Blemishes, a euphemism we use to beautify those stubborn spots that have a way of showing up at any age, and at any time. There’s nothing beautiful about them, and the thought of having to compete with our facial counterparts makes us desperate for a clearer complexion—especially during summer’s sun-soaked, minimal-makeup months. So, we turned to the experts, to teach us how to quickly treat and camouflage our imperfections, for when dim lighting just isn’t around to do the trick.
Tackle Your Blemishes From the Inside Out
“Treat your skin as soon as you feel the acne coming on,” says celebrity aesthetician and founder of ZIIP Beauty, Melanie Simon. She recommends taking a capsule of vitamin A internally in the morning, along with a B complex. Simon confesses that her clients often become obsessed with this quick fix, and so she advises them to practice the skin ritual no more than 10 days per month, as vitamin A can build up in your system. “Vitamin A as an internal supplement, when used properly, works that day for most people,” says Simon.
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Treat Your Blemishes Topically
“I would suggest using an over-the-counter 1-percent hydrocortisone [steroid cream] twice a day to help reduce redness, as well as applying a warm compress to bring down and calm inflammation,” says New York dermatologist Julie Russak, MD. The use of green-based formulations, such as SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel ($62), is another effective redness-reducing remedy, according to Dr. Russak, as green hues help to neutralize the appearance of the crimson color characteristic of breakouts. And antibacterial creams and ointments, like Betadine and clindamycin, are mainstays in the arena of battling problem skin.
Touch Up Your Flaws
Dewy skin: what most women wish to achieve, but what many unfortunately can’t handle. Fashion and celebrity makeup artist Neil Scibelli says he sees ever-changing complexions on a daily basis. “For a blemish-prone skin type, I avoid using any concealers or foundations that have a shiny or dewy finish,” he explains, adding that products with light-reflecting properties will actually bring more attention to uneven skin. He recommends opting for a matte-finish concealer, like Make Up For Ever Full Cover Extreme Camouflage Cream ($32), and stresses the importance of proper application. “Pick up a small amount of product with a synthetic concealer brush, and in a patting motion, dab the concealer on and around your blemish. This technique will help build up the product onto the areas needed, and will ensure ultimate coverage.” Lastly, Scibelli likes to balance and set the area with a natural-based powder, like tarte smooth operator Amazonian clay finishing powder ($33).
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