How to Get Rid of Spots

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Adam Bjerk

What Are Spots?

The term “spots” often refers to acne, though there are many variations of acne, and the lack of uniformity of this affliction lends itself to general terms like “spots.” Acne or spots form when pores become plugged. Hair follicles are each equipped with a sebaceous gland that produces a lipid oil called sebum that waterproofs and protects skin. Sometimes (especially in adolescence) the body produces more sebum and dead skin cells than is necessary (thanks, God) and spots occur. They range from the mildly frustrating, like whiteheads and blackheads, to the serious forms of cystic and scarring acne. If you’re looking for another type of spot, visit our home page to get rid of the myriad other spots we’ve covered.

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Many people want to know how to get rid of spots, but what exactly do they mean by “spots”? Well, this ambiguous term generally refers to all the pernicious forms of acne, especially on the face. I picture an exasperated individual, looking into the mirror with a sudden loss of social capital, blurting out, “How do I get rid of spots?” instead of a more exacting term like zit, whitehead, blemish, cyst, or blackhead. Luckily, at How to Get Rid of Things, we know our way around these “spots.” Though the term spot can refer to age or sun spots, scars, and even melanoma, this page will focus on acne.

The business of spots or acne is as over-bloated and festering as a long-neglected whitehead. There are infinite libraries of advice on the Internet from everyone who has ever experienced a pimple. Like many of these individuals, I am not a doctor, but my advice is well researched and borrows from medical journals as well as the odd blemish enthusiast. Below you’ll find practical knowledge on how to get rid of spots, including healthy skin habits, lifestyle insights, and acne products.

Get Rid of Spots

image 1To get rid of spots, you’ll need to develop a disciplined yet sane washing regimen. Showering in the morning and once at night with a gentle, natural cleanser or soap will help keep your skin healthy. It is also wise to shower after sweating profusely by way of sports or work. Some people feel that the more they wash, the better; they use rasps and iron wool, damaging their skin and sebaceous glands—and they generally end up with more spots. To get rid of spots, gently wash with a soft cloth and dry (again . . . gently) with a clean towel or rag so as not to spread oils and bacteria.
image 2Getting rid of spots means getting rid of oil-based makeup, moisturizers, sunscreens, cleansers, and other beauty products. Acne is caused by blocked pores, and oil buildup does just that. In fact, oil buildup is one of the most common causes of breakouts. Your skin needs to breathe; the more cake on your face, the further you exacerbate the problem and prolong the outbreak. Wearing tight clothing may also be a problem ( . . . I had to quit spandex), and if you have oily hair, either try different shampoos or keep it off your face. Lastly, if your occupation exposes you to grease or oils, shower promptly after clocking out.
image 3Recent studies suggest that changing your diet is a viable way to get rid of spots. In 2007, a study done at the RMIT University in Australia found that eating foods with a high glycemic index, such as the popular soft drink fare, junk food, and carbohydrates, like white bread, fries, and other trash, will increase the development of acne. Conversely, eating healthy foods, such as fish, legumes, fruits and vegetables, and wheat or whole grain breads and pastas, led to a decrease in acne. Beyond this study, some individuals experience outbreaks due to vitamin deficiencies or an incompatibility with dairy or wheat.
image 4If diet, a quality washing regimen, and reduced exposure to oil-based products doesn’t work, you may need to resort to topical treatments to get rid of spots. Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are some of the most common treatments for spots. Salicylic acid causes the skin cells to shed (slough) at a faster rate. Dead skin cells that get lodged in pores are a common culprit where spots are concerned. Salicylic acid is great for individuals with oily skin, and because of its familial ties with aspirin, it is mildly anti-inflammatory.
image 5“Can I pop it?” you might ask about that whitehead. Yes, but it is important to know how to go about getting rid of these nasty spots. Most people will advise never popping zits, as you may damage the sebaceous glands, spread bacteria, cause infection, and generally make the acne worse. In spite of all this, that whitehead can be dealt with, given you have the proper equipment, maintain a sterile field, and, of course, wait until the spot is ripe for harvest. To learn how to get rid of spots quickly and safely, follow this link.

Going to the Dermatologist

If your skin doesn’t respond to the above, you’ll want to see a dermatologist to get rid of spots. In many places around the country, it isn’t easy to see a dermatologist, so you’ll want to be prepared. Show up with your insurance information ready, your face clear of cosmetics, and your hair out of the way. They’ll ask you about your family history, what you’re currently using to treat your spots, as well how long you’ve had them. These docs are expensive, so get your money’s worth. Come with questions, and ask more—especially concerning what to expect from their treatment recommendations. If you have serious acne, seeing a dermatologist will undoubtedly save you money in the long run because what they recommend will come dermatologist recommended . . . by an actual, tangible dermatologist. The following is a list of possible treatments your dermatologist could recommend. Your doctor may prescribe lotions or gels such as Differin (adapalene) or Rentin-A (retinoic acid), or they may send you home with antibiotics. If you have cystic acne or acne that is causing scars, you may be prescribed Accutane (isotretinoin). If you’re a woman, oral contraceptives are not out of the question.