Facial blemishes or facial scars are caused by skin diseases. It usually occurs when factors such as dryness and infections irritate the skin.

According to Medical Dictionary, blemishes are lesions caused by aging. In dermatological terms, facial blemishes are described as cosmetic skin defects. In other words, these are skin stains, skin alterations or flaws.

People with sensitive skin have higher risks of acquiring skin conditions that often lead to blemishing. Puffiness and discoloration are usually seen when one has facial blemishes. Blemishes spoil appearance and can cause lower self-esteem.

Common types of acne such as pimples, whiteheads and blackheads are the most popular roots of facial blemishes. These blemish-causing skin diseases surface due to excessive facial oil and clogged pores. Clogged pores are most often a result of buildup of dead skin cells, oil and dirt. External factors such as stress and dry weather also contribute to how pores are clogged.

There is no exact cause for acne. But risk factors such as the following have been identified and associated with acne problems:

• Age. Teenagers are more likely to develop acne than adults due to hormonal changes in the stage of puberty.

• Gender. Boys have more active lifestyles than girls and are more exposed to risk factors associated with acne, having a higher risk of developing it.

• Disease. Hormonal imbalance can cause acne to develop in girls.

• Heredity. A history of acne in the family increases the chances that one can acquire it.

• Hormonal changes. Acne may occur in higher levels before menstrual periods, pregnancy and menopause.

• Diet. Although no specific food is said to cause acne, eating food that increase oil production in the body can cause acne to develop.

• Drugs. Acne can be a side effect to some medicines.

• Personal hygiene. Be clean and healthy.

• Cosmetics. Most chemically-formulated makeup can cause skin irritation and lead to acne.

• Environment. Pollution can cause buildup of dirt on skin and can clog pores where acne will most likely develop.

• Stress. Acne can result from being emotionally stressed.

There are procedures to treat acne before it results to facial blemishes. Men and women who have experienced acne and left with facial blemishes seek medical help from family doctors and dermatologists. Beauty treatment for face depends on whether the blemish is mild, moderate or severe.

Mild and moderate facial blemish is usually treated with topical drugs like facial creams. But other procedures—surgical and medical treatments are also available for removal of severe cases of blemishes. These procedures are usually expensive and painful.

People have found ways to inexpensively cope with their facial problems with home remedies. Here are some helpful home facial blemish treatments.

Home treatment # 1: Mix one tablespoon groundnut oil, one tablespoon fresh lime juice. Apply as desired.

Home treatment # 2: To remove pimples and blackheads, apply a generous amount of honey on face.

Home treatment # 3: Apply a generous amount of fresh papaya juice to get smooth results.

Home treatment # 4: Extract juice from orange peels by pounding them. Apply juice to scarred area.

Home treatment # 5: Dab toothpaste onto affected area. Leave it on for at least 5 minutes then rinse. Leaving it on face too long might cause irritation.

Home treatment # 6: Mix fresh lime juice into a glass of boiled milk. Cool and use as facial wash.

Home treatment # 7: Slice ripe potatoes and apply to affected area up to an hour.

Home treatment # 8: Make cucumber paste by blending it. Apply as mask and leave it on for 30 minutes. Rinse well.

The best treatment for acne to avoid facial blemishes is prevention. Preventing acne to develop can save your skin from facial blemishes. Alternative beauty treatments such as home facial blemish treatments focus on keeping skin clean, oil free and eating a well-balanced diet.

The following are ways to prevent acne and avoid facial blemishes:

• Wash and clean face twice a day.

• Avoid cosmetics that have harmful ingredients.

• Do not touch, pick or squeeze existing facial blemishes. Doing so will irritate your skin more and will leave behind permanent marks.

• Limit sun exposure. UV rays are harmful and cause skin dryness. Dry skin results to breakouts and irritation.

• Avoid getting stressed.

Having healthy and beautiful skin is really just a matter of taking care of yourself. There is a lot you can do with home remedies, but sometimes you need more than just what you can do to clear your skin. If problems persist, consult your dermatologist.