Blemished skin

What are blemishes?

Blemishes are commonly seen in many individuals these days. A blemish is defined as any type of mark, spot, or discoloration that appears over the face. This is not a life-threatening situation but an unsightly and mentally upsetting issue. Blemish is a broad term, that can denote any mark over the skin.

Papules

These are small skin lesions of varying types. They range from pink to brown color.          Example: Chickenpox rashes, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis etc.

Nodules

A group of collection of tissues are nodules. They are hard to touch and can occur at any level of skin. Skin tags and warts falls in the category of nodules.

Age spots 

This can occur at any area of the body that’s exposed to sun. They appear in small, dark spots and commonly occur in people over 50yrs. They can be considered as a type of hyperpigmentation.

Pustules

Pustules are fluid or pus-filled. These can include whiteheads and chickenpox blisters. 

Ingrown hair

Most of the time's hair removal techniques, such as tweezing, waxing, or shaving, can also lead to the issue of blemishes as a result in ingrown hairs. When the removed hairs grow back, it gets trapped over the skin. This can cause a bump in the skin.

Birthmarks

Melasma

Skin cancer

Cysts

• epidermoid cysts
• ganglion cysts
• sebaceous cysts

Scars

When the dermis layer is damaged, the scars appear over the skin. This also contributes to blemished skin.

Hyperpigmentation

• sun exposure
• acne scarring
• hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy

What causes blemishes?

• Infections – Certain type of skin infections leads to eruptions over the skin. This may include fungal or bacterial infection. They might exhibit in the form of pustules. 
• Viruses –Some blemishes, cause due to the invasion of viruses. Eg: Varicella zoster causes Chickenpox. 
• Sun exposure –Overexposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays can cause blemishes that may lead to skin cancer, hyperpigmentation, and other forms of skin damage.  
• Genetic causes – Sometimes blemishes may have a genetic link. This includes diseases like Darier disease (wart-like blemishes), Fabry disease (an inherited disorder that happens due to gene mutation), etc. 
• Clogged pores – Due to excess production of oil by sebaceous glands blemishes may occur. This oil generated will mingle with dead skin cells or dirt over the face. This results in pimples, pustules, blackheads, and whiteheads. Hormonal changes often add trouble to the situation. 
• Over usage of cosmetic products like makeup, sunscreen, or moisturizer can also lead to clogged pores.
• Environmental toxins – Dirt, car exhaust, pollution, bacteria also sometimes contribute to this condition. 
• Diet – Diet is having a great impact on the skin. This can cause food allergies, skin irritations, and bumps. Dairy products can lead to sensitive skin issues to people. Foods rich in high sugar, simple carbohydrates also lead to blemishes. 
• Medications – Some medications like steroids, corticosteroids, anti-seizure drugs show a tendency to produce blemishes over the skin.

Symptoms of Blemished skin

The symptoms vary from person to person. A symptom of blemished skin includes:

• Raised bumps either white or red in color.
• Rash, which might be painful or itchy
• Scaly or rough skin
• Peeling of skin
• Ulcers
• Open sores or lesions
• Dry, cracked skin
• Discolored patches of skin
• Fleshy bumps, warts, or other skin growths
• Excessive flushing

10 Effective Remedies for Blemished skin

1. Aloe Gel

Cut open fresh Aloe leaf and extract the pulp out of it. Mix it evenly. Apply this to the affected area and massage for 10mins. Leave it to dry for 15mins or can also be kept overnight. Rinse off with water.

Aloe vera smoothens the skin. It is rich in antioxidants and polysaccharides whichpossesses healing and skin rejuvenating properties.

2. Pure Honey Application for Blemishes

Apply a layer of pure honey over the blemishes and keep it for about 30mins. Wash off with palin water. Apply this daily to get rid of blemishes and a glowing skin. 

Honey possess humectant and emollient properties which nourishes the skin cells and maintain optimum hydration required for the skin. It contains antioxidants which removes the free radicals and fade the marks and scars and generates new skin. 

3. Potato juice for Application

Take a potato. Grate it and squeeze to extract the juice out of it. Apply this juice over the blemishes and leave it for 20mins. Allow it to dry and then rinse off with plain water. This can be followed all the days in a week. 

Potato is rich in enzymes, that act as mild bleaching agents, which acts upon the blemishes and fades away the marks and generate a fresh skin. 

4. Lemon Juice for Blemishes

Prepare fresh Lemon juice. Apply the juice evenly in the affected area. Allow it to dry and wash off once it’s completely dried. Repeat this application once every day. 

Lemon is one among the richest antioxidants known. These help to renew the cells and makes the skin looks young. This also works as a bleach over the skin, lightens the scars marks and brightens the skin tone. 

5. Fresh and Ripened Papaya

Take a freshly ripened papaya. Peel off the skin and cut it into small pieces. Mash the papaya and apply it over the face. Keep it for 30mins. After drying, wash with plain water. Repeat this papaya pack 3times weekly.  

Papaya acts as an excellent exfoliator, which brings the oil production under control. The accumulated impurities are removed by the papaya pack and makes it smooth and blemish free. 

6. Neem paste with Honey

Take a handful of fresh neem leaves. Clean it in running water. Pound the leaves and grind it to a fine paste adding honey to it. Apply it evenly on the face. Leave the pack to dry and rinse off with regular water. Use this remedy twice a week. 

Neem has the capability to absorb excess oil that is being produced by the skin and prevents clogging it in the pores. On a regular usage it fades the blemishes and evens the skin tone. 

7. Yogurt with Turmeric 

To the yogurt add a pinch of turmeric powder. Mix the ingredients thoroughly and make a paste. Apply this over the face evenly and allow the mask to dry. After drying, rinse the face with cool water. This can be repeated thrice weekly.  

Yogurt is rich in lactic acid that acts as an exfoliator and lightens the blemishes. This remedy also hydrates the skin, prevents from future acne breakouts, and easily clears the marks over face. 

8. Turmeric Face Mask

Take 1tsp of turmeric powder and mix with 1 tablespoon of honey and 1teaspoon of lemon juice. Mix the ingredients thoroughly to a paste. Apply this mixture over the face eave for 30mins. Rinse off with warm water. This can be repeated every alternate day in the week.

Turmeric contains curcumin which possess antioxidant and skin healing properties. It evens the skin tone, lightens the blemishes, scars and dark marks. 

9. Tomato Juice for blemishes

Apply the tomato pulp on the entire face. Massage it evenly and leave it for 20mins. Rinse with cool water. This should be followed twice daily. 

Tomato juice possess antioxidants and vitamin C which removes the skin tan and blemishes. The skin will look clear and young.  

10. Virgin coconut oil

Apply coconut oil directly over the face, massage it and leave it. This can be done twice a day. 

Coconut oil contains some phenolic compounds which act as antioxidants and helps to get rid of the blemishes in few weeks.