The product you’ve been waiting for, with no prescription required. Introducing the Deep Relief Blemish Treatment

We asked board-certified dermatologist and Murad founder Dr. Howard Murad (who also happens to be a former deep blemishes sufferer himself) to share all about blemished skin after nearly 50 years of treating patients—from why you can’t treat a deep blemish like any other breakout, to treatments for painful bumps that just can’t wait for relief from a dermatologist office visit.

Firstly, what is blemished skin?
It’s important to note that all types of blemished skin begin as a comedone. So how do comedones form?

• Oils travel naturally up through the pores to the skin’s surface
• Dead skin cells that don’t naturally shed from the skin’s surface mix with oils
• This mix plugs and clogs the pores and causes bacteria build-up Once combined, these oils, dead skin cells and bacteria create a comedone (visible as a bump on skin)
• Once combined, these oils, dead skin cells and bacteria create a comedone (visible as a bump on skin)
• Causes of comedones forming can vary wildly, including genetic factors, stress, diet, birth control pills and more

Blemished skin entails bacteria infecting a pore that’s been blocked by oils and skin cells. Your body tries to fight and push out the bacteria and skin cells plug in your pore, which leads to inflammation.

Therefore, when the pain and swelling of deep blemishes is more than you can bear – both physically and psychologically (since deep blemishes can have such strong negative psychological effects) – but a cortisone steroid shot at a dermatologist’s office is not on the cards, reach for our leave-on treatment that’s stacked with ingredients like salicylic acid for quick and long-term relief. The best part? It’s all backed by ground cherry extract, clinically proven to deliver a clearer, healthier-looking complexion.

How can I tell if I truly have deep blemishes?
Deep blemishes can basically appear anywhere you have pores, but it’s mostly seen on the face, neck, shoulders and upper arms. True diagnosis comes from a doctor or dermatologist, but deep blemishes do have common tell-tale signs:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Redness
• Tenderness
• Nodules, puss-filled bumps or lumps that just don’t seem to clear

What is the best deep blemishes treatment?
The best treatment for your deep blemishes ultimately depends on your personal diagnosis with a dermatologist. Some in-office deep blemishes treatments can include a cortisone injection that targets the blemish deep below the surface where it lives to provide relief from swelling and redness. However, cortisone shots should be considered short-term relief, not a replacement for a consistent regimen for blemish-prone skin that helps exfoliate away dead skin cells, control excess oils and balance skin. Dermatologists can also prescribe tretinoin (vitamin A), as well as antibiotic topicals to help wipe out bacteria and soothe the discomfort.

What about salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide?
Tried-and-true, over-the-counter products for deep blemishes like salicylic acid have been proven to kill bacteria to help clear and prevent deep blemishes. Benzoyl peroxide can also help treat skin blemishes, but is often trusted for more severe deep blemishes (though studies have shown it to be less effective on whiteheads). New ingredient discoveries like using phytosteroids—plant-based steroids—in products can mimic the soothing effects of an in-office cortisone shot from the comfort of your home (and without the needles).

How can I prevent deep blemishes?

Dr. Murad says, “I tell my patients to treat their deep blemishes daily as a preventative measure, even if they don’t see or feel a bump—especially if the bumps recur in the same spot.” Your daily deep blemishes routine should include a cleanser, toner, treatment and moisturizer for blemish-prone skin (and of course don’t forget an SPF). Never pick, pop or squeeze any kind of breakouts—especially deep blemishes this can cause major discoloration and scarring.

While a consistent regimen is key, Dr. Murad says, “Treating deep blemishes demands a more holistic approach that includes lifestyle and nutrition. Skin is usually a reflection of how well we eat, how well we sleep and how we manage stress.” If you feel like you’ve tried everything to treat your deep blemishes, it might be time to try some self-care, especially when stressing out about having blemishes can actually make the condition worse, Dr. Murad notes: “It can be a terrible cycle. Deep blemishes can have an emotional effect that can impact self-esteem, which then causes stress and thus potentially more deep blemishes. Always be sure to share how you feel with a dermatologist or someone you trust, and take the necessary steps to care for your yourself. Because ultimately that will show up on your skin.”

References for this information: Healthline Website, Skin Cleveland Clinic Website, Disease & Conditions Postgraduate Medical Journal, 2006, volume 82, issue 970, pages 500-506

About the Author Jacki Marzano is SoCal-based storyteller and head copywriter at Murad Skincare. She's shaped the voice of some of the most recognized beauty brands in the business, has a penchant for sharing homemade cookies, and believes SPF is the secret to getting carded well into your 40s.