Clear Up Your Small Skin Blemishes

Your skin is the first feature someone sees, so ensuring its perfection is vital. People are quick to point out flaws, even if they are tiny. Or maybe you'll notice them yourself in those horrifying, truth-telling, magnifying mirrors. These blemishes are hard to get rid of without making the problem bigger, especially if you don’t know what you’re doing. However, there are several easy remedies to help get rid of small imperfections, like blackheads or sunspots. All it takes is a little patience.

Blackheads can be stubborn and won’t disappear overnight, but don’t lose hope

Wash your face every day, no matter what. Your pores grow large when they're clogged with dirt, oil, and bacteria. If you have oily skin, the chances are you also have larger pores than people with dry skin. Washing your face once in the morning and once in the evening should do the trick. If you want an extra boost, replace your face wash with a light scrub at night. A light scrub with small beads or other massaging elements can help in unclogging pores and exfoliating dead skin. However, don’t use a face wash and scrub back to back. Overwashing your face is damaging and can dry your skin out. Aim for products that are gentle with a neutral pH or with salicylic acid to keep your pores clean and prevent future breakouts. Never fall asleep with your makeup on. I know after a long day all you want to do is drop into your bed and sleep the night away. Continuing to fall asleep with your makeup on only contributes to clogged pores. 

Avoid products with benzoyl peroxide. This is commonly used in products for acne, but what you want is something that will exfoliate and unclog your pores. Again, salicylic acid is your best friend when it comes to nuking blackheads. You'll also want to avoid hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol. While these may make your skin feel clean, they won't help and can actually be toxic to your skin. Never try to extract blackheads yourself. Extracting blackheads yourself can actually be damaging to the skin. Leave this practice to the professionals, as they know how to extract them properly, and they know the proper aftercare. 

Tightening your skin helps the elasticity in your skin

Ice cubes are easy to get this job done. For the inexpensive route, you can place ice cubes gently along your pores for 15-30 seconds. Exfoliating also helps to tighten up the skin, but it's suggested that you use something like a sugar, salt, or mineral salt scrub. After you’ve done that, you skin might feel a little dry, so oil it up. Even if you have oily skin, keeping your skin hydrated with oil is a must in keeping your skin in shape. Using an oil like almond, avocado, or jojoba oil works wonders. 

Lemon juice is great for lightening dark spots

you may have gotten from scars, age spots, or sunspots. The acidity helps to lighten the spots and remove dead skin cells. The best way to do this is to slice a lemon and apply it directly to your problem areas for 10–15 minutes a day. However, it must be noted that changes of the coloration in your skin can appear to be a sign of skin cancer. So, to be absolutely safe, visit a dermatologist to check out your suspicious sunspots. 

Bleaching creams can help fade darkened spots over time, but it's best to use them when prescribed by a doctor. Of course when it comes to your skin, it's always best to go the natural route to avoid unwanted and unnecessary chemicals on your body. Strawberries, cherries, pomegranates, blackberries, cranberries, and raspberries all contain ellagic acid. Ellagic acid contains enzymes needed for the melanin to produce. It is said to be one of the most potent natural skin lighteners you can use. Another natural product is aloe vera gel. Whether you use it straight from the plant, or prepackaged, it helps heal areas that were damaged by the sun. 

Always, always, always wear sunscreen

This is a must when the sun is out. Even when it's a little overcast, you'll want to lather up. Just make it part of your skin routine to make your skin more supple. This will help you avoid having your skin look like leather, pores appear bigger than they are, and skin cancer. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 (make sure it’s non-comedogenic so it won’t clog your pores), and a broad-brimmed hat if you're skin is extra sensitive. Avoiding the sun altogether, if possible, will solve your skin problems.

Drink water and maintain a healthy diet

You've probably heard this a million times from friends, family, even doctors, but it’s true, and it works! Hydration really helps you skin stay clear, and avoids any kind of blemish you may come across. Drinking the recommended eight glasses a day should do the trick. You can also stay hydrated with coconut water or any kind of herbal tea. These two also have nutrients that you body needs, so you're killing two birds with one stone. Avoid drinking anything that has an excessive amount of caffeine, and definitely avoid alcohol, as these dehydrate your body. As for diet changes, eat fruits and vegetables in their raw form when you can. In their raw form, they provide tons of vitamins and minerals that help your skin remain healthy. You can do this by juicing, making a smoothie, or eating them in their natural form. 

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