Overview
A skin blemish refers to any visible mark, spot or area of discolouration on the skin, rather than a single defined condition.
This means blemishes can include a range of concerns, such as:
• small breakouts or blocked pores
• red or inflamed spots
• marks left after spots have healed
• areas of uneven tone or mild pigmentation
Because the term covers multiple skin behaviours, blemishes can vary in how they look, how long they last and how they respond to treatment.
How we approach skin blemishes
At Mirabel, skin blemishes are approached by identifying what type of blemish is present and what is contributing to it.
The aim is to:
• Calm active breakouts or irritation
• Support clearer, more balanced pore function
• Reduce residual marks or uneven tone
• Improve overall skin clarity and consistency
Rather than treating blemishes as a single issue, the approach focuses on understanding the underlying behaviour of the skin and selecting treatments and skincare accordingly.
Some skin blemishes may require further assessment or removal. Where a blemish is raised, persistent, changing in appearance, or causing discomfort, minor surgical procedures can offer a safe and effective solution, including the types of concerns that can be assessed and treated in a clinical setting.
Find Out More
What you may notice
Skin blemishes can present in a number of ways:
• Occasional spots or small breakouts
• Blackheads or blocked pores
• Red marks or areas of irritation
• Small bumps or uneven texture
• Marks left after spots have healed
• Skin that appears uneven or inconsistent
These changes may come and go or feel persistent depending on the underlying cause.
Types of skin blemishes
Skin blemishes can include a range of different skin features, some related to the skin itself and others to the underlying blood vessels:
• Telangiectasia — small, permanently dilated capillaries, often described as thread veins
• Campbell de Morgans — also known as cherry angiomas or blood spots, these are small, dome-shaped red vascular lesions
• Spider naevi — a central blood vessel with smaller capillaries radiating outwards
• Skin tags — small, soft growths that sit on the surface of the skin
• Milia — tiny white, keratin-filled cysts that sit just beneath the surface
• Actinic keratosis — areas of sun-damaged skin that may feel rough or scaly
• Venous lake — a soft, bluish vascular lesion, most commonly found on the lip
Each of these presents differently and requires a considered approach to determine whether treatment is appropriate and what method is most suitable.
What is happening in the skin
Blemishes can develop through several different processes within the skin:
• Build-up of oil, dead skin cells and debris within the pores
• Mild inflammation leading to visible spots or redness
• Disruption of the skin barrier, making the skin more reactive
• Post-inflammatory changes, leaving marks after breakouts
For example, blocked pores can lead to blackheads or whiteheads, while inflammation can lead to more visible spots.
Because multiple processes may be involved at the same time, blemishes can appear varied and inconsistent.
What can influence skin blemishes
A number of factors can contribute to the development of blemishes:
• Hormonal fluctuations
• Excess oil production
• Skincare products that are not suited to the skin
• Over-exfoliation or barrier disruption
• Environmental factors such as pollution
• Lifestyle factors including stress and sleep
Blemishes are often the result of a combination of these influences rather than a single cause.
When to seek advice
If blemishes are becoming more frequent, persistent or difficult to manage, a more tailored approach can help to improve both understanding and results.
Seeking advice can help to:
• Identify whether blemishes are linked to acne, pigmentation or sensitivity
• Avoid products or treatments that may be worsening the skin
• Improve overall skin clarity without over-stripping or irritation
• Establish a more effective and sustainable skincare approach