanted substances that may disrupt your system and trigger acne breakouts. Since water also keeps your skin hydrated, your skin may suffer from dryness that can lead to acne breakouts if you don’t consume enough water during the day.  

5. Wear Sunscreen

Excessive exposure to sunlight is also bad for your skin. UV rays are harmful and may put you at risk of premature aging, spots, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and even skin cancer. It may seem like getting a tan masks acne, but this is only temporary. In fact, tanning may further damage your already blemished skin.

For this reason, limit your sun exposure. This is particularly crucial when you’re using potent blemish treatments. For instance, ingredients such as Vitamin C and Retinoids may conversely sensitize and damage your skin if you go outside without any protection from the sun. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen every day, especially if you’re going to be outdoors.

The Bottom Line

It might feel like your current skin condition is unmanageable. However, know that with the right habits and lifestyle adjustments, you may be able to avoid further skin damage. Take note that getting help from a skin doctor may also guide you in assessing a certain type of blemish before performing any treatments.

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