How many different kinds of facial blemishes are there?
There are two main types of skin blemishes:
1) Dark spots on your face (DSP): These are usually caused by sun exposure or environmental factors such as dust mites, pollution, and even cigarette smoke.
They may appear anywhere on your face except forehead and cheeks. DSPs have no cure but they can be treated with creams or potions.
2) Light spots on your face (LSP): These are caused by various things like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions.
LSPs do not affect any part of your face except forehead and cheeks. You can treat them with creams or potions.
What is the difference between DSPs and LSPs?
The most common type of DSP is called melasma which means “dark spot” in Greek. Melasma is a condition where dark patches appear on your face. It’s caused by sunlight or environmental factors such as dust mites, pollution, and even cigarette smoke. Other causes include genetics, hormonal changes during puberty, stress, age spots, and sun damage from tanning beds. Some people get it naturally while others develop it due to certain lifestyle choices like smoking cigarettes or being overweight. Melasma can be cured with proper treatment but if left untreated it will eventually become permanent. Melasma is common in dark skinned people but it also affects light skinned people as well.
In contrast, LSPs are caused by various things like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions. LSPs don’t have a cure but they can be treated with creams or potions. One of the most common types of LSP is called vitiligo.
In this condition the proteins that give your skin its natural color disappear. As a result, you get pale white patches on your face. There isn’t any known cause for vitiligo. It is mostly the result of genetics but some medicines, emotional distress, or stress can also trigger it. If you get vitiligo you will not lose your hair or go blind. It only affects your face and other parts of your body will retain their natural pigmentation.
How to remove dark spots on face naturally?
There are many things you can do to treat dark spots on your face:
Creams: You can use a good quality skin lightening cream. You can also eat healthy to ensure your skin stays radiant and blemish-free.
Herbal supplements: Many herbal supplements are available in the market that will help you get rid of DSPs. Some of them are very effective but others are a scam so be careful when purchasing them.
Lighteners: These cosmetics contain a chemical called hydroquinone which helps to lighten your skin. You can get them from a store or you can make your own at home. However, most of these products are only suitable for lightening areas larger than the face such as the back.
Applying them on your face might cause bleaching or discoloration of the skin.
Laser treatment: This is the most effective way of getting rid of dark patches on your face. Laser treatment involves shining concentrated light at the affected area. It causes a controlled burning which in turn helps to remove the darkened areas.
It is not a permanent solution but it is a good temporary measure.
Pigmentation prevention: In this method, you have to regularly apply a bleaching agent or other product which can prevent new pigment cells from forming. This is a long process but the results are permanent and you won’t have to worry about DSPs ever again.
Professional Treatments: In this method you have to consult a dermatologist who will analyze your skin type, and then provide treatment accordingly. This might include medication, creams, lotions or other procedures.
Prevention is always better than cure: The old saying is absolutely true in this case as well. The best way to get rid of DSPs is to avoid getting them in the first place. Always wear a good quality sunscreen whenever you go outside especially in the sun.
Sunlight is one of the main reasons behind your skin getting darker so always wear a cap, sunglasses, and long sleeved clothing when going out.
How to identify dark spots on face?
Dark spots on face can be identified in these ways:
They have irregular shapes and sizes.
Their color varies from black, brown, gray or purple.
They are not itchy or painful but they might feel rough to touch.
You can only see them under bright lights. In normal conditions they get camouflaged with the rest of your skin.
How to get rid of dark spots naturally at home?
The best way to get rid of dark spots on your face is to use some simple home remedies. All you have to do is follow these tips:
Coconut: This fruit is not only tasty but also very useful for your skin. It contains oils and other properties that help lighten skin color and improve its texture. Apply fresh coconut water on your face.
Let it dry and then rinse it off after some time. Do this daily until you get the desired results.
Lemon: Lemon juice is another effective home remedy. Mix lemon juice with some honey and ginger to make a paste. Apply this on your face and leave it for 10 minutes.
Wash it off and see the difference. You will start seeing results in just a week.
Olive oil: This oil is not only good for your stomach but also for your skin. It can get rid of the dead cells and lighten the dark spots on your face. All you have to do is take 2 table spoons of olive oil and warm it in a pan.
Now massage your face with it. After 5 minutes, wash it off with warm water. Do this twice a day for best results.
How to get rid of dark spots with the help of cosmetic products?
Cosmetics are an easy way to get rid of DSPs. You don’t have to go for painful surgeries or long treatment methods. All you have to do is choose the right product and follow the instructions on the package:
Fading creams: These creams are very popular among people who want to get rid of dark spots on their faces. They contain vitamin A, alpha hydroxy acids and other properties which lighten skin color and provide elasticity. Some of these creams also contain special filters and sunscreens to protect your skin from the sun’s rays.
Always choose a reputed brand for best results.
Sun block lotions: These lotions have become essential for people who spend a lot of time in sunlight. They provide protection from harmful UV rays which can darken your skin and cause skin cancer. Choose a high SPF cream like SPF 30, 45 or 50.
Apply it at least 20 minutes before going out. Reapply it every 2 hours and always wear a cap, a hat and sunglasses. Also, remember to keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of water.
Vitamin E capsules: Vitamin E is not only good for your heart but also for your skin. It can get rid of the dark spots on your face. Take a vitamin E capsule and directly apply its oil on your face.
Massage it properly so that it gets absorbed properly into the skin.
Sources & references used in this article:
Correlates of health‐related quality of life in women with severe facial blemishes by R Balkrishnan, AJ McMichael, JY Hu… – International journal …, 2006 – Wiley Online Library
Skin peeling and scarification: in the treatment of pitted scars, pigmentations and certain facial blemishes by JJ ELLER, S WOLFF – Journal of the American Medical …, 1941 – jamanetwork.com
Composite portraits, made by combining those of many different persons into a single resultant figure. by F Galton – The Journal of the Anthropological Institute of Great …, 1879 – JSTOR
Visual detection of blemishes in potatoes using minimalist boosted classifiers by M Barnes, T Duckett, G Cielniak, G Stroud… – Journal of Food …, 2010 – Elsevier
Skin wrinkles and blemishes by PM Bill – wakehealthse3.adam.com
