Blemishes

As I was sitting on my bed, my brother popped a question. "Exactly, what are blemishes?"
Silly, right? I thought so too.

What in the world made him asked me that question -- and I noticed he was staring at my face but I like to think the reason was because I took medicine, so perhaps he thought I'd surely know the answer. Unfortunately, I don't.

So, for those with naive brothers/sisters as analytical and inquisitive as mine who might asked you how do you -- I mean, a person get blemishes, here's an answer.

How Do Blemishes Form?

Blemishes are formed when oil, bacteria and dead skin cells become trapped in the pores on the skin. Normally, dead skin cells are brought to the surface of the skin by secretions from the sebaceous glands and shed on a regular basis. However, in skin prone to breakouts, excessive oil production causes these dead cells to bunch together and eventually forming a plug at the pore opening--and this plug is what we commonly referred to as the whitehead.

When a plug forms below the skin surface, bacteria naturally presents within the hair follicle breaks down the accumulated materials and turns it into nasty, irritating fatty acids. The enlarged pore and pressure build within the follicle causes the fatty acids to leak through to the dermis below. This infection causes the blood vessels to dilate and also triggers the white cells which in the end causes redness and inflammation. This entire process results in the appearance of blemishes (red and tender), pustules (white-capped pimples) and, in more severe cases, large cysts and boils.

So, a nice tip for all blemished skin out there, drink 8 glasses of plain water a day, everyday.