How to remove blemishes from your face: products and treatments to renew your skin

There are several factors that trigger the appearance of spots on the skin; some may be easier to remove and others more difficult. The good news is that there are specific products and treatments to soften and even make unwanted stains disappear. Here is a complete guide on how to remove blemishes from your face.

Here, you can learn more about the main types of blemishes, product tips and medical and home resources that can help you have renewed skin. Check out!

Dermatologist explains how to remove blemishes from the face

The master in dermatology from the University of São Paulo, member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology and the American Academy of Dermatology and professor of dermatology at Unirio, Simone Veloso (CRM: 5255218-1), explains that “dyschromias or blemishes are defined as in skin color, due to the increase or decrease in melanin. Some skin blemishes are birthmarks or can appear over time, as a consequence of excessive sun exposure, allergies, disease and aging. Next, learn more about the different types of stains and the main questions on the subject clarified by Veloso.

What are the main types of skin blemishes?
The dermatologist explains in detail the types of stains and their particularities:

• Melasma: It is characterized by the appearance of dark spots on the skin, especially on the face. It can appear because of hormonal changes (especially during pregnancy) and excessive exposure to the sun. Women are more likely to develop melasma than men;
• Spots caused by pimples: depending on the severity of the injuries, in addition to scars, acne can also leave spots on the skin. The lack of sunscreen use and manipulation of pimples are factors that make the spots more prone to darkening;
• Achromias: white spots caused by the absence of melanin, such as albinism (genetic disorder in which there is a defect in the production of melanin) and vitiligo (dermatosis of probable autoimmune nature);
• Hypochromia: white spots caused by a decrease in melanin. For example: pityriasis versicolor (known as white cloth), recurrent and non-contagious superficial mycosis and hypochromic nevi (spots, spots and signs) of a congenital nature;
• Hyperchromias or dark spots: arise due to excessive production of melanin. They are common in ephelides or freckles, fair skin, nevi, melasma and post-inflammatory hyperchromia.

Is it possible to remove blemishes from the face with cosmetic products? Which are the most recommended?

“The depigmenting agents most used in the treatment of these spots are hydroquinone, retinoic, glycolic, phytic, kojic and azelaic acids, vitamin C, Arbutin®, Antipollon HT®, VC-PMG (magnesium ascorbate phosphate) and phenol (cytotoxic). Other therapies can also be used, such as microdermabrasion and dermabrasion, laser and chemical peels.”

Does hydroquinone ointment really work?

“Yea. Hydroquinone is a substance indicated for the gradual lightening of spots such as melasma, freckles, senile lentigines, and other conditions in which hyperpigmentation occurs due to excessive melanin production. However, hydroquinone can cause reactions such as erythemia, skin redness, mild burning sensation and occasional hypersensitivity such as localized contact dermatitis. Other less frequent reactions such as exogenous ochronosis and reversible brown spots on nails are also related to substance use.”

How to avoid blemishes on the face?

“The use of sunscreen is fundamental in prevention.”

Can certain foods help to soften blemishes and improve the appearance of the skin?

“In addition to the use of sunscreen, a healthy diet can also help to reduce the damage caused by skin exposure to the sun. Eating foods rich in carotenoids, vitamins C and E, and polyphenols can provide protection from the effects of UV rays. For example: tomato, carrot and asparagus.”

Veloso also warns of the most serious cases of stains that require specialized medical treatment. “The first step is to look for a dermatologist so that he can examine and identify the cause of the stain. Only after the diagnosis is made it will be possible to define the therapeutic options”.

Where to buy products to remove blemishes from the face

Superficial and little dark spots can be treated using creams, serums and clays with specific formulas with a whitening action. Check out the list of products we have prepared for you!

1. Whitening Serum Pigmentclar Serum La Roche-Posay, at Época Cosmetics
2. Renew Clinical Avon Multi-Lightening Facial Cream, at Avon
3. Whitening Treatment Kit, at Quintal Dermocosméticos
4. Eucerin Anti-Aging Whitening Fluid FPS30, at Privalia
5. Adcos Melan-Off Blemish Whitening Serum, at Beauty on the Web

The products listed above treat melasma, freckles, melanosis, lentigo, pigmentation in the armpits and groin, and even rosacea and blemishes in the eye area, such as melanic and vascular dark circles. Overall, the formulas promise to brighten and leave the skin with a uniform texture, in addition to offering SPF 30 protection against UVA and UVB rays.

