Common Skin Problems
There are many reasons why you might develop a skin problem at one stage in your life. Whether you’re a teenager hitting puberty, can’t seem to get enough sleep, are lacking proper vitamins and minerals, can’t find time to exercise, have had too much exposure to harmful UV rays or just don’t manage an adequate daily intake of water, the chances are your skin will be suffering for it. So what are some common skin ailments, and how can you either prevent or treat them?
What are common skin problems?
The most common types of skin problems include:
- Excessive oil
- Blemishes or acne
- Lesions and scarring
- Psoriasis, Eczema, Rosacea and Redness
- Pigmentation
Many skin conditions are treatable, but it’s important that you first know what your skin type is, as this will help to determine what is the best course of action to take. A skin analysis consultation can determine if you have any skin conditions, what your skin type is, and check for excessive damage.
Excessive Oil
Excess oil in the skin is usually due to an overproduction of sebum, the oil produced in subcutaneous glands. Although sebum plays a vital role in protecting our skin from the environment around us, excessive production can lead to blocked pores, black heads, white heads, pustules, acne and in some cases subcutaneous cysts.
Unfortunately it is not only the feel of greasy skin that indicates excessive oil. In some cases extra build up of dead skin cells can give the appearance and feel of dry skin, but in fact locks oil under the skin, while moisturisers cannot get in. Skin analysis will be able to determine if this is the case for your skin.
The best treatment for excessive oil is to make sure you clean it thoroughly every day with a good cleanser, followed by a toner to treat pores. Regular exfoliation can rid your skin of dead skin cells that block pores, leading to blackheads and pimples.
Blemishes and acne
The odd blemish is not nearly as serious as a case of full-blown acne, but both have their roots in similar causes. Blemishes can be related to hormonal swings, particularly in women. Hormones can trigger the production of sebum, blocking pores and trapping in dirt and particles that can lead to infection of the pore. Blemishes can also be caused by a diet that consists of too much refined sugar. Usually blemishes clear themselves up within a few days to a week, but can leave scarring on the face. Try not to squeeze blemishes for this reason, but use a medicated soap that will help to dry them out instead.
Acne is a more problematic skin disorder and is harder to treat. Like blemishes, acne is often caused by a hormonal imbalance that triggers sebum production, blocking pores with oil, leading to infections. The most common victims of a bout of acne are teenage boys, but can just as equally affect girls and women. Some people can also develop adult acne later in life.
In the case of acne, the hair follicle becomes enlarged, and this, when combined with excessive sebum production, leads to a swelling of the pore, trapping in bacteria. While the most directly related effects of acne are relatively harmless to health, it all too often has a detrimental effect on self-esteem, which is particularly important during teenage years, in some cases leading to depression. Treating the acne is very important for this reason. Making sure the skin is washed twice a day with medicated soap and using a specially developed acne skin care range is essential.
Lesions and scarring
Lesions and scarring can be the result of blemishes or acne, as well as other skin conditions. They are made up of scar tissue, which differs form normal skin tissue in that it does not contain any blood or nerve supply. In most cases, the body produces more scar tissue than it needs as an overprotective way of healing the body, and it can continue to grow.
Some scarring can be reduced by the use of a good whitening cream, although be careful which one you choose. Some contain harsh bleaches that can react badly with your skin. Laser treatments are the most effective way of rejuvenating the skin, and is very effective for treating old scars and lesions.
Psoriasis, Eczema, and Rosacea
Psoriasis and eczema can be stubborn skin conditions to get rid of, and cause great discomfort for their sufferers. Flaking, itchy, inflamed and red patches of skin usually indicate the presence of either ailment, and a skin analysis consultation will help to determine which, if either, you may have.
Treatment for psoriasis and eczema varies a great deal, as do the underlying causes. Dietary restrictions and creams may help, and in some cases treatment with medicinal herbs and other natural remedies may prove effective. Interestingly, a German health retreat uses a pool of small fish that feed on the dead skin cells of psoriasis sufferers as one way of treating the ailment!
Rosacea is a more subtle and mysterious ailment. It causes the blood vessels to swell, producing what for most suffers is embarrassing redness of the nose, cheeks and chin. The causes of rosacea are debated. Some researchers believe that it is largely caused by a hereditary disposition or environmental factors, while more recent studies have proposed that a small mite clogs the oil gland, causing the inflammation. Other theories suggest that a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori, which is often the cause of intestinal infections, might also be connected. Treatment for rosacea is more problematic, but some success has been found in laser treatments for the skin.
Pigmentation
Many Australians suffer from excessive pigmentation of the skin, usually because of overexposure to UV rays. Pigmentation in the skin is caused when excessive production of melanin is triggered, resulting in uneven skin tone, freckles, and sun or ‘liver’ spots.
The most effective treatment for uneven or excessive pigmentation is a series of laser treatments to resurface the skin. Microdermabrasion may also help, as with some lightening creams on the market.
Knowing what your skin condition is can go a long way in helping you to treating it, or at the very least managing the symptoms. Having your skin analysed sooner, rather than later, can not only save you money on treatment costs, but also help to prevent the development of skin conditions from the outset.
