How To Clear It Up Like a Dermatologist Blemishes 101
If you frequently experience blemishes, chances are you spend a lot of time wondering what’s causing your blemishes. Unfortunately, misconceptions and myths about blemishes are common. Ahead, we’re clearing them up. Learn what can contribute to mild acne-prone skin and how to effectively target blemishes in this guide.
Blemish Facts & Fiction
Despite its prevalence, there are many misconceptions about what can cause blemishes and how to manage it. Making matters (seemingly) more confusing is that there are many different types of blemishes. Here, we’re breaking down a few common myths about mild acne-prone skin to help you better understand how to address this skin concern.
Blemish Myth #1
Fiction: You shouldn’t moisturise if you have mild acne-prone skin
If your skin is on the oilier side—as mild acne-prone skin often is—you may feel that moisturising will only make it worse. In reality, moisturising is an essential part of maintaining an effective skincare routine. This holds true for all skin types, including mild acne-prone skin.
Fact: Moisturising is essential in any mild acne-prone skincare routine
Skipping moisturiser can leave your skin feeling dehydrated, which, in turn, can cause it to produce excess sebum (oil) in an attempt to compensate. Ultimately, this heightened oil production can clog your pores and lead to breakouts. To help keep your skin stay moisturised without aggravating your skin, we recommend looking for lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturisers. During the day, use a moisturiser with SPF.
Blemish Myth #2
Fiction: You need harsh products to clear mild acne-prone skin
If you have mild acne-prone skin, your impulse may be to pile on as many active ingredients as you can in order to clear your skin up quickly. In reality, managing blemish-prone skin is a marathon, not a sprint—and over-using harsh products and actives can leave your skin feeling dry and irritated.
Fact: Stronger doesn’t mean better
When it comes to blemishes, sometimes less is more. CeraVe’s products for mild acne-prone skin are developed with dermatologists to help prevent blemishes without disrupting the skin’s moisture barrier.
Blemish Myth #3
Fiction: Blemishes are caused by dirty skin
Often when people have blemishes, they assume it means their skin is dirty—so they turn to harsh cleaners and aggressive scrubs in the hopes of achieving squeaky-clean skin.
Fact: Dirt doesn’t cause blemishes
Breakouts can occur when your pores become clogged with impurities, such as excess sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria. To help remove excess pore-clogging oil, it’s generally best to wash your face twice daily with a gentle, non-drying non-comedogenic cleanser.
Step-By-Step Routine for Mild Acne-Prone Skin
Step 1:
Blemish Control CleanserBlemish control Face Wash With 2% Salicylic Acid
Step 2:
Blemish Control GelBlemish targetting Gel With 2% Salicylic Acid
Step 3:
Facial Moisturising Lotion (AM or PM)Lightweight, Non-Comedogenic Moisturisers For All Skin Types with 3 essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
The Blemish Control Product Gallery
Blemish Control Cleanser
Gentle cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid
Blemish Control Gel
Lightweight gel with 2% Salicylic Acid
Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Facial Serum for reducing the appearance of blemishes and pores
Facts About Blemishes: Frequently Asked Questions
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What causes blemishes?
As we mentioned earlier, blemish-prone skin can develop when your pores become clogged with sebum, dead skin cells, and (in some cases) bacteria. If you have oily skin or a family history of blemish-prone skin, you may be more likely to experience this skin concern. Other factors that can contribute to or worsen blemishes include humid weather conditions, hormonal fluctuations, and improper skincare practices (like picking at your skin).
Using greasy, pore-clogging cosmetics can also lead to breakouts in some cases. . Of course, these aren’t all of the causes of blemishes. Mild acne-prone skin is a complex skin concern and it can be influenced by a wide range of internal and external factors.
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Can you get pimples from stress?
It’s not your imagination: Being stressed out can impact your skin. While it is not a direct cause of blemishes, stress can act as a roadblock to achieving clear skin. When your body is under stress, your skin can subsequently produce excess oil. And, as we touched upon earlier, excess oil can clog pores and lead to an increase in blemishes.
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What are the main types of blemishes?
There are several different types of blemishes, but some of the most common types include blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. Blackheads and whiteheads, develop when your pores become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. If the pore is open, the contents will oxidise, leading to a blackhead. If the pore is closed, a whitehead will develop.
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Can I have blemishes as an adult?
You may think of blemish-prone skin as an adolescent skin concern, but the truth is, anyone can experience blemishes. So, if you’re breaking out well past your teenage years, don’t fret: You’re not alone. If you’re struggling to get your adult blemishes under control, consider consulting a health care professional for help.
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What ingredients are best for managing blemish-prone skin?
One of the most common ingredients in skincare products for blemish-prone skin is salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that offers gentle exfoliation and helps improve the appearance of, blackheads and whiteheads. This ingredient can be found in CeraVe’s gentle yet effective products for blemish-prone skin. If you’re unsure which is right for you, a health care professional should be able to steer you in the right direction.
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Why do I have dark spots after myblemishes fades?
Dark spots can appear after blemishes and these spots are particularly common amongst those with darker skin tones. They can make achieving even-looking skin feel like a challenge—especially since they often take a long time to fade
To help with the process, consider adding CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum to your nightly skincare routine. Formulated with encapsulated retinol, brightening licorice extract, and three essential ceramides, this gentle formula helps promote a more even complexion while supporting your skin’s moisture barrier.
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Does popping a spot make it worse?
When you have a big, spot, it can be really tempting to pop it. But doing so may do more harm than good. Not only does popping your pimples make you more likely to develop post-blemish marks, but it can also worsen your skin, as the bacteria from your fingers can spread to your skin. Instead, address blemishes with a gentle spot treatment, such as CeraVe’s alcohol-free Blemish Control Gel. Apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin one to three times daily for visibly clearer skin.