The 411 On Identifying, Managing, and Preventing Blemishes

Skin blemishes are among the most common skin concerns for adolescents and adults alike. The most well-known types of blemishes are typically related to acne, but there are other kinds of blemishes that can also stand in the way of you and the clear, glass-like skin you desire.

To help clear up any confusion (pun intended), this guide lays out all the details and intricacies of blemishes to help you figure out what those marks on your face really are. Ahead, you’ll find answers to burning questions (starting with the most obvious: What is a blemish?) and discover some of our favorite products to help promote clearer-looking skin. We’re also sharing tips on how to prevent blemishes from the jump, so scroll on for all the scoop.

What Are Blemishes?

Simply put, a blemish is any type of mark or flaw that appears on the skin’s surface. In skincare, the term blemish is often used to describe acne, but it can also be used to describe other concerns like dark spots or scarring. It’s worth noting that it’s totally normal to have blemishes on your face—after all, there’s no such thing as having “perfect” skin. However, skin blemishes can be a source of insecurity for some, making it useful to learn how to minimize their appearance.

What Causes Skin Blemishes?

There are many causes of facial blemishes. In the case of acne, breakouts can arise from stress, hormonal shifts, or using the wrong skincare products for your skin type, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Some types of acne, like blackheads and whiteheads, develop when a pore becomes clogged with dirt and oil. If there are bacteria present, the clogged pore may turn into a red or pus-filled pimple.

Sometimes, after a breakout, a dark spot may develop—this is another type of blemish, commonly referred to as a post-acne mark. Other types of skin discolorations can occur with age or unprotected sun exposure. Ultimately, each type of skin blemish—whether it be an acne mark or spotty discoloration—can have its own specific cause. Therefore, managing blemishes typically requires a tailored and nuanced approach.

Types of Skin Blemishes

As mentioned, there are many different types of blemishes that can give your skin an uneven appearance. We’re breaking down some of the most common below.

Blackheads

If it looks like you have flecks of dirt embedded in your skin, chances are good you’re dealing with blackheads (also known as open comedones). Per the Mayo Clinic, blackheads occur when oil and dead skin get trapped within a pore. That blackish color you see isn’t dirt—it’s the color that debris turns when it’s exposed to the air.

Whiteheads

Whiteheads, or closed comedones, form the same way as blackheads, with one notable difference: unlike blackheads, the content of the clogged pore isn’t exposed to the air. Instead, it remains trapped inside the pore and typically results in a flesh-colored or white bump (hence the name).

Papules

According to the Cleveland Clinic, papules are a form of acne that presents as solid, cone-shaped bumps without any fluid inside. They tend to be the same color as your skin or can skew red, brown, or purple. Papules form when excess oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells get trapped deep within a pore. Because they’re deeper, papules are often tender to the touch.

Pustules

Pustules are similar to papules, except the latter is filled with fluid (usually pus). These are what we often think of as classic “pimples” and may be red with a yellowish or whitish center.

Cysts and nodules

The most severe forms of acne, per the Cleveland Clinic, are cysts and nodules. Both can result in painful, knot-like bumps in your skin's dermis (or middle layer) and are more likely to scar than milder acne lesions. The main difference between the two is that cysts are filled with pus, while nodules are harder and lack fluid.

Post-acne marks

Acne marks are localized areas of discoloration (usually red or brown) that occur on the surface of the skin. They tend to linger long after an outbreak has healed and can develop after you pick at your skin or pop a pimple, the Cleveland Clinic notes.

Acne scars

Acne scars are commonly confused with post-acne marks, but the two are not quite the same. Post-acne marks result in irregularities in your skin tone, while acne scars affect the texture of your skin. They typically manifest as small indentations roughly the same size as the original breakouts, but can also be raised. Acne scars can be difficult to manage—so if you’re dealing with a lot of them, it may be best to schedule an appointment with your dermatologist.

Dark spots

Small, localized areas of discoloration are known as dark spots. These skin blemishes can appear purplish, brownish, or gray, depending on your skin tone. While everyone can experience dark spots, those with medium to dark skin tones are most susceptible to developing them.

Sun spots

Sun spots (also called age or liver spots) are exactly what they sound like: areas of the skin that darken as a result of sun exposure. This type of skin blemish can be mistaken for freckles, but, as the Mayo Clinic notes, freckles usually fade on their own eventually, while sun spots tend to linger.

How To Manage Skin Blemishes

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to managing blemishes, as different types of blemishes require different approaches That being said, following a proper skincare routine can help keep your skin looking (and feeling) its best. Find some of our top tips for managing blemished skin below.

1. Use products with niacinamide

According to a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, skincare products with niacinamide may help reduce the look of skin discolorations (like dark spots and post-acne marks). Products with this ingredient—which is a form of vitamin B3—may also help improve the appearance of skin texture and tone. Plus, niacinamide tends to be well-tolerated and pairs well with other actives, making it an easy addition to most skincare routines.

