Blemishes are caused by oil on the skin, buildup of bacteria and dead skin cells that block hair follicles, reports the Mayo Clinic. When dead skin and oil become clogged in hair follicles, a whitehead occurs. When this clog is on the surface of the skin, it creates a blackhead. Whether you get the occasional blemish every few months or you suffer from blemishes every day, over-the-counter and prescription remedies can clear up your skin. Start with an over-the-counter treatment, and if it's not effective within several weeks, move on to stronger prescription treatments.
Step 1
Wash the blemish and the entire surrounding area with an acne wash containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Both products work to dry up the oil in skin and help exfoliate dead skin cells, reports the Mayo Clinic. If the blemish is on your face, wash your entire face. If the blemish is on your back, wash your entire back.
Step 2
Apply an oil-free, alcohol-free toner to the blemish and the area around it with a clean cotton ball. Toner can be used on the entire face to control oil and balance the pH of the skin.
Step 3
Place only oil-free, noncomedogenic makeup over the blemish to cover it. Some makeups are oil based, and will clog pores and make acne worse. Wash all makeup off your face before going to bed.
Step 4
Leave the pimple alone throughout the day. Avoid scrubbing, picking, scratching or squeezing the pimple, which will only make acne worse, suggests the American Academy of Family Physicians. Instead, do not touch the pimple at all, except to wash your face or apply medication.
Step 5
Apply an over-the-counter spot treatment containing benzoyl peroxide directly to the blemish at night. Overnight, the spot treatment may dry out the blemish, making it smaller and less noticeable in the morning.
Step 6
Consult a dermatologist if over-the-counter products are unresponsive. A dermatologist can prescribe a variety of prescription medications, including retinoid creams, oral antibiotics and isotretinoin. Additionally, your doctor can inject hydrocortisone directly into the blemish, making it smaller within a few hours.
Tips and Warnings
- Wear your hair up in a hat or ponytail if it brushes against an area where you have blemishes.
- Isotretinoin may cause serious side effects, including changes in vision, thoughts of suicide and depression.
Things You'll Need
- Over-the-counter acne wash
- Oil-free toner
- Cotton ball
- Oil-free makeup
- Benzoyl peroxide spot treatment
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