Blemishes are skin irregularities that can affect the color, smoothness and overall texture of your skin. Blemishes includes skin issues such as acne, scars, age spots (liver spots), moles and areas of hyper-pigmentation. Depending on what type of skin irregularity you are facing, there are several different treatment options available to help remove or reduce the appearance of skin blemishes.
Over-the-Counter Creams
Over-the-counter (OTC) products are the first line of defense against skin blemishes. For example, OTC strength retinoid creams can help skin cells turn over faster on the affected area, causing blemished skin cells to slough off and new smoother skin cells to be revealed. Salicylic acid can also be used for some skin blemishes, such as acne. Salicylic acid breaks down the protein keratin that makes up your skin cells. This allows salicylic to break down blemishes such as acne plugs, scaly skin and warts.
Prescription Creams
When over-the-counter treatments are not effective, a prescription retinoid cream may be recommended. Prescription retinoids also increase skin cell turnover rate, helping to exfoliate the blemished skin tissue. Common prescription retinoids include adapalene, tretinoin and tazarotene. The oral retinoid isotretinoin may also be affective for some skin blemishes, including acne.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels may also be used to remedy blemishes. Chemical peels can vary in strength from mild home peels to strong, deep peels that can be done only by a dermatologist. Chemical peels work by releasing the outer layers of the skin, causing it to peel off. This removes blemished skin cells and reveals new smoother skin cells, reducing the look of the blemish. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, deeper, mild chemical peels use solutions such as salicylic acid or glycolic acid, which require very little recovery time. Deeper peels use solutions such as phenol or trichloroacetic acid (TCA), which take longer time to heal.
Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing can also be used to treat most skin blemishes. Laser resurfacing uses specialized lasers, such as the carbon dioxide or Er:YAG laser, to evaporate the outer affected layers of skin. Like chemical peels, this technique reveals the newer smooth skin cells beneath. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the recovery time for laser resurfacing can take up to a week, with pink skin remaining for up to a few months after the procedure.
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