Blemish-Prone vs Acne-Prone Skin - The Difference

Acne is a specific skin condition due to clogged pores, excess sebum production, and bacteria. Acne-prone skin tends to develop blackheads, whiteheads, inflamed pimples, and sometimes deep cysts due to overactive sebaceous glands and hormonal imbalances.

Blemish-prone skin, on the other hand, refers to skin that’s more susceptible to occasional imperfections which can include acne and pimples, but also dark spots, redness, or uneven texture.

A blemish is any mark or discoloration on the skin that may result from minor breakouts, sun damage, or irritation. Unlike acne, which is an ongoing skin concern, blemishes can appear sporadically and often fade with time or the right skincare routine.

So, in short, all acne is a type of blemish, but not all blemishes are acne. Acne is a persistent condition that requires targeted treatment, while blemishes can be caused by various factors.

Do Blemishes Go Away Naturally?

Blemishes like dark spots left behind by breakouts may be able to fade on their own, but the process is slow and depends on factors like skin type, severity of the blemish, and sun exposure. Minor pimples and blackheads may clear within days or weeks, while post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)—the dark marks left after acne heals—can take months or even years to disappear fully.

A big factor in whether blemishes heal naturally is sun exposure. Unprotected skin exposed to UV rays can prolong the fading process, making dark spots linger for much longer.

Regular sunscreen use is crucial, as it prevents further damage and allows the skin’s natural healing process to work more efficiently. Without it, even faint discoloration can darken and become more stubborn over time.

Simple Remedies For Blemish-Prone Skin

Here’s a few easy remedies to ease inflammation for mild-to-moderate blemishes:

Follow A Consistent Cleansing Routine

A consistent cleansing routine is essential to managing blemish-prone skin. You may already have a cleansing routine in place, but we recommend sticking to non-comedogenic cleansers.

They clean your skin without stripping its natural oils. But be careful of over-cleansing, as it can cause dryness, prompting the skin to produce more oil.

The right technique and temperature are also key. Lukewarm water balances the skin, while too hot can irritate blemish-prone areas. Gently massage your skin while cleansing and use only ingredients suited for your skin type (sensitive, dry, oily, normal, or combination).

Exfoliate, But Don’t Over-Exfoliate

Exfoliating helps clear your skin’s surface of dead cells and other impurities while preventing oil buildup. Skipping this step can lead to common blemishes like blackheads or breakouts, due to congestion and oil buildup.

Meanwhile, over-exfoliation strips the skin’s natural protective barrier, resulting in dryness, irritation, and breakouts, as the skin compensates for the heightened oil production.

Moisturise

Moisturisers come in various properties. First, through occlusion which forms a protective barrier over the skin to prevent water loss. Ingredients like squalene create this layer, helping the skin retain moisture.

Second, humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid act as moisture magnets, drawing water into the skin from the air or deeper skin layers. Humectants offer gentle, deep hydration without clogging pores.

Finally, emollients like ceramides soften and smooth the skin by filling in tiny gaps on the surface.

Spot Treatments

Spot treatments help one of the most common types of blemishes: acne. Look for effective ingredients like salicylic or benzoyl peroxide, known for treating mild to moderate acne.

Salicylic acid penetrates the pores to dissolve dead skin cells and prevent blockages, while benzoyl peroxide acts as an antibacterial agent, helping to reduce the acne-causing bacteria that can aggravate blemishes.

Consistency is key with spot treatments, especially for treating isolated spots without widespread irritation. They may not be effective, however, on severe or cystic acne as these often require a deeper approach.

Professional Treatments

If you seek professional treatments for those stubborn blemishes, here are some options to consider:

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion exfoliates the outermost layer of the skin using a handheld device with a diamond-tipped wand to gently remove dead skin cells. These are vacuumed away by the same device.

Microdermabrasion helps reduce the appearance of acne, hyperpigmentation, enlarged pores and even mild acne scarring. By promoting cell turnover and stimulating collagen production, microdermabrasion can lead to a smoother, more even complexion with minimal downtime. It’s often recommended for those with mild to moderate blemishes who are looking to refine their skin’s texture.

Chemical Peels

Chemical Peels are professional treatments that apply a safe chemical solution to the skin’s surface to exfoliate and rejuvenate. They can address acne, discoloration, blackheads and whiteheads.

LED Light Therapy

LED Light Therapy is a non-invasive treatment harnessing different light wavelengths to reduce acne, inflammation, and breakouts, and address pigmentation issues like sun damage. Each LED Light colour (blue, yellow, and red) penetrates the skin at different depths and has specific benefits.

Microneedling

Microneedling involves a device with fine needles that create tiny, microscopic injuries on the surface of the skin. These tiny punctures activate the body’s natural healing response, prompting a surge of collagen and elastin towards the treatment site. These are both essential proteins for repair and rejuvenation.

However, this treatment is more effective against depressed, not raised acne scars. Its other benefits include reducing the visibility of enlarged pores, fine lines, and even hyperpigmentation over time.

In conclusion

Ready to achieve clear, acne free and blemish screen? Call DNCC today at 741 496 9509 to schedule your FREE consultation.