About blemishes

Blemishes, pimples, spots, blackheads, whiteheads and zits all affect our skin. In most ‎cases, each are the result of the skins pores becoming clogged with dead skin cells and ‎the naturally occurring oil, sebum. Sebum then builds up behind the blockage, housing bacteria, which then in turn forms blemishes.

Dr David Harris, Dermatologist of the London Clinic of Dermatology explains:

“Blemishes are still problematic in adults because of various factors which affect oil excretion and release. Oversensitivity to androgens, male hormones, found in both men and women can lead to excess oil production which in turn causes blemishes. A leading factor for adult sufferers is stress – everyday pressures such as work worries, money problems and relationships can all have a negative impact on a person’s skin. Unfortunately women suffer more than men with blemish ‘break outs’, due to the rise in hormone levels that occur prior to the period.

“To help prevent blemishes in adults I would firstly recommend looking at your lifestyle and making sure that you are getting enough sleep, drinking plenty of water and eating a healthy balanced diet. Cutting out dairy products from your diet can prove beneficial in some people. It is also vitally important to follow a regular skin routine involving cleansing, to clear impurities from the skin, and moisturising morning and night.”

Dr Harris is a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and the American Academy of Dermatology. He is furthermore a member of the British Association of Dermatologists and the European Society of Micrographic Surgery. Dr. David currently practices at 'The London Clinic of Dermatology', 60 Grove End Road, St Johns Wood, London NW8 9NH.