What should you do about a spot that hasn’t gone away for months?

A spot that has persisted for months cannot be explained solely by a one-off excess of sebum or poor hygiene. This persistence often reflects a deeper imbalance in the skin. Several mechanisms may be involved, sometimes in combination. Identifying them is the first step towards tailoring your daily skincare routine more effectively.

Prolonged inflammation

Certain lesions, particularly deep-seated forms such as nodules, are accompanied by inflammation that persists over time. This reaction slows down the natural processes of skin renewal and can keep the spot active for several weeks, or even longer.

A hormonal imbalance

Hormonal fluctuations directly influence the activity of the sebaceous glands. An increase in sebum production can contribute to the development of deep or recurrent lesions, which progress slowly and tend to persist.

A blocked hair follicle

When a pore remains blocked, sebum and dead skin cells build up. This can lead to the formation of closed comedones or microcysts, often seen as ‘developing’ spots, which remain trapped beneath the skin and do not clear up on their own.

Recurring irritation

Shaving, prolonged mask-wearing, certain fabrics or even repeated rubbing of the skin can contribute to localised irritation. Similarly, using skincare products that are too harsh can weaken the skin and prolong inflammation.

A compromised skin barrier

Skin exposed to overly frequent cleansing or active ingredients it does not tolerate well may experience a compromised protective barrier. In response, it produces more sebum and becomes more prone to persistent blemishes.

A non-acne-related cause

In some cases, what is perceived as a spot is not actually acne. It may be a wart, a skin tag, an ingrown hair or even a small benign lesion. This confusion explains why some ‘blemishes’ do not disappear despite your usual skincare routine.

Certain skin lesions can indeed mimic the appearance of a persistent spot, whilst being caused by different mechanisms. This distinction is important, as it guides the appropriate course of action and helps avoid using unsuitable treatments.

The different types of persistent “spots”

• Closed comedone (whitehead): a small, discreet bump beneath the skin, with no visible inflammation

• Inflamed spot: red, sometimes tender to the touch, developing slowly

• Microcyst: a small, firm, rounded formation located beneath the skin, with no apparent opening

• Nodule: a larger lesion, located deep within the skin, often palpable and sometimes uncomfortable

• Ingrown hair / folliculitis: localised inflammation caused by a trapped hair, common after shaving or hair removal

• Wart: irregular surface, rough texture, slow progression

• Skin tag : small, soft, pedunculated growth, movable to the touch, flesh-coloured

• Active scar: persistent red or pigmented area, which may give the impression that a spot is still present.

How can you tell them apart?

What warning signs should you look out for if a spot hasn’t gone away for months?

Certain signs should prompt you to reassess the lesion rather than treating it as a simple spot. Rapid progression, an increase in size, significant pain, bleeding, a change in colour or the appearance of unusual pigmentation are signs to watch out for. In these situations, seeking professional advice will help ensure the condition is managed correctly and rule out any other types of lesions.

When dealing with a persistent spot, the priority is to avoid unintentionally fuelling the inflammation. Certain small, everyday habits – some of which may seem trivial – can slow down the skin’s natural healing process.

Good habits to adopt:

1. Avoid touching the spot: squeezing or touching the spot prolongs the inflammation and increases the risk of lasting marks

2. Limit repeated mechanical exfoliation: exfoliating too frequently weakens the skin and perpetuates the skin reaction

3. Cut down on irritating or overly drying skincare products: stressed skin may react by producing more sebum

4. Maintain a simple, regular routine: prioritise consistency over using a multitude of products

5. Monitor progress: gradual improvement remains a more reliable indicator than rapid clearance.

In some cases, it may also be useful to note the circumstances surrounding the spot’s appearance: its exact location, how often it recurs, or any link to certain daily routines. These details provide valuable clues to understanding why a spot has persisted for months and to fine-tuning your skincare routine or habits.

If the lesion persists despite these adjustments, or if it changes (increased size, heightened sensitivity, change in appearance), it is best to seek the advice of a healthcare professional to determine its nature.

At the same time, it may be helpful to simplify your routine and opt for gentle skincare products suited to your skin. Paying attention to the skin barrier, combined with a few carefully chosen active ingredients, often yields better results than layering on multiple products.

