Skin concerns
Your skin is unique. Find out about some common skin conditions
A skin condition is something that develops as a direct result of something else, such as hormonal changes, illnesses or lifestyle.
They are often temporary and can usually be treated.
Common skin conditions and concerns
Acne is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. It causes whiteheads, blackheads or pimples. Acne is most common among teenagers, though it affects people of all ages.
Effective acne treatments are available, but acne can be persistent. The pimples and bumps heal slowly, and when one begins to go away, others seem to crop up.
Depending on its severity, acne can cause emotional distress and scar the skin. The earlier you start treatment, the lower your risk of such problems.
A blemish is the term for any mark on the skin. There are many different types of blemish. Most blemishes are harmless, but some people may wish to treat them for cosmetic reasons.
Oily skin happens when your glands produce too much sebum, which can lead to a greasy surface, clogged pores, and acne. Oily skin is perfectly normal. There are several things to keep in mind when caring for oily skin, but most cases can be managed at home with over-the-counter remedies and proper skincare.
Pigmentation means colouring. Skin pigmentation disorders affect the colour of your skin. Your skin gets its colour from a pigment called melanin, which is made by special cells in the skin. When these cells become damaged or unhealthy, it affects melanin production. Some pigmentation disorders affect just patches of skin, while others affect your entire body.
These form when pores become clogged with a combination of dead skin cells and excess oil (sebum) from your sebaceous glands. Unlike whiteheads, which create closed pores, blackheads have open surfaces, which creates an oxidation that’s dark in colour.
Sensitive skin is a common condition and means your skin is more prone to reactions such as redness and itching. Most people who have sensitive skin notice occasional or frequent itching, burning and stinging of patches of skin. Sensitive skin is very treatable and may require a visit to the dermatologist.
Clogged pores are a common skin concern that may lead to acne. A build-up of dirt, oil or dead skin cells can cause clogged pores. The condition is most common in people with very oily skin, and can be improved through a gentle skincare routine.
Dark circles under the lower eyelids are common. Often accompanied by bags, having dark circles under your eyes may invite unwanted comments about how tired you look. In fact, there are many reasons for dark circles – they don’t always occur from a lack of sleep.
What causes breakouts? Stress, certain skincare or acne treatments, dehydration, diet, lack of sleep, contact with the skin, and smoking are all common causes.
A phototoxic response usually crops up within 24 hours of sun exposure. This type of response occurs when a drug is activated by exposure to sunlight and causes damage to the skin. A phototoxic reaction will usually be limited to the skin that has been exposed to UV light.
The main difference between fine lines and wrinkles is the depth of the crease in the skin. Fine lines are very mild, while wrinkles are deeper set. Some refer to wrinkles as expression lines and feel they apply only to skin folds that appear in areas of facial expression.
Also known as pruritus (proo-RIE-tus), itchy skin is often caused by dry skin. It’s common in older adults, as skin tends to become drier with age. Depending on the cause of your itchiness, your skin may appear normal, red, rough or bumpy.
Skin inflammation is a sign of an immune response in the body. Symptoms can include redness, heat, itching, sensitivity, and swelling. The cause or trigger of skin inflammation may be acute, such as a skin infection, or chronic, such as an autoimmune condition like psoriasis.
Puffiness caused by inflammation of facial tissue is also known as facial oedema. A puffy face is the result of an abnormally large build-up of fluid in your face, which occurs directly under the skin within your tissues.
Loss of skin elasticity is a natural part of the ageing process. You may have noticed it for the first time when you were putting on make-up or rubbed your eyes. You moved your eyelid slightly to the side, and your skin didn’t bounce back the way it used to.
Oestrogen helps to stimulate collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production that helps the skin to stay plump and firm. Progesterone stimulates the production of sebum or the oil glands in the skin. It can cause the skin to swell, and compress the look of pores. Too much of it, however, can lead to oil build up.
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Acne develops when sebum – an oily substance that lubricates your hair and skin – and dead skin cells plug hair follicles. Bacteria can trigger inflammation and infection, resulting in more severe acne.
Rosacea (roe-ZAY-she-uh) is a common skin condition that causes blushing or flushing and visible blood vessels in your face. It may also produce small, pus-filled bumps. These signs and symptoms may flare up for weeks to months and then go away for a while. Rosacea can be mistaken for acne, other skin problems or natural ruddiness.
Rosacea can affect anyone, but it’s most common in middle-aged white women. There’s no cure for rosacea, but treatment can control and reduce the signs and symptoms.
Some people are born with naturally translucent or porcelain skin. This means that the skin is very pale or see-through. You may be able to see blue or purple veins through the skin. In others, translucent skin can be caused by a disease or other condition that causes the skin to be thin or very pale in colour.