Home remedies to remove blemishes from your face

Some homemade recipes can also be allies in the mission to remove blemishes from the face, but there are caveats. The dermatologist at Clínica Mais Excelência Médica SP, Herbeth Sobral (CRM: 178229), states that the results of these applications are based on people’s experiences, that is, they do not have a proven scientific basis. Thus, they must be indicated by a dermatologist who will analyze the patient’s skin and indicate what can or cannot be used in home treatment.

Even outside the line of traditional aesthetic treatments, Herbeth claims that some specific ingredients act to lighten blemishes on the face. “We know that most medicines come from natural sources and can help to lighten blemishes, such as aloe, baking soda and rice water,” he adds.

Want to know more information about these home treatments? Then read on to learn how to make your own recipe at home!

Complete ritual to remove blemishes from the face

In this video, you follow the whole routine to keep the skin healthy and remove even the darkest spots. With cleansing, exfoliation, mask, facial tonic and, finally, plant-based serums, these are all the steps towards clean, hydrated and blemish-free skin.

Aloe Vera to lighten skin blemishes

A favorite medicinal plant among women, aloe vera is known to bring numerous benefits to the skin and hair. Rich in amino acids, it helps to restore hydration, improve the appearance of wrinkles and lighten skin blemishes as it contains antioxidant actives and regenerating properties.

Homemade recipe with rice water and cucumber to remove stains

The kojic acid released by the rice in the water mixed with the “juice” of the grated cucumber forms a potent active to remove blemishes from the skin. It is recommended to apply to the liquid before bed and leave it to act throughout the night. When you wake up, just rinse your face and then apply sunscreen.

Recipe with coffee grounds to lighten blemishes and dry pimples

With just coffee grounds, honey and olive oil you can prepare a powerful recipe to dry those unwanted pimples and still guarantee a fresh and blemish-free skin. Just mix the ingredients and then exfoliate your face with circular motions. Just leave it on for 5 minutes and rinse your face with just water.

As stated earlier, home remedies for whitening stains require some special care. According to beautician and cosmetologist Roseli Siqueira, before applying any type of mask on the face, the ideal is that the skin is clean and toned. The professional adds: “when removing the mask, remove it gently without rubbing the skin. Although they are natural products, friction can cause some irritation or allergy. Pay attention to the eye area, as some of these components can cause burning”.

Those who have stains that are more difficult to remove, can bet on the combination between home treatments and doctors performed in specialized clinics. Siqueira says that homemade recipes, associated with treatments in cabins, guarantee a much better result. Algae peeling, for example, is 100% natural, antioxidant, and acts deeply on the skin promoting cell renewal and increased collagen production.

Medical treatments to remove blemishes from the face

If you need a more powerful treatment to remove blemishes from your face, it is worth investing in targeted techniques such as laser, peeling and microneedling. Check more details:

Laser

Laser is one of the most suitable treatments for those who have dark spots on the skin, as it acts directly on melanocytes, evens out the skin tone and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. The CO2 laser is also a great option for lightening blemishes, as well as being ideal for removing wrinkles and acne scars.

Peeling

Improving the appearance of the skin, smoothing scars and lightening blemishes are the main benefits of peeling. Chemical, physical or laser, the treatment brings great results to the skin, leaving it renewed and uniform.

microneedling

The objective of this technique is to stimulate the formation of new collagen fibers through microneedles that penetrate the skin. Thus, the treatment helps to lighten blemishes, eliminate acne scars, reduce enlarged pores and even mitigate wrinkles and expression lines.

It is worth emphasizing that any stain whitening method, whether homemade or medical, needs to be recommended by a professional specialized in the area. Only then will you guarantee the best treatment for your skin and, of course, a luminous and blemish-free face! For more skin care, check out our article on gold mask.