Blemished skin, acne and large pores: what a cosmetic treatment can do – and when to see a dermatologist

Blemished skin usually has several causes at the same time:

• Too much sebum. The sebaceous glands produce more oil than the skin needs. The skin shines and the pores look larger.
• Clogged pores. Dead skin cells don't shed properly and, together with sebum, clog the pore – blackheads form.
• Inflammation. Bacteria can multiply in a clogged pore, the pore becomes inflamed – a spot develops.

Hormones, stress, the wrong skincare or overly rich products can make this worse. That's why a good treatment works on several points: regulating sebum, keeping pores clear and calming the skin.

Pore size is partly genetic. Pores can't be "closed". What can change: clean, unclogged pores with less sebum look noticeably finer. This is exactly what regular cleansing, mild peels and sebum-regulating skincare aim for.

• Cleanse gently twice a day. Not too aggressively – skin that is dried out can respond with even more sebum.
• Exfoliate gently and regularly. Acid exfoliants help loosen dead skin cells so that pores stay clear.
• Light care instead of heavy creams. Oily skin needs moisture too, but in a light texture.
• Don't squeeze. If you pop spots yourself, you risk inflammation, marks and small scars.
• Sun protection. A dark mark often remains after a spot. UV light can keep it visible longer.

And: patience. Many ingredients against blemishes need a few weeks before the skin visibly changes. Some even make the skin look more unsettled at first – more on this in the article Retinol: why your skin reacts at first.

A professional treatment complements your home care – it doesn't replace it.

Acne Treatment (Acne Control). A facial with a mild peel from ZO Skin Health for blemished, oily skin prone to clogged pores. The focus is on cleansing, refining the pores, regulating excess sebum and calming the skin. → Acne Treatment

For a visible result, a course makes sense: once a week at the start until the skin becomes calmer, then every four to six weeks for maintenance. The right home care is important here – it helps determine how long the result lasts.

Deep Cleansing Facial. For blackheads and clogged pores: cleansing, a mild peel and extraction – by hand or with ultrasound, depending on your skin. Recommended every four to six weeks. → Deep Cleansing Facial

If, alongside blemishes, skin texture and a dull complexion bother you most, a chemical peel may also be suitable. You'll find an overview under Chemical peel.

Acne is a skin condition. Mild forms with blackheads and individual spots can be supported well with cosmetic treatments. You should have your skin checked by a doctor if

• large, painful or deep inflammations develop,
• scars form,
• the blemishes suddenly increase a lot or appear for the first time in adulthood,
• the skin doesn't improve over months despite good care.

A dermatologist can prescribe medication if needed. A cosmetic treatment can complement medical treatment – please discuss this with your doctor beforehand, especially if you take or apply medication for your skin. If your skin looks like it needs a medical check when you come to us, we'll tell you honestly.