Skin Concerns Explained
Everything you need to know about rosacea, acne, hyperpigmentation, fine lines & wrinkles, and dehydrated skin.
As the largest (and arguably, most vulnerable!) organ of our body, the skin is no stranger to various issues and conditions. And while most of these conditions are more uncomfortable or painful than they are dangerous, it’s still important to know what causes them and how to treat them to relieve the discomfort and enjoy happy, healthy, and glowing skin. Today we’re discussing five of the most common skin concerns and their causes.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a skin condition that affects 16 million Americans, as reported by the American Academy of Dermatology Association. It typically causes redness on the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. In some cases, it can also cause bumps and pimples, swollen eyes, and a burning or stinging sensation. While there is no cure for rosacea, there are ways to cover it up with makeup. One of the best ways to cover rosacea is to find gentle products that won’t aggravate the irritation. This includes using a moisturizer that can help to reduce redness and dryness, as well as using foundations with SPF for additional protection.
Acne
Acne is a very common chronic and inflammatory skin condition that causes blackheads, pimples, or spots on your face, arms, back, or sometimes even chest. Acne is caused by the pores of your skin becoming blocked with oil, dead skin, or bacteria, and although acne is more common amongst teenagers, many adults also struggle with this condition, usually due to hormonal imbalance, lifestyle choices, stress, or genetics. Saying that though, acne is a very treatable condition and mostly can be maintained with a proper skincare regimen and regular exfoliation, but in some cases, antibiotic treatment may be required.
Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is a common condition that makes some areas of the skin darker than others (“Hyper” means more, and “pigment” means color). Pigmentation can appear as small patches on your face (especially if you’re using skincare with active ingredients like silicic acid), or it can affect your entire body. The darkening occurs when your body produces too much melatonin, resulting from sun damage, hormonal changes (for example, during pregnancy), or injury or inflammation to the skin, like acne scars.
Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Although fine lines and wrinkles are a natural part of the aging process, frequent and unprotected sun exposure or lifestyle choices like smoking can aggravate this skin issue and result in premature aging of your skin. Although they’re often used interchangeably, fine lines are small, shallow creases that form on thin, delicate skin and are created when you continue with the same movement like smiling or frowning. Wrinkles, on the other hand, are deeper and more prominent lines, and you can think of them as untreated fine lines that are harder to smooth out.
Dehydration
If you’re experiencing an itchy, dull, and pulling sensation on your face, it’s most likely because your skin is dehydrated. This condition can happen to any type of skin, even to those with oily, acne-prone skin – in fact, oily skin is often a sign of dehydration as the glands overcompensate for lack of hydration with oil production. The less supple complexion is usually caused by external conditions such as weather (cold in winter or heat in summer), lifestyle choices (alcohol or caffeine consumption) or even something as simple as not drinking enough water during the day.