Common Skin Complaints and What to do About Them
Our skin is our largest organ- not to mention it’s the thing people see first when they’re speaking to you. Unlike hair that you can just shove a hat on if it’s acting up, your face is different, which is why our skin is so highly linked to our self esteem. Most of us have some form of skin issue or another, but if yours is effecting your life it’s time to do something about it. Here are some common skin complaints and what to do about them.
Acne
If your acne has been going on for a while and isn’t resolving (or is getting worse) the best thing you can do is visit the doctor instead of trying to treat it at home. Often, acne is a hormonal issue and needs more than just celebrity endorsed skincare and strange home remedies. In fact, these can make it worse. A doctor will be able to either help you directly or refer you to a dermatologist, but either way it’s about getting to the cause of the problem rather than just treating the spots which are a symptom. Acne can be painful, embarrassing and destroy self confidence. Don’t just suffer with it, take action and give your GP a call.
Blackheads
Blackheads appear on your skin due to clogged hair follicles. These bumps are called blackheads because the surface looks dark or black, as the sebum oxidizes with the air causing the dark appearance. They’re often found on the nose and can be unsightly and troublesome as they tend to keep reappearing. There are products that can help, charcoal derived from coconut shells is a great detoxifier and can help to remove these impurities from your pores. Face masks and pore strips are also good at getting rid of blackheads.
Dry skin
Dry skin feels uncomfortable and can flake off meaning it looks unpleasant. Makeup and fake tan won’t sit well over it, and in a bid to make yourself look better you can actually end up looking worse! Start by nourishing your body from the inside out, make sure you’re drinking enough water and eating hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables. Gentle exfoliation will remove the existing dry and dead skin, and allow any moisturizer you put on underneath to work much more effectively. If it’s summertime and you skin is dry, make sure you’re protecting it properly from the sun. Use SPF and a hat to shade your face, and stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day.
Redness
Unless the redness is caused by a medical issue like rosacea or flushing due to temperature changes (common in menopausal women) then redness is likely just to be how your skin is. Some people just have more red undertones than others, but if you hate your rosy cheeks there’s no need to fret. Use a green based concealer which works by colour balancing and neutralizing the red and pink shades. If you find a good foundation with enough coverage, this alone could do the trick.
(Photo credit: pexels.com)
