Spots

How and why do spots form?  

Spots appear more often at adolescence, but it is possible to have them at 20, 30 or 40 years of age. Whatever your age may be, the causes are the same: they are formed mainly after an increase in the production of sebum (or hyperseborrhea). 

Sebum is an oily substance that the skin produces naturally in order to protect itself from the cold or the sun. Secreted in extremely high quantities, it is mixed with dead skin cells that accumulate in the pores, clogging them. Sebum thus favours the development of bacteria present in the natural state at the level of the follicles – causing irritations, redness, inflammations or spots.

You should also be aware that certain factors can aggravate the formation of spots: stress, smoking, pollution, taking medication or hormonal cycles. 

 Types of spots 

There are different types of spots, classified here according to their level of development.

 Blackheads  or open comedones appear when pores are blocked, due to the accumulation of dead skin cells and bacteria. They become black because the sebum oxidises and blackens when in contact with the air. 

 Red spots  or bumps result from the infection of blackheads. Inflamed, they become red and enlarge. They then form often painful balls under the skin (nodules or cysts).

 How can you clear spots?  

Whatever the type of spot may be, a good habit to adopt is to clean your skin properly day after day and every night, using products which are suitable for your skin type. This will help remove excess sebum, dead cells and impurities accumulated during the day. This is a good way to avoid problems.

 To clear blackheads , it is advisable for daily washes to be accompanied by exfoliation once or twice a week. This helps deep clean and unclog pores, dissolves excessive sebum and leaves the skin healthy and soft. A lotion can also complete this cleansing regime to tighten the pores, for an even cleaner skin.

 To clear red spots , you must choose products that are suitable for the management of spots, help reduce them and help avoid the formation of new ones. If you have painful red spots, there are targeted soothing gels which can shrink them and provide a feeling of freshness.

 To clear white spots , you should never press them. This can cause an aggravation and increase risks of scars on the face (or body). Help reduce spots with a suitable cleansing product and targeted scrub.