Types of Skin Blemishes and What Causes Them

June marks Acne Awareness Month — a time dedicated to opening conversations around acne and blemish-prone skin, understanding the different ways blemishes can appear and recognising the factors that may contribute to them.

Acne and blemish-prone skin can affect people of all ages, and its impact can go beyond the skin itself, often affecting confidence too. For more personal experiences and confidence-led conversations, read our Acne Awareness Month: Real Skin Stories blog.

Understanding the different types of skin blemishes and what may cause them can help you make more informed skincare choices. From blackheads and whiteheads to pimples and cystic blemishes, each type can appear differently and may be linked to factors such as excess oil, dead skin cell build-up, clogged pores, hormones and lifestyle.

Common Types of Skin Blemishes

Skin blemishes can appear in a variety of forms and may affect both the face and body. Understanding the different types of blemishes and the factors that contribute to them can help support a more informed approach to skincare.

Blackheads

Blackheads form when pores become clogged with excess oil, dead skin cells and impurities. When the trapped oil is exposed to air, it reacts with oxygen, causing a dark appearance.

Blackheads most commonly develop in areas where oil production is naturally higher, such as the nose, chin and forehead.

Whiteheads

Whiteheads form when a pore becomes blocked but remains closed at the surface of the skin. The trapped oil and build-up can appear as small, flesh-coloured or white bumps.

They often develop in areas where excess oil and dead skin cells accumulate.

Pimples

Pimples develop when clogged pores become irritated or inflamed. They often appear as red, raised bumps and may contain a visible white or yellow centre caused by a build-up of oil and dead skin cells within the pore.

Pimples can occur anywhere on the face or body but are most commonly found in areas with higher oil production, such as the face, chest, shoulders and back. For a deeper look at blemishes on the back and body, read Bacne: Everything You Need to Know About Back Blemishes.

Cystic Blemishes

Cystic blemishes are deep lumps that form beneath the skin’s surface. They develop when a combination of excess oil, dead skin cells and bacteria clog a hair follicle deep within the skin.

These blemishes are often large, red and swollen, and can feel tender, sore or painful to the touch.

What Causes Skin Blemishes?

A variety of factors can contribute to the development of blemishes. While everyone’s skin is different, some of the most common causes include:

Excess oil production

When the skin produces too much oil, it can mix with dead skin cells and impurities, increasing the chance of clogged pores.

Build-up of dead skin cells

Dead skin cells can accumulate on the skin’s surface and inside pores. If they are not naturally shed, they may contribute to congestion and uneven texture.

Clogged pores

Pores can become blocked by oil, dead skin cells, sweat, skincare residue or impurities. This can lead to visible congestion, blackheads, whiteheads or pimples.

Hormonal fluctuations

Hormonal changes can influence oil production, which may make blemishes more likely to appear at certain times, such as during puberty, menstrual cycles or periods of hormonal change.

Stress and lifestyle factors

Stress, sleep, environment and lifestyle can all play a role in how the skin looks and feels. While they may not be the only cause of blemishes, they can contribute to changes in the skin’s balance.

Diet

Diet may affect some people’s skin, although this can vary from person to person. Paying attention to how your skin responds can help you better understand potential triggers.

While blemishes are extremely common, recognising the different types of blemishes and their possible causes can help you better understand what may be happening on the skin’s surface.

The AMELIORATE Clarifying Range

At AMELIORATE, we developed the Clarifying range to support blemish-prone skin across both the face and body through science-led skincare that prioritises both efficacy and skin comfort.

Powered by our unique LaB6 Skin Clearing Complex, the Clarifying range is formulated to help visibly improve the appearance of blemishes, excess oil and congestion without stripping or over-drying the skin.

Designed for daily use, the range combines gentle exfoliation with lightweight hydration to help leave skin feeling smoother, balanced and more comfortable.

Whether you’re experiencing occasional breakouts, persistent blemishes or blemishes on the face or body, the Clarifying range is designed to support clearer-looking skin while helping maintain the skin barrier.

For more detailed advice on building a suitable skincare routine, read our guide on How to Support Blemish-Prone Skin.

LaB6 Skin Clearing Complex

Specifically created for those struggling with blemishes, oily skin, clogged pores or post-blemish marks, the Clarifying range is formulated with our unique LaB6 formulation to target the visible signs of blemishes while helping skin look clearer and more balanced.

Lactic acid is the hero in all of our formulas because of its transformative power. Lactic acid helps smooth and soften skin texture, while supporting a clear, more refined-looking complexion. Anyone seeking clear, smooth-looking skin may benefit from incorporating lactic acid into their skincare routine.

LaB6 also combines six additional active ingredients: