What are facial blemishes?
Types of facial blemishes
How to minimise dark spots on the face?
How can you avoid facial blemishes?
What are facial blemishes?
Facial blemishes are caused by the accumulation of melanin in specific areas of the skin. Several factors can cause skin blemishes. The most common ones are sun exposure, hormonal changes, ageing, acne, allergic reactions, skin diseases, or certain medications.
Such spots can appear all over the body but are more likely to appear on the face. This is because the face is the area of the body most exposed to environmental factors that can cause hyperpigmentation, such as sunlight, pollution, and the climate.
If you are concerned about the look of a spot, please consult a Dermatologist to assess this.
Types of facial blemishes
There are many different types of blemishes on the face, each with specific causes and characteristics. Knowing the most common ones will help you identify and treat them with the right products correctly. Below, we will delve into the most prevalent types of skin blemishes and uncover their distinctive attributes.
Dark spots on the face
Dark spots, such as such as freckles, moles, or birthmarks, tend to be some of the most well-known blemishes. Dark spots on the face can vary in color, from light brown to black, and can be uniform in tone or have darker or lighter areas. They can also have different shapes, as well as different sizes and textures. Dark spots on the face can appear anywhere, but most commonly appear on the forehead, cheeks, nose, upper lip, or eye area.
The dark spots, such as lentigines or freckles, may have a genetic origin. Another reason dark spots appear on the face is due to the intake of certain medications, hormonal imbalances, or the after effects of acne.
Should you notice any changes in the size, colour, or texture of these spots, it is necessary to consult a Dermatologist. While these variations might not always indicate something serious, they could be linked to underlying health issues. In this case, detecting and addressing them early brings significant advantages. For example, seeking guidance from a Dermatologist for such changes in these spots, is an important measure to prevent cancers such as melanoma.
Solar lentigines
Solar lentigines, also known as age spots or sunspots, are brown, flat spots that appear on the skin in areas commonly exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, and arms. These spots occur due to lengthy and frequent exposure to the sun's UV rays, which damages the skin's pigment-producing cells, called melanocytes. As a result, the skin produces melanin in an unbalanced way, causing solar lentigines.
In addition to sun exposure, several other factors can cause sunspots on the face, such as ageing, family history, and exposure to artificial ultraviolet light sources, such as sunbeds.
White spots on the face
Another type of skin blemish is white spots. Different types of white spots can be identified depending on their origin and characteristics:
Pityriasis Versicolor: This is the most common form of white patch, caused by a fungal condition. If left untreated, Pityriasis Versicolor can spread all over the body.
Vitiligo: This is an autoimmune disease in which white patches appear on the knees, elbows, feet, face, and hands.
Hypomelanosis: This is characterised by the appearance of white spots as a result of sun exposure.
Atopic dermatitis: This results in pityriasis alba, characterised by dry skin, scaling, and white patches on the face.
Genetic factors are also responsible for the appearance of white spots on the face, as is the use of certain medications, such as corticosteroids. In addition, a vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to diseases such as hyperthyroidism or psoriasis. In these cases, we would recommend consulting with a Doctor, for a professional diagnosis and treatment plan.
Red spots on the face
The most prominent reason for red spots on the face is dermatitis. However, they can also appear due to an allergy causing skin burning, either by ingesting food or rubbing against an external stinging element, such as nettles. On the other hand, red spots on the skin can also appear due to the use of perfumes, jewellery, creams, or cosmetics that generate a reaction on the skin.
Acne is another reason skin redness may appear, or cause the skin to lose its even tone. Moreover, Rosacea is yet another reason we can develop red face spots, which can be a result of an overactive immune system, genetics, or environmental factors such as sun exposure, extreme temperatures, certain foods, alcohol, stress and some skincare products.
When your skin is sensitive to external factors, it is essential to take care of it properly and look for specific products for sensitive skin, to soothe and moisturise the skin, evening out its tone. Investing in quality products is important to apply the best treatment for blemishes on this type of skin.
Hormonal spots on the face
Hormonal spots are skin hyperpigmentations that often appear on women’s faces due to alterations in estrogen and progesterone levels, usually during pregnancy, menopause, or periods of contraceptive treatment.
Melasma is a hormonal blemish on the face often triggered by sun exposure. This condition is more common in the skin with high phototypes, i.e. darker skin. This is why an effective way to minimise melasma spots on the face is the daily use of sunscreen to prevent the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays.
Melasma appears on areas of skin exposed to the sun, and they usually have irregular shapes and sizes. They are dark brown or grayish in color and generally have different appearances depending on the area of the face where they appear.
How to minimise dark spots on the face?
At SkinCeuticals, we know that hyperpigmentation can be concerning for some people. Discover products specifically formulated to reduce the appearance of dark spots on the face and prevent their reappearance, within the perfect product routine.
Step 1: Cleanser
A good cleanser is an essential part of the facial care routine, as it removes impurities from the skin, traces of cosmetics, and pollution particles that accumulate in the pores throughout the day. If not removed properly, these can clog pores and lead to blemishes and other skin concerns.
Besides removing dirt, cleansing also helps prepare the skin for applying skincare products. By leaving the skin free of impurities, these products can penetrate better and work more effectively.
