What are blemishes?
A blemish is a collective term for superficial ‘imperfections’ on the skin. We believe they’re just part of your skin journey – after all, there’s no such thing as flawless skin. But we get that you may want a little more control over unpredictable skin. So, here’s everything you need to help you navigate breakouts, from when and why they appear to how to tackle them.
First things first, what are blemishes? There are lots of different types of skin blemishes but generally speaking, they’re area of uneven skin, different coloured skin tone, dry patches or oiliness, usually found on your face.
There are so many reasons for why you may have blemishes so it’s hard to pinpoint it down to just one thing, but for the most part, it’s down to genetics. In fact, your skin type is as biologically fixed as your eye colour. So if you skin is prone to flare-ups, the best thing you can do is be switched on to the other factors that can make your face more open to them (and then know how to tackle them).
What causes blemished skin?
Besides your skin type, there are a lot of different factors that might be contributing to blemished skin. And once you know the potential culprits, you’ll be able to handle them.
Oily skin & excess sebum
The priority for blemish-prone skin is helping to reduce the risk of your pores getting blocked. If your skin type is oily (the skin type most likely to experience blemishes) then you’ll likely be up on the benefits of managing your excess sebum. Consistency is key. Some simple skincare maths for you: two times a day, multiplied by one double cleanse, one purifying toner plus one gel-texture moisturiser equals blemished skin that looks clearer. You’re aiming to help balance (not strip) your natural oils, and then restore the right kind of moisture to skin.
Excessive sun exposure
Ensuring you’re not overdoing it when the sun comes out to play has a multitude of health benefits – nothing new, right? But did you know that the sun’s rays can also cause your skin to dry out, which causes sebum production to rev up? Just another reason to play it safe under those UV rays and include a good sunscreen in your skincare routine.
Touching your face
No surprises here – when our hands are out and about in the world, they can touch a lot of surfaces that might contain bacteria and other nasty stuff that you don’t want to come into contact with your skin. Reality is that before you get a chance to wash your hands, you subconsciously touch your face – many times, in fact. Adding this extra grime and gunk to your face creates more opportunity for blemishes to crop up.
Diet
Certain foods, such as dairy or sugary items, may contribute to blemishes for some people. Keeping a food diary can help identify triggers.
Lack of sleep
Not getting enough sleep can increase stress levels and oil production, leading to blemishes. Aim for 7–8 hours each night to help your skin repair and restore itself.
Removing make up
Sleeping with makeup on clogs pores and worsens blemishes. Use gentle cleansers like our Camomile Cleansing Butter to fully remove makeup and impurities before bed.
Airplanes
The dry cabin air can dehydrate skin, causing oil glands to overproduce sebum. Keep a moisturiser handy and apply during long flights to stay hydrated.
Compromised skin barrier
Using products unsuitable for your skin type can disrupt the skin barrier. Choose gentle, non-comedogenic formulas and avoid hot water when washing your face.
Top ingredients for blemished skin
Tea tree
Known for its naturally purifying prowess, tea tree has always been a winner for oily and blemished skin. It helps to minimise the appearance of pores and reduce blemishes. That’s why we love it in our Tea Tree skincare range.
Salicylic acid
This BHA gently exfoliates the skin, removes dirt and excess oil, and helps prevent new blemishes thanks to its antibacterial properties.
Our best skincare routine for blemised skin
Tea tree skin clearing facial wash
Helps deeply cleanse and refresh oily skin, visibly reducing blemishes in just 7 days*.
Tea tree skin clearing toner
Purifies and mattifies the skin, removing any residual impurities post-cleanse.
Tea tree daily solution
A lightweight daily formula that helps refine skin texture and reduce blemishes.
Tea tree oil
A targeted solution that helps reduce the appearance of blemishes.
Tea tree rapid action gel
Contains 2% salicylic acid to visibly reduce blemishes overnight.
How to care for blemishes on your back
Try our Tea Tree Skin Clearing Body Wash to help cleanse and refresh skin prone to blemishes.
Tips to care for blemished skin
Drink water
Staying hydrated helps regulate oil production and supports skin detoxification.
Change your pillowcase often
Wash or change pillowcases weekly to avoid bacteria buildup that can worsen blemishes.
Get 8 hours of sleep
Sufficient sleep promotes natural skin repair and reduces stress-related breakouts.
Our Tea Tree range for blemished skin
Infused with Community Fair Trade tea tree oil from Kenya, our Tea Tree range helps control oil and target blemishes while supporting sustainable farming communities.
