Most people, regardless of age, geographic location or other lifestyle factors, experience some form of skincare challenges — even if only on a temporary basis. They can be very dramatic, creating a situation where a professional is definitely needed. Or, sometimes it may just take a little self love to identify some of the most common skincare challenges.
In your busy, everyday life, stress can impact your skin, as well as a thousand choices that you make regarding product usage and your skincare regimen. However, learning to find solutions to the most common skin-related stumbling blocks is a great way to get back on track.
Let’s get started!
1. Breakouts
According to Medscape, approximately 50 million Americans experience some level of acne on a somewhat regular basis. And if you’re thinking these numbers rest solely in the range of adolescence, then you’re absolutely wrong. In fact, some people who never had acne as a teenager may begin to see breakouts during adulthood.
Now, the recurrence of acne among women is much more prevalent than with men, which may make it much easier to see why acne can often occur and be so problematic. Most acne in adults is a result of clogged pores and varying levels of inflammation — all things that can arise when makeup is not removed at night, or the skin is otherwise not properly cared for on a daily basis.
When you think about acne, this can include having pimples, blackheads and other pustules. And while the best treatment for any skin-related challenge is to become more healthy overall, remember:
- Not to pick at your skin blemishes
- Watch how the foods that you eat affect your skin, especially sweets
- Avoid stress and dehydration
- Wash your face every morning and night
- Stay away from thick, heavy makeup that doesn’t allow your skin to breathe
2. Rosacea
Many times, rosacea can be confused with acne, due to one of its similar symptoms of pimple-like bumps. However, many people suffering from rosacea can also experience redness on the nose and the cheeks (almost like a “flushing”) and dilated veins.
As with acne, more women than men do find rosacea to be a challenge, but the cause is more of a mystery. While many find that it may be hereditary, daily lifestyle and environmental metrics may also be the culprit. Additionally, it does typically occur in women with more mature skin.
While a good skincare regimen is always encouraged, hygiene has not been identified as a cause of rosacea. However, if you want to attempt to limit your flare ups, try to avoid:
- Being outside in extreme temperatures
- Spicy foods
- Alcoholic beverages
- Sunlight
- Medications that can dilate the blood vessels
3. Eczema
Sometimes also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema can be an uncomfortable skin condition that can usually lead to redness and chronic itching. Many people may also experience thick, almost-scaly, cracked skin, along with swelling and raised bumps. It also prevents yet another one of the most common skincare challenges, and keeps many people from truly loving their skin.
Eczema usually appears for the first time during childhood. However, it can come and go in the form of flare ups, lasting on into adulthood.
While eczema has no actual cure, there are a few tips that can help decrease or lessen its symptoms. Be sure to:
- Use a good moisturizer twice daily — at least
- Find out what triggers your eczema, such as stress, allergies or products
- Avoid long showers or baths with hot water
- Stop using harsh soaps that can dry out your skin
- Pat your skin dry to avoid irritations
4. Uneven Skin Texture
If you’ve ever experienced any degree of an uneven skin texture, then you’ll easily relate to this description. When your skin is uneven, the texture can feel bumpy and dry, and your pores can either appear too large or basically nonexistent. Your skin may also feel rough, and it can completely lose its healthy glow, which is also one of the most common skincare challenges.
Uneven skin texture can be caused by numerous things, but it primarily originates as a buildup of dry or dead skin cells. Smoking and aging may also be factors, along with too much sun exposure.
Thankfully, having an uneven skin texture doesn’t have to be a chronic problem. Instead, it can be improved by:
- Gently exfoliating to remove dry skin and dead cells
- Increasing your vitamin C intake for skin that is darker in color (hyperpigmentation)
- Using plenty of sunscreen to help with enlarged pores and sun spots
- Hydrating both your body and your skin
- Getting enough sleep
5. Excessively Oily Skin
Scientifically speaking, oily skin is the result of the body creating too much sebum, which comes from the sebaceous glands. When produced in the right amount, sebum actually makes your hair have the silky, shiny effect, as well as keep your skin properly moisturized. But when there’s too much, it can manifest in shiny, oily skin that is far from that “slightly dewy” or matte look that you may be hoping to achieve.
Just like dry skin, which, as we’ve mentioned, can be a symptom of eczema and uneven skin texture, excessively oily skin can be a temporary challenge or something more chronic. Some battle problems with too much oil their entire lives (often resulting in acne breakouts), while it may also simply be due to environmental factors.
But, if you’re rather tired of the constant blotting for oil and excess moisture, and “powdering your nose,” there are a few steps you can take.
- Never skip washing your face and carefully patting it dry
- Drink plenty of water to decrease the oil in your glands
- Use skincare products that are oil-free
- Stop touching your face out of habit or stress
- Always use an SPF 30 when you’ll be outdoors — even if just running errands
The more you begin to learn about “the skin you’re in,” the less often you will experience feelings of hopelessness, or even being “mad” at your skin and its challenges. As you start to make better lifestyle choices and treat your skin like the amazing, protective organ that it is, you’ll certainly begin to see a difference in its appearance — and how you feel about it. Additionally, you can also avoid some of the most common skincare challenges, and follow the basic skincare musts.
