So, when it comes to skincare concerns, blemished skin and pigmentation are mostly confused with one another. Many people usually assume that they are the same, although while they might look similar, their causes and treatments are very different.
In this blog, we will go through what are blemishes, how are they different from pigmentation, and what is the best treatment for blemishes on the face to help you get a clear and even-toned skin.
What is Blemished Skin?
Blemished skin is a kind of imperfection on the skin, which include acne, scars, dark spots, and uneven texture. These blemishes are mostly caused by clogged pores, inflammation, hormonal imbalances, sun damage, or skin infections. Mag Online Library
Common Types of Skin Blemishes
1. Acne – Issues like whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and even cystic acne caused by excess oil production and clogged pores.
2. Dark Spots (Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation – PIH) – This is the discoloration that is left behind after the acne is healed or skin irritation.
3. Acne Scars – These are deep marks that form after severe breakouts.
4. Freckles & Sunspots – These small, brown dark spots are caused by extreme sun exposure or genetics.
5. Milia – These are small, white bumps that are mostly caused by the trapped keratin under the skin surface.
6. Skin Irritations – These blemishes caused mostly caused by allergies, rashes, or even bacterial infections.
While this blemished skin can vary from people to people, also most blemishes usually fade over time with the right skincare.
What is Pigmentation?
Pigmentation is referred to the natural color of the skin, which is determined by the production of melanin. When the melanin production is uneven, it leads to dark patches or lighter areas on the skin mainly on the forehead or cheek. PMC
As compared to blemishes, pigmentation issues are always not linked to acne. They can be also caused by sun damage, hormonal imbalances, medical conditions, or even genetics.
Types of Skin Pigmentation
1. Hyperpigmentation – These are the dark patches that show up which are caused by excess melanin production.
2. Melasma – Are the brownish or grayish patches, which are often triggered by hormonal changes. This is most common during pregnancy.
3. Sunspots (Liver Spots) – These small, dark spots appear on the skin due to long-term sun exposure.
4. Hypopigmentation – These are lighter patches that are caused by the reduced melanin production (e.g., vitiligo).
Although pigmentation and blemishes can appear to be similar, they have different causes and require different treatments.
Difference Between Pigmentation and Blemishes
|
Feature |
Blemishes |
Pigmentation |
|
Cause |
These are caused due to acne, clogged pores, infections or sun exposure |
These are caused because of excess melanin production, sun damage and hormones |
|
Appearance |
They appear as red spots, pimples, scars or milia on the skin |
They appear as Dark or light patches on the skin and as uneven skin tone |
|
Duration |
They are often there temporary, but scars they leave behind can be permanent |
They can be long-lasting or even permanent |
|
Treatment |
Treatment options include - acne care, exfoliation, spot treatments etc |
Treatment options include sunscreen, brightening serums or even laser treatments |
In simpler words, blemishes and dark spots can overlap, but blemishes include acne, scars, and skin irritations, while on the other hand pigmentation focuses on changes in the color of the skin.
Best Treatment for Blemishes on Face
If you struggling to understand how to treat blemished skin, here are some effective ways to help treat it Wiley :
1. Daily Skincare Routine
• Cleanse your face twice a day – Wash your face twice a day, daily with gentle cleanser to remove all the dirt, oil, and bacteria.
• Exfoliate – Exfoliation using AHAs (glycolic acid) or BHAs (salicylic acid) help to clear out dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores.
• Moisturize – By applying a hydrating moisturizer, you hydrate the skin. Which helps maintain a balance and prevents excessive oil production.
• Sunscreen – Skin that is exposed to the sun may darken the blemishes and cause even more pigmentation.
2. Targeted Skincare Treatments
• Salicylic Acid – This is the best when it comes to acne blemishes as it helps unclog pores and reduce the inflammation.
• Niacinamide – This ingredient helps fade the blemishes and dark spots on the face while reducing the redness.
• Vitamin C – This ingredient has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help brighten the skin and reduce hyperpigmentation.
• Retinoid – This ingredient is very well known to help improve the skin texture, reduce acne scars, and speed up cell turnover.
3. Professional Treatments for Stubborn Blemishes
• Chemical Peels – This treatment helps remove the dead skin cells and fade off acne scars.
• Laser Therapy – This treatment helps reduce those deep acne scars and dark spots.
• Microneedling – This treatment helps boost the collagen to heal the acne scars and improve skin texture.
If you’re struggling or know someone with pigmentation and blemishes want to treat it correctly, then knowing the difference between them can help you choose that right treatment.
FAQs:
1. Can blemishes be removed permanently?
Yes, with the right skincare routine and treatments some blemishes can fade completely. But deep scars can require professional procedures like laser therapy or microneedling to remove them completely.
2. What is another name for skin pigmentation?
The other commonly used name for skin pigmentation is Hyperpigmentation.
3. What is the difference between a dark spot and a blemish?
Skin discoloration caused by excess melanin is pigmentation, whereas any imperfection on the skin, including acne, scars, or redness can be a blemish.
4. Will blemishes go away?
Mostly blemishes fade over time with proper skincare and treatment, but others, like deep acne scars, may need professional help to improve.