To improve the appearance of your skin, we recommend adopting our experts’ “anti-blemish” routine, which consists of four simple steps:

1. Step 1 – Cleansing your skin

Gentle Prebiotic, Zinc & Cucumber Cleansing Gel

Its formula effectively cleanses and purifies the skin without drying it out, protects the skin barrier and soothes redness.

Recommended use: Apply morning and evening to damp skin on the face and neck, massaging in circular motions, then rinse with lukewarm water.

Discover the Gentle Prebiotic, Zinc & Cucumber Cleansing Gel

2. Step 2 – Identifying my specific concern

Niacinamide 10%, Copper & Zinc Serum

10% Niacinamide, Copper & Zinc Concentrated Serum

Its formula helps control excess sebum, soothes redness and prevents blemishes, whilst improving the overall appearance of the skin.

Recommended use: morning and evening, on cleansed skin, apply a few drops to the face and neck, massaging gently to help the product absorb.

Discover the 10% Niacinamide, Copper & Zinc Concentrated Serum

3. Step 3 – Moisturising my skin

Zinc Hyaluronate & Salicylic Acid Fluid Cream

A day and night cream with a velvety finish that rebalances, mattifies and moisturises the skin whilst reducing blemishes.

Recommended use: Apply the cream to your face and neck in the morning and evening after your serum.

Discover the Zinc Hyaluronate & Salicylic Acid Fluid Cream

4. Step 4 – My dietary supplement

Clear skin complex

Clear Skin Complex

A synergy of plants, minerals and active ingredients. The patented SkinAx²™ Urban Detox ingredient helps to reduce sebum production. Wild pansy, grape and burdock help to improve the appearance of the skin.

Recommended use: 200mg of SkinAx²™ Urban Detox (equivalent to 2 capsules of Clear Skin Complex) per day, to be taken with a glass of water, as a course of treatment lasting at least 2 months.

Discover the Clear Skin Complex

Preventing spots that linger over time relies on simple, regular steps tailored to your skin. The aim isn’t to use more and more products, but to prioritise those that are truly suitable for your skin:

1. Cleanse your skin gently: cleansing too frequently or using products that are too harsh weakens the skin’s barrier. Opt for a gentle cleanser in the morning and evening, which doesn’t leave your skin feeling tight after rinsing

2. Preserve the hydrolipidic film: this protective film plays a vital role in maintaining the skin’s balance. Excessive use of drying products can lead to compensatory sebum production and contribute to persistent blemishes

3. Simplify your routine: using more products does not lead to better results. A short, well-structured and regular routine is often more effective than a build-up of products, which can sometimes be poorly tolerated

4. Choose skincare products suited to your skin: every skin type reacts differently. Using unsuitable textures or active ingredients can perpetuate blemishes, or even encourage the appearance of microcysts

5. Introduce active ingredients gradually: an accumulation of powerful or poorly dosed active ingredients can weaken the skin. Introduce each new skincare product one at a time so you can assess how well your skin tolerates it

6. Minimise mechanical factors: Repeated friction – caused by face masks, mobile phones or shaving – as well as frequent contact with the hands, can perpetuate localised inflammation

7. Focus on consistency: Visible results depend on consistency. A simple routine, followed daily, allows the skin to gradually regain a good balance.

Test each new product on a small area before use and be mindful of photosensitising active ingredients, especially if you’re going to be exposed to the sun. It’s also best not to combine several powerful active ingredients within the same skincare routine. If you’re already under dermatological care, check that natural skincare products are compatible with your usual treatment plan. Finally, watch out for certain signs such as a lesion that is growing, bleeding, severe pain or the appearance of unusual pigmentation. In these situations, medical advice is still recommended.

As you’re no doubt already aware, the condition of your skin can also reflect certain dietary imbalances. A high intake of fast-acting sugars or ultra-processed foods can, in some people, contribute to the appearance of blemishes. Gradually shift towards a simpler, less processed diet, one that is more varied and balanced, to support your skin’s balance in the long term.

Stéphanie Catrysse is a naturopath (certified by the FENA), a wellness massage and lymphatic drainage practitioner, and a personal development coach. She is passionate about alternative medicine and practices a holistic approach to health.