Common skin problems and how to address them
From acne to enlarged pores, and age spots to wrinkles, our skin is prone to a plethora of issues that we come face-to-face with everyday. It is important to diligently manage the best skincare routine for your skin type; read on to find out more about four of the most common skin concerns, and how to manage them.
Acne
A common skin condition typically observed on the face, acne could also appear on other areas of the body, including the neck, shoulder, chest, and back. This is partially caused when hair follicles under the skin become clogged, and can be affected by stress, hormonal fluctuations, bacteria, and ingrown hairs, or when excess sebum production and dead skin cells accumulate in clogged pores. In some cases, acne could also lead to scarring if left untreated. To manage this condition on a daily basis
- Cleanse the skin with products containing lactic acid, which can reduce inflammation and improve the overall skin texture.
- Use a gentle exfoliating facial scrub containing natural ingredients such as glucomannan konjac jelly or olive stone powder to aid in removing dead skin cells, which can cause clogged pores.
- Soothe the skin with a prebiotic treatment mist containing panthenol, aloe vera, arginine (an amino acid which promotes healing), and zinc pca to help normalise sebum production in the skin and prevent the occurrence of acne-causing bacteria.
- Include a sebum-control serum to incorporate antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients such as tea tree oil and chamomile to help calm redness and swelling, as well as tighted pores and regenerate skin with antioxidants.
- If the acne is caused by ingrown hairs, incorporating an ingrown hair prevention product containing natural ingredients such as vitis vinifera (grape) fruit extract and humulus lupulus (hops) extract will help exfoliate away dead skin cells on the surface, and soothe the skin whilst unclogging pores.
- Daily skin moisturisation is also an effective way to minimise excess sebum production, and looking out for products containing niacinamide, glycerin, ceramide NP, and hydrolysed hyaluronic acid will aid in repairing and defending the skin’s natural barrier while providing optimal moisture.
Large Pores
There are two different types of pores on the body; one type releases natural oils including sebum, while the other type releases sweat to cool the body’s internal temperature. Due to a condition caused primarily by clogged pores or excessive sebum production, an oily complexion can cause pores to look larger, and get clogged easily. Although it is not possible to reduce the size of our pores, methods to reduce their appearance include using water-based products, routinely applying a clay mask, and avoiding too much sun exposure. To minimise the effect of large pores.
- Cleanse the skin with products containing lactic acid, which can reduce inflammation and improve the overall skin texture.
- Incorporate a brightening serum containing ascorbyl glucoside (a water-soluble vitamin C derivative) and niacinamide (a vitamin B3 derivative) to provide antioxidants which enhance the effects of sun protection.
- Moisturise daily to minimise the appearance of large pores, and include products containing niacinamide, glycerin, ceramide NP, and hydrolysed hyaluronic acid to help repair and enhance the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
- Ensure optimal sun protection with a lightweight sunscreen containing niacinamide, an antioxidant that minimises the look of large pores while improving the skin’s resilience and texture.
Age Spots
When ultraviolet (UV) light comes into contact with the skin, it speeds up melanin production, causing dark spots to form on the surface. Also known as sunspots or liver spots, age spots are a form of hyperpigmentation caused mainly by sun damage, and usually appear in varied sizes on commonly exposed surfaces such as the face, shoulders, arms and hands. To minimise its occurrence.
- Protect the skin with a prebiotic treatment mist containing niacinamide and retinyl palmitate, a vitamin A derivative retinoid, to boost collagen production and reduce the look of fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin textures, and dark spots.
- Incorporate a vitamin C skin brightening serum containing niacinamide and ascorbyl glucoside, a vitamin C derivative, to provide antioxidants which help the skin look smoother, younger and brighter.
- Include a probiotic brightening cream with ingredients such as rose water, niacinamide, and bifida ferment lysate, a probiotic that potently protects against UV-induced damage. Exfoliating acids (AHA) such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, and citric acid are also essential for achieving smoother skin with a more even skin tone; while skin-lightening ingredients such as glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) root extract, and antibacterial ingredients such as green tea extract are essential for fighting UV damage and keeping the skin healthy, reducing the appearance of dark spots.
- Ensure optimal sun protection with a lightweight sunscreen containing niacinamide, bisoctrizole, and methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol, a type of hybrid sunscreen that displays the properties of both physical and chemical sunscreens. A chemical sunscreen typically contains ingredients that absorb UV rays before they enter the skin, whereas a mineral sunscreen functions as a barrier to block or reflect UV, thus minimising the risk of hyperpigmentation and other UVA-related skin damage.
Wrinkles
As the skin ages, it naturally begins to lose collagen and elastin, and visible signs of aging - including the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles - may start to become more prominent. In addition, mature skin also experience more muscle contractions, and other factors such as sun damage, and exposure to environmental pollution also cause the skin to age at an accelerated rate.
One of the easiest ways to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles is to ensure the skin is kept well hydrated. Although wrinkles appear all over the face, under-eye wrinkles are more delicate and require extra care. To prevent the look of wrinkles.
- Soothe the skin with a prebiotic treatment mist containing niacinamide, vitamin C derivative ascorbic acid, an anti-ageing retinoid - retinyl palmitate, and amino acids (glycine/histadine/phenylaline) which aid in skin repair and improving the appearance of wrinkles whilst stimulating collagen production.
- Brightening serums containing niacinamide and vitamin C derivative ascorbyl glucoside help to provide antioxidants which help the skin look smoother, brighter and younger.
- Incorporating an antioxidant-rich cream containing antioxidant marine water microalgae helps to stimulate cell renewal to enhance firming effects, while vitamin C derivative ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate helps to encourage collagen production and protect the skin from UV damage.
- To further reduce signs of ageing and wrinkles, be diligent in applying a lightweight sunscreen containing niacinamide and bisoctrizole, a broad-spectrum UV absorber that reflects and scatters both UV-A and UV-B rays.
While addressing these skin conditions may seem daunting to overcome, establishing a proper skincare routine and regular facial treatments are usually the best way to alleviate the most uncomfortable symptoms.