The Perfect Skin Care Routine for Blemished Skin

Blemishes: they’re not just for teenagers. Whatever your age or skin type, spots can affect anyone. They also have a pesky habit of appearing when you least want them to (like before a party!)

Blemishes can be complex – but your skin care doesn’t have to be. If you’re wondering how to get rid of blemishes, perfecting your skincare routine is one choice you can make for healthy skin.

#1 What Causes Blemishes?

We get blemishes on skin for many different reasons. Genetics, hormonal changes, high humidity, mask, and certain types of cosmetics or medications can all cause breakouts. Even cleaning your skin too much or too hard can trigger spots. That’s why it’s important to choose products for blemished skin wisely.

It starts with our sebaceous glands. These secrete an oily substance called “sebum”. Sebum is important for skin because it helps to protect your skin and keep it moisturised. But when your sebaceous glands get clogged with excess oil and dead skin cells, blemishes and bumps can appear.

#2 What Is Blemish-Prone Skin?

If you find yourself getting unwanted spots on a regular basis, you’ve probably got blemish-prone skin. Blemished skin is most often associated with oily or combination skin – but no skin type is immune. Even dry skin can get spots.

#3 Blemished Skin Care Routine

When it comes to blemished skin, simplicity is key. Your goal should be to remove excess oil, without stripping skin of the healthy oil it needs. It’s also important to use natural skincare that is free from harsh ingredients. If a product has phthalates, sulphates, parabens, or silicone derived ingredients – steer clear. Look for natural, clean ingredients that are full of nutrients. Antipodes® products are toxin-free, formulated with nutrient-dense New Zealand bioactives. We never compromise on our Green Beauty Ethos.

The ultimate routine for blemished skin follows three simple steps.

Step 1: Cleanse with a soothing face wash

Clean skin is a must to prevent blemishes. Cleansing gets rid of dirt and impurities on the skin’s surface, allowing pores to breathe. Choose a cleanser that won’t strip the skin of essential oils, such as Juliet Skin-Brightening Gel Cleanser. Don’t be afraid of the coconut oil formulation – it helps to reduce excess oil on the skin’s surface. The low-lather gel cleanser also contains wild blackcurrant oil. This luxurious superfruit extract keeps skin soft and supple without oiliness. Meanwhile, New Zealand manuka honey has natural exfoliating abilities. It can help remove dead cells from the surface of your skin.

Step 2: Moisturise with a manuka honey cream

It may seem counter-intuitive to add moisture to blemished or oily skin. But blemished skin needs hydration as much as dry skin. A light day cream, such as Manuka Honey Skin-Brightening Light Day Cream, is both hydrating and healthy for skin.

Manuka honey is a blessing for blemishes

In our eyes, New Zealand manuka honey is a must for anyone wanting to know how to get rid of blemishes. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties are world-renowned. These properties can help to decrease the inflammation that often comes with blemishes.

Antioxidant-rich ingredients

Our manuka honey moisturiser is unique in the natural skincare world. Vinanza® Grape & Kiwi makes an appearance on the label, and for good reason. This antioxidant-rich extract is clinically shown to help improve the appearance of skin by targeting redness and pigmentation*. Moisturisers with this ingredient are a great option for skin that experiences flare-ups.

Rich yet light

The texture of Manuka Honey Skin-Brightening Day Cream is important, too. It’s light yet creamy, so it hydrates without leaving skin feeling greasy or clogged. You can see why we recommend this natural day cream for blemished skin!

Step 3: Detoxify with a face mask for blemishes

Once a week, give skin a bit of extra love with a non-abrasive facial mask that detoxifies and purifies the skin. Halo Skin-Brightening Facial Mud Mask is formed from the mineral-rich mud of New Zealand’s volcanic plateau. It also has jojoba beads to gently exfoliate and help lift dead skin cells, keeping skin clear and fresh. Apply once a week and leave until nearly dry, before rinsing with a warm face cloth. Try to avoid scrubbing your skin. Instead, be gentle. Take time to slow down and indulge in some much-deserved self-care.

Tip: Spot treat blemishes with a manuka honey mask

A spot treatment can help when you have isolated blemishes or unexpected breakouts. Enter Aura Manuka Honey Mask. Not only is this wonder product a luxurious mask, but it’s also a spot treatment. It’s all thanks to New Zealand’s skin-enhancing superfood, manuka honey. Dab the creamy formulation onto blemishes to help remove spots from skin.

Almost everyone experiences blemished skin from time to time. Your skincare routine is important to promote clearer skin and calm irritation. The good news? It’s not complicated. Choose clean skincare products with natural ingredients that won’t irritate or stress skin. Products with manuka honey benefits are particularly effective for blemishes. Of course, we recommend you consult with your doctor or dermatologist before embarking on a skincare routine for blemished skin.

Explore our manuka honey skincare for healthy skin here.

*Independent study by New Zealand Extracts (2012): The eight-week clinical study involving 10 women showed Vinanza® Grape & Kiwi helps improve skin appearance).

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Antipodes

Writer and expert