Choosing a cleanser that suits your skin type and specific needs is important. For example, if you have dry skin, you may need a gentle, moisturising cleanser, such as our Gentle Cleaner. However, people with oily skin may need a cleanser that controls excess sebum, such as our Blemish + Age Cleanser.
Step 2: Vitamin C Antioxidant Serum
Antioxidant serums are an excellent way to protect your skin against free radicals and oxidative damage. At SkinCeuticals, we offer Phloretin CF antioxidant serum with pure vitamin C, which provides enhanced protection against environmental skin ageing. It also protects against free radicals and helps eliminate blemishes, fine lines, and uneven skin tone. Thanks to its phloretin, vitamin C, and ferulic acid content, this serum is perfect if you want to reduce facial dark spots. It is suitable for normal, oily and combination skin types.
Apply 4-5 drops of Phloretin CF onto fingertips and press into the face, neck and chest, applying light pressure.
“Start with a Vitamin C serum that will deliver an active dose of at least 10% L Ascorbic Acid. I recommend SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF as it contains this Vitamin C dose but also 2% Phloretin that will help prevent pigmentation as well as being a potent antioxidant.” - Dr Jonquille Chantrey, Aesthetic Doctor
Step 3: Discoloration Serum
Discoloration Defense For Skin Discoloration
Skin Discoloration + Dark Spot Serum For Dry & Oily Skin
If you have dark spots on your skin, a discolouration serum can help reduce them. We have Discoloration Defense Serum, a corrective serum that eliminates darker hyperpigmentation and marks caused by imperfections. It is suitable for all skin types.
To apply, with your fingers lightly press 3-5 drops of the serum onto the affected areas and wait for it to be absorbed entirely before moisturising.
Step 4: Moisturiser
Facial moisturising is essential to any beauty routine, as it helps keep the skin healthy and radiant. Facial skin is the skin most exposed to external factors such as solar radiation, pollution, and changes in the weather, so it is vital to keep it hydrated to maintain the skin's protective barrier and prevent premature ageing, such as the appearance of wrinkles, and expression lines.
Your daily cream must be formulated with ingredients for your specific skin type to maintain its water levels and leave it nourished. Some ingredients commonly used to moisturise the skin are hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and vitamin B5, as they boost the skin's deep hydration to keep it feeling soft and looking healthy.
Step 5: Sunscreen
The last step that every facial care routine should include, especially if your goal is to eliminate or prevent the appearance of blemishes, is the application of sunscreen to the face. Protecting the skin from the sun can help prevent premature photoageing of the skin, delaying the appearance of fine lines and facial blemishes. In addition to protecting yourself from UV rays during the summer, it is essential to protect your skin throughout the rest of the year because, although radiation is lower, it can still cause skin damage.
Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF 50 for All Skin Types 40ml
Dual-action, lightweight sunscreen with SPF 50 that helps protect the skin from UV-induced discolouration and helps evens skin tone.
Whether you have oily, normal, combination, or dry skin, Advance Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50 combines sunscreen with ingredients that correct facial blemishes and help prevent the damaging effects of UVA/UVB rays, so that you can enjoy luminous, even skin. It is formulated with tranexamic acid, niacinamide, and broad-spectrum UV filters for all-over action and even skin tone.
"The SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF50 is one of my favourite sunscreens to recommend in clinic. It provides broad-spectrum UV protection, and contains niacinamide and tranexamic acid to address UV-induced skin discolouration. It’s suitable for all skin types and my patients love it as it treats and prevents hyperpigmentation." - Dr. Derrick Phillips, Consultant Dermatologist
How can you avoid facial blemishes?
Taking into account the above information, there are some guidelines you can follow to prevent the appearance of spots or to take care of skin with hyperpigmentation. Here are the most important ones:
Always use sunscreen when leaving the house. There are photoprotectors that, besides protecting you from solar radiation, reduce existing hyperpigmentation, visibly to improve the appearance of blemishes.
Use products to target blemishes. Products with antioxidant ingredients or those that promote cell regeneration can be beneficial for facial blemishes, such as vitamin C and glycolic acid. They encourage skin renewal and provide luminosity, to reduce the appearance of blemishes on your face.
Avoid excessive sun exposure. One of the leading causes of blemishes is UVA rays on the skin, so reducing the time of exposure and protecting the skin appropriately when you are going to be exposed to the sun is essential.
Moisturise the skin of the face and the rest of the body daily with products such as quality serums and creams.
Drink enough water daily to keep the skin hydrated to prevent signs of ageing.
Following the above tips and applying this combination and discolouration-prone skin duo, you will be on track to reduce your dark spots and help prevent new ones from appearing.
Featured Products
Gentle Cleanser
Hydrates and comforts dry and tight skin while smoothing rough surface texture.
Blemish + Age Cleanser 240ml
Decongests and refines pores, minimises blemishes, and brightens the skin.
Discoloration Defense For Skin Discoloration
Skin Discoloration + Dark Spot Serum For Dry & Oily Skin
Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF 50 for All Skin Types 40ml
Dual-action, lightweight sunscreen with SPF 50 that helps protect the skin from UV-induced discolouration and helps evens skin tone.
