How to Get Rid of Blemishes

Blemishes are unsightly, discolored spots, pimples, whiteheads and blackheads, left behind on your skin after an acne breakout. They tend to develop mostly on areas of your face (especially around your forehead, nose, and chin), as well as on your neck, upper arms, and back.

Blemishes can be caused by a number of factors, including the regular use of cosmetic products such as moisturizers, foundations night creams, etc. Many of these products contain irritating ingredients that can clog your pores and contribute to the development of blemishes. To avoid this problem, you can opt for non-comedogenic (will not clog your pores) cosmetics.

Other factors, such as hormonal changes, improper diet, internal health problems, alcohol consumption, stress, allergic reactions, overexposure to environmental irritants, excessive sun exposure, lack of a proper skincare routine, and a genetic predisposition can all lead to blemishes.

How to Get Rid of Blemishes on Skin

Here are 11 remedies to banish skin blemishes.

Manuka Honey

• Apply a small amount of pure honey (preferably manuka honey) on your blemishes.
• Leave on until it dries.
• Wash off with clean water.
• It works as a natural antibacterial cleanser for your skin.

Lemon, Pineapple and Honey

• Mix equal parts of lemon juice and pineapple juice.
• Add a little honey to the mixture.
• Dab this mixture on the affected area.
• It will brighten your skin and fade blemishes. You may combine lemon juice with tomato juice/pulp as well. Potato juice also contains excellent bleaching properties.

Apple Cider

• Mix equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and water.
• Soak a cotton ball in this solution.
• Dab the soaked cotton ball on your blemishes.
• This will promote clear skin.
• *Alternatively, you can rinse your face with a solution of one part apple cider vinegar and eight parts of water.

Strawberry Mash

• Take three strawberries and mash them with a fork.
• Mix in a little vinegar, just enough to form a paste.
• Spread the mixture on the affected area and leave overnight.
• Rinse it off in the morning.

Rose Water and Sandalwood Powder

• Add equal amounts of lemon juice and rose water to sandalwood powder until it forms a paste.
• Apply this paste on your skin.
• Leave on for about 10-15 minutes.
• Wash off with clean water.
• Do this regularly to promote a clear complexion.

Yogurt

• Spread plain yogurt on your skin.
• Leave it there for at least five to ten minutes.
• Wash off with clean water.
• Repeat this about once a week.
• Alternately, you can apply a mixture of yogurt and dried orange peels for 15 minutes, three times daily.

Banana Peel

• Gently rub the inside of a banana peel on your skin for about 10 minutes (until the peel turns brown).
• Let it dry completely.
• Wash it off with clean water.
• Follow this procedure three times a day.

Almonds and Honey

• Grind up 8-10 blanched almonds.
• Mix with one and a half teaspoons of lemon juice and one teaspoon of honey.
• Leave this mask on your skin for 20 minutes.
• Wash off with clean water.
• This will help to heal dark spots and blemishes.

Almonds and Orange Peel

• Blend dried orange peel and blanched almonds together until they form a paste.
• Scrub this paste on your skin for 30 seconds.
• Wash off with clean water.

Calamine Lotion

• Apply calamine lotion to your blemishes.
• Leave on overnight.
• Wash off with clean water in the morning.

Ice Cubes

• Wrap an ice cube in a clean wash cloth or paper towel.
• Place this on the affected area.
• Hold it there for about one minute.
• This will reduce the inflammation.

Applying benzoyl peroxide (up to 2.5%) is highly beneficial in treating acne and drying up blemishes. You may also use products containing salicylic acid (0.5 to 2%) as it reduces abnormal shedding of cells, unclogs pores, and breaks down blackheads and whiteheads. It also contains antibacterial properties. Be careful while using these remedies as they can cause drying of skin and mild skin irritation. It is best to discuss these options with your doctor to find out the correct strength required for your condition.