BLEMISHES
Hyperpigmentation Causes
Blemishes occur for a range of reasons. There are five main types of skin blemishes:
- Acne (acne vulgaris)
- Age Spots
- Birthmarks
- Melasma
- Rashes
A person may have one or more of these blemishes. They can occur in size and severity differently throughout a person’s life.
The causes of each type of blemish develop for different reasons but listed below are the main causes.
HORMONES
The body is a delicate and complex machine. A person’s hormone levels fluctuate throughout life depending on age and gender. Examples of changes in hormones include puberty, menstruation cycles, testosterone and oestrogen level.
LIFESTYLE FACTORS
Depending on the type of blemish, lifestyle factors can play a big role in the appearance of blemishes on a person’s skin.
Because lifestyle factors are largely in the control of people, it is always good to assess these when looking to address blemishes.
GENETICS
Genetics (or how a person is made up at a DNA level) is significant in determining the occurrence of blemishes on a person’s skin. Genetics is inherited from a person’s mother and father and can’t be altered. Sometimes it is luck of the draw how frequent, significant and severe certain blemishes are.
Myths Around Blemishes
The scientific literature around blemishes is constantly evolving.
Several studies since 2004 have demonstrated that certain types of blemishes are made no worse by a lack of hygiene. Because many blemishes are caused by intrinsic (internal) factors such as genetics, it is important for people to know those common myths and old-wives tales can cause distress when in reality the reason is at a more biological level.
There are still many factors that can cause blemishes. These factors are referred to as extrinsic (external) factors. These are the ones that people can control and therefore should focus on.
Key Extrinsic Factors:
- Sun exposure
- Certain dietary ingredients
- Incorrect skincare products
- Stress levels
- Lack of sleep and/or sleep quality
- Certain medications
- Improper skincare routine
Treatments for Blemishes
Treatments for blemishes fall into two categories: Treatments and Products.
Treatments include various procedures conducted by professionals including dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and GPs, as well as beauty therapists, skincare advisors and general therapists.
For the purposes of this page, we will focus on products.
PRODUCTS
It is important that anybody thinking about purchasing products to help with their blemishes get some guidance from a professional. A lot of information on the internet can be misleading, and it is impossible to accurately read something online and ensure it fits with a person’s blemish condition.
The type of products that work best will depend on the blemish involved. For example, the type of products best for acne blemishes will be different from melasma.
A person with acne blemishes may be on a protocol that includes a BPO (benzoyl peroxide) whereas a person with melasma or age spots may have a skincare plan including skin-lightening creams such as hydroquinone.
This is why it is important for anybody with blemish concerns to be properly advised before attempting to pay for treatment or purchase products.