4 Types of Blemishes and How to Deal With Them

Any dictionary or search would tell you that a blemish is a flaw that mars the skin. It can be congenital, such as a birthmark, or it can be caused by external factors, such as sunspots. While they’re not usually physically debilitating, they may lead to insecurities. But we’re here to remind you that no one is perfect: each person has had at least one kind or another. Read on for the most common types of blemishes. We’ve all had them so we have some tips for dealing with them, too.

Acne is perhaps the most common blemish because it encompasses many different kinds—pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, pustules, and more. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, clogged pores are the common cause of acne.

While some people are predisposed to these types of blemishes because of hormones, genetics, or lifestyle, the best advice for acne prevention is to have a diligent skincare regimen, starting with proper cleansing. Use POND'S Bright Miracle Ultimate Acne Control Facial Foam to stop acne at the root. It has Active Thymo-BHA Essence, which fights pimple-causing bacteria in three days.

Skin lesions are another large family of blemishes. The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery describes them as lumps, bumps, ulcers, sores, or colored areas that look different from the rest of the skin. While acne can be a solitary pimple on your chin, lesions usually form clusters, covering a wider area.

Because skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, allergies, or other sensitivities can cause these lesions, it’s best to consult a dermatologist for possible treatment.

Scars develop when the skin heals itself from acne, disease, or injury. According to the AAD, a wound has to be deep enough to injure the dermis, or the inner layers of the skin, to become a scar.

Think of it as the skin’s literal Band-Aid solution. The skin sees the wound as an emergency that needs fixing. Cells then make collagen to repair the gash, but because they do it quickly, the result is scar tissue that is thicker and less flexible than the rest of your skin.

Scars cause discoloration, which can even out on its own in time. However, if you’re dealing with depressed scars, such as pockmarks, or raised scars, such as keloids, consult your specialist for the most appropriate solution.

Dark spots on skin can happen in so many ways. Aging leads to age spots, for example. The sun causes sunspots, obviously. Hormones, medication, and the scarring mentioned above can also result in uneven skin tone. 

Fading dark spots can take time. However, you can speed things along by applying specific vitamins, such as niacinamide, or other ingredients intended to even out skin tone. POND’S Bright Triple Glow Serum has GlutaBoost+ that helps minimize the appearance of dark spots and brightens the skin 60 times better than Vitamin C. It also has skin superstar niacinamide to improve skin texture and hyaluronic acid to keep your skin looking nourished.

You can also prevent patchy skin by diligently applying sunscreen—yes, even when you’re indoors. The sun is the major culprit to many skin woes, so protect yourself from it as best you can.

Skin imperfections are normal. In some cases, such as scars, they speak of where you’ve been and what you’ve been through. But if you find them uncomfortable, then that’s okay, too. The best way to avoid these types of blemishes is to take care of your skin—follow through on your skincare routine and consult with a dermatologist regularly.