You can find this powerful ingredient in the L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal 12% [Niacinamide + Amino Sulfonic + Ferulic Acid] Dark Spot Serum. The dermatologist-validated formula helps visibly fade all types of dark spots, including age spots and post-acne marks, and helps promote brighter, more even-looking skin. We suggest applying it to cleansed skin morning and night, then following up with a moisturizer designed for your skin type.

2. Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate

Exfoliation is the process of sloughing off dead skin cells from the skin’s surface to help reveal the brighter, healthier-looking layers beneath. Both physical and chemical exfoliation can help diminish the look of some types of facial blemishes. However, chemical exfoliation is typically considered the gentler option, as it doesn’t require manually scrubbing your skin (physical exfoliation, by contrast, does).

If you’re new to exfoliation, consider starting your routine with the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift 3.5% Pure Glycolic Acid Cleanser. The daily-use formula, which is infused with glycolic and salicylic acids, helps cleanse and resurface the skin to promote a brighter, smoother complexion. Those seeking a more potent exfoliant may want to try an at-home chemical peel. We suggest the L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Dark Spot Exfoliant Peel, which contains a blend of alpha-, beta- and polyhydroxy acids. The powerful yet gentle formula leaves the skin brighter-looking and softer after a single use, while repeated applications help dramatically resurface and retexturize the skin. Keep in mind that, unlike an exfoliating cleanser, at-home peels shouldn’t be used daily. We recommend starting with once weekly and gradually increasing your usage to no more than four times per week (at night).

3. Don’t pick at your pimples

One of the worst things you can do when dealing with a blemish, especially an acne-related one, is to touch your skin. Touching your face can transfer bacteria from your hands to your complexion. This can lead to even more blemishes and prevent your current ones from clearing up. Additionally, when you pick at pimples, you risk developing post-acne marks or even scars—which, as mentioned earlier, can be difficult to manage. If you can’t help but pick when you see a pimple, use a hydrocolloid patch (AKA a pimple patch) to help target the skin blemish and protect it from restless fingers.

4. Be patient with your skincare regimen

It would be amazing to snap your fingers and wake up with clear skin, but the truth is that skincare takes time to work. While there are acne blemish treatments that can help visibly reduce the appearance of pimples overnight (looking at you, spot treatments), it can take much longer to see real long-term improvements. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) shares that you should give your acne treatments at least four to six weeks to work. So, try not to feel disparaged if you don’t immediately get the results you want—patience is key here.

5. Consult a professional

If you’re struggling to get your skin blemishes under control, it may be time to let an expert take the reins. A board-certified dermatologist can help determine the underlying cause of your facial blemishes and recommend products (or even in-office treatments) to help you achieve your skincare goals.

How To Prevent Blemishes

Knowing how to manage skin blemishes is, of course, helpful—but far more useful is learning how to help prevent them from occurring in the first place. Here are four tips to help you do just that.

1. Cleanse twice daily

Cleansing is an essential first step in your skincare routine, regardless of your skin type or concerns. Morning and night, kick off your routine with a gentle face wash to help clear your skin of excess oil and debris. We’re partial to the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Radiant Smoothing Cream Cleanser, a vitamin C-infused face wash that helps remove all traces of makeup and impurities. It also serves as a gentle exfoliator and helps enhance skin’s smoothness and radiance.

2. Try retinol

Retinol is well-known for its use in anti-aging skincare products, but many products containing this vitamin A derivative can also help keep skin blemishes at bay. If you’ve never used retinol before, we recommend starting with a gentle serum, like the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Derm Intensives Night Serum, 0.3% Pure Retinol. The lightweight serum absorbs quickly and helps brighten, smooth, and refine the skin. Plus, it’s designed to be gentle enough for use on all skin types—including sensitive skin. We recommend using it two to three times per week at night to start. From there, you can gradually increase the frequency to nightly usage as your skin acclimates.

3. Prioritize hydration

It may feel counterintuitive to use moisturizer if you have oily or acne-prone skin, but skipping it can be worse in the long run. When you don’t moisturize, your skin can become dehydrated—and oftentimes, your body will make more oil to compensate. This, in turn, makes you more likely to develop clogged pores or skin blemishes.

The key to balancing hydration with your skin concerns is to seek out the right formula for your needs. If you’re prone to breakouts, it’s best to look for products that are labeled “non-comedogenic,” as this means they’re unlikely to clog your pores. And if traditional face creams feel too heavy on your skin, consider reaching for a water-based moisturizer, which tends to be lightweight and well-suited for those with oilier skin types. When in doubt, we suggest heading to your dermatologist to help you customize an effective routine.

4. Practice safe sun

Skin blemishes like post-acne marks and age spots can become more pronounced when they’re exposed to the sun. It’s important to protect your skin against damaging rays to keep dark spots from deepening and to help prevent future ones from cropping up.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 every day. We recommend the L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily UV Lotion, as it’s lightweight, absorbs quickly, and blends with an invisible finish on all skin tones. Just remember that for adequate protection, you’ll want to reapply your sunscreen every two hours (or after sweating or swimming). It’s important to take other sun protection measures, too: the FDA recommends limiting your time in the sun at midday, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade when possible.

Next Up: How To Get Clear Skin: 11 Tips for Clearer-Looking Skin