26 Sep The all-natural guide to how to get rid of spots

Spots, acne, blemishes and pimples can strike at any age – but happily, there are steps you can take to help get rid of spots without resorting to harsh chemicals or pharmaceuticals.

Spots and pimples have an annoying habit of popping up when you least want them – just before a big date or an important event at work.

Skin problems don’t only affect your appearance, they can also dent your self-esteem and confidence into the bargain!

The good news is that there are numerous effective ways to combat spots and achieve clear, healthy skin without having to use harsh chemicals or pharmaceuticals.

In this guide to getting rid of spots naturally, we will explore various approaches, from trying something new in your skincare routine to making surprisingly small changes in your lifestyle and diet to help you get rid of spots and regain your skin’s natural radiance.

Understanding your spots

Before working out the best strategies to get rid of spots, it’s essential to understand the different types and causes of skin problems. Common types of spots include:

Acne – this occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, leading to whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, or cysts. Hormonal changes, genetics, and certain lifestyle factors can also contribute to acne.

Blemishes – these small, discoloured spots on the skin are often caused by hyperpigmentation or scarring. They can result from past acne breakouts, sun exposure, or injury to the skin.

Pimples and blackheads – these are usually short-lived and caused by blocked pores, but can erupt into more troublesome spots if not dealt with.

Now that we have a good understanding of the types of spots you might be wrestling with, let’s look at some of the best ways to get rid of them naturally.

Boost your skincare routine to help get rid of spots

Cleansing
Of course, you cleanse your face, but it is well worth investing in a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser for your skin cleansing routine. This will gently remove dirt, oil, and makeup without irritating sensitised skin, helping to minimise clogged pores that lead to breakouts.

Overwashing your face or using harsh astringents can strip the skin of its natural oils. This can lead to irritation and actually increase the amount of oil your skin produces.

There is a school of thought that says you should not wash your face in the morning. It could actually be good to give your skin a cleansing break. This approach gives your skin a chance to regenerate and creates a natural protective moisture barrier that we often try to replicate with moisturiser.

Stick to a gentle cleansing routine, and keep your hands clean during the day, so you don’t transfer pollutants to your face.

Exfoliation
Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, promoting skin cell turnover and preventing clogged pores. If you have acne, you need to exfoliate carefully to ensure your skin doesn’t become sore and irritated.

Choose a non-chemical exfoliator with ingredients like Himalayan salt, rice and camomile and use a very gentle circular motion to cleanse your skin, avoiding any irritated patches and the delicate skin around your eyes.

Moisturising
Many people with oily skin believe they don’t need a moisturiser, when in fact, it’s crucial to maintain skin hydration and repair your skin’s natural barrier. Avoid anything heavy or sticky and opt for a non-comedogenic moisturiser suitable for your skin type which won’t block pores.

Sun Protection
Too much sun exposure can worsen spots, as well as causing premature ageing in your skin. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days.

Spot Treatments
Targeted spot treatments can be used to address specific issues. For acne, look for products containing natural products such as tea tree oil or green tea. If your skin is irritated, a home-made mask using avocado or natural yoghurt can help to calm inflamed or sore skin.

Hydration
Perhaps the most important thing you can do to help get rid of spots naturally is to drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from within. Proper hydration supports overall skin health and means it can do its job of getting rid of toxins through sweat.

Food and nutrition for naturally healthy skin

The food you consume plays a significant role in the health of your skin. What you put into your body will have more impact on the health of your skin than anything you put onto it topically, so a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats is essential to support your skin.

If you already eat well, you could try adding these particular types of nutrition to your diet to help get rid of spots:

Choose antioxidant-rich foods
Antioxidant-rich foods like berries, spinach, and green tea can help combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation, which can contribute to spot formation.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts and have anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit the skin.

Cut back on dairy products
Some studies suggest a link between consuming dairy products and acne. If you suspect dairy is contributing to your spots, consider reducing or eliminating it from your diet. If you follow a vegetarian diet, you may need to consider taking calcium supplements if you cut back on dairy.

Try a licensed herbal medicine specifically for your skin
Blue flag is known in traditional medicine as a natural anti-inflammatory, which is why we include it as a key ingredient in HRI Clear Complexion, our licensed herbal medicine for spots, acne and eczema. It’s combined with Burdock Root, a traditional medicine known for its anti-bacterial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Blue flag is only safe to take in tablet form – HRI Clear Complexion is approved by the national medicines regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). All our herbal medicines have been extensively tested and approved by the MHRA for quality and product safety.

Whilst completely natural, HRI Clear Complexion is of pharmaceutical quality and manufactured to European Good Manufacturing Practice guidelines.

Lifestyle changes for spot-free skin

Your skin is a reflection of everything going on in your body, so if you’re not looking after your body, it will show in your complexion. Here are some steps you can take to look after yourself and help to get rid of spots.

Keep your stress in check
High stress levels can trigger hormonal changes that lead to breakouts. Practice stress-reduction techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.

Get plenty of sleep
Getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night supports skin repair and regeneration.

Take regular exercise
Exercise improves blood circulation, which can benefit your skin. Ensure proper hygiene after workouts to prevent sweat-induced breakouts.

Give booze and cigarettes the heave-ho

Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can harm your skin. Consider quitting smoking and moderating alcohol intake for better skin health.

Give yourself time to get rid of spots

If you want to get rid of spots but avoid harsh topical or oral medications like antibiotics, retinoids, or hormonal treatments, it is worth trying some of these steps for at least three months.

Getting rid of spots requires a multifaceted approach that combines a consistent skincare routine, a balanced diet, lifestyle modifications, and, in some cases, professional treatments. Remember that results may not be immediate.

By following the strategies outlined in this guide, you will give yourself the best chance of getting rid of spots, as well as improving your overall health and wellbeing.