“Blemish” is one of those words that gets thrown around loosely, many times to mean acne. But that’s only part of it.
Skin blemishes show up in different ways. If you’re like most people, you’ve probably dealt with one kind or another at some point.
It helps to know what you may be dealing with so you can choose the right blemish control skincare. Because the thing is, treating an irritation-related blemish as a blackhead often fails. Sometimes it makes things worse.
On that note, we categorize below the types of skin blemishes and what causes blemishes in each category. Let’s dive in.
What Are Blemishes?
A blemish is basically any visible mark or irregularity on your skin. It could show up as:
- A bump
- A dark spot
- Redness
- A patch of discoloration
- Uneven texture.
Not all blemishes are acne. And not all acne looks the same, either. Let’s break them down.
1. Acne-Related Blemishes
These are what most people think of first when they hear the word “blemishes.” There are many types of skin blemishes related to acne.
Whiteheads and Blackheads (Non-Inflammatory Acne)
These are “clogged pore” blemishes.
Whiteheads (closed comedones): Are small, white or flesh colored bumps that you see under the skin. Oil and dead skin cells get trapped inside, but the pore doesn’t open.
Blackheads (open comedones): Are tiny dark dots sitting inside pores. Here, trapped oil opens up pores and turns darker when it reacts with air. You may think it's dirt, but it’s actually oxidation.
What causes blemishes of this type?
Oily or combination skin types naturally produce excess sebum. This sebum mixes with dead skin cells and clogs pores. Pore-clogging skincare products also add to these types of skin blemishes.
Pimples (Inflammatory Acne)
These are the bumps people usually refer to as acne. They’re raised, and at times sore.
Some stay red, with no visible pus, just inflammation sitting under the surface. Those are papules.
Others develop a white or yellow center. That’s a pustule. The classic pimple.
What causes blemishes like these?
It usually begins with a clogged pore. Oil and debris get trapped. Bacteria (C.acnes) feed and multiply. And the area swells, becomes red, and sometimes, painful.
Nodules and Cystic Acne
These are deeper, larger, and often painful. You may feel them under the skin before you even see them. They’re often linked to hormones or more severe acne patterns.
2. Pigmentation-Related Blemishes
These are other types of skin blemishes. They are color changes on the skin.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
If you’ve had acne, cuts, or irritation, you may notice brown or dark marks left behind after the skin heals. These are flat patches caused by extra melanin production during healing. They’re common in all skin tones, but often more noticeable in deeper tones.
Age or Sunspots (Lentigines)
Notice small dark spots on your face, hands, or shoulders? You might be dealing with sunspots. These tend to show up in areas of your skin that get the most sun.
What causes blemishes like these?
UV exposure over several years is usually to blame for these types of skin blemishes. It affects how your skin produces pigment.
After many years in the sun, the production of pigment melanin isn’t even anymore. This makes some areas darker than others. It builds up slowly, hence the name age spots.
Melasma
Melasma tends to appear as larger, uneven patches.
It’s mainly from hormonal shifts. Pregnancy is a common cause. Birth control can play a role, too. Sun exposure doesn’t cause it on its own, but it can make it more noticeable.
3. Scars and Textural Blemishes
Scars are other common types of skin blemishes. They’re different from dark marks and hyperpigmentation. Instead of just discoloration, these involve changes in the skin’s structure. They’re of different types. Some are indented, and others are raised.
What causes blemishes of this type?
They usually stay behind after a deep injury or inflammation, like acne that took longer to heal.
They form when collagen is disrupted during healing. Picking or squeezing blemishes can increase the risk. So can deeper or long-lasting inflammation.
4. Redness and Irritation-Related Blemishes
Some types of skin blemishes show up as red or irritated skin. You may notice flushing, red patches, or small visible blood vessels. Sometimes it’s temporary, like after stress, spicy food, or heat. Other times, it can be more persistent, like with rosacea.
Irritation can show up as redness, too. Or the skin may develop inflamed patches or rashes.
What causes blemishes of these types?
Triggers vary. Heat, alcohol, harsh skincare, smoking, or genetics can all play a part in redness-related blemishes. In rosacea, enlarged blood vessels and inflammation are often involved.
Sometimes your skin simply reacts to irritants. Many things can irritate your skin and trigger visible redness or inflammation. Metals, skincare fragrances, and harsh ingredients, detergents, sweat, or tight clothing are some common stressors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do blemishes disappear?
It depends on the type. Some types of skin blemishes, like mild acne, PIH, redness, or irritation, can fade within days or several weeks.
How do I get rid of blemishes?
Treatment depends on the type and what causes blemishes of that type. Acne, dark spots, and redness/irritation-related blemishes can be managed with lifestyle adjustments and the right skincare.
Those that persist longer, become painful, change quickly, or don’t respond to basic care, such as rosacea, nodules, severe pigmentation, scars, cystic acne, and growths, often need evaluation by a dermatologist.
What’s the best skincare treatment for blemish-prone skin?
Treatment depends on the types of skin blemishes you’re dealing with. Here are some proven blemish-control ingredients:
- For acne blemishes: Salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and retinoids.
We recommend LBB Skincare Labs Blemish Defense Hydration Serum — Hyaluronic Acid + 2% Salicylic Acid to clarify and balance the skin while maintaining hydration.
- For dark spots and pigmentation: Vitamin C, azelaic acid, retinol, chemical exfoliants.
- For redness and sensitivity/irritation: Ceramides, aloe vera, CBD, niacinamide, centella asiatica, colloidal oatmeal.
Along with these treatments, it’s essential to observe everyday skincare habits. Use a gentle cleanser that doesn’t strip your skin like Lea Black Beauty® Skin Revitalizing Daily Face Wash. Consider a nourishing moisturizer that hydrates, soothes, and strengthens the skin barrier, like Lea Black Beauty® CBD Daily Face Moisturizer. To prevent pigmentation-related blemishes, never skip sunscreen.
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