Skincare Solutions For Your Most Annoying (But Common) Skin Conditions
About one-third of Americans agree that when their skin appears clear and healthy, they feel more confident.
Do you fall into this group? Are you currently happy with the appearance of your skin?
Lots of people struggle with skin conditions, from acne to armpit pigmentation. Lots of people also have no idea how to treat these conditions.
If you have a skin condition that’s holding you back from feeling your best, keep reading.
Listed below are some of the most common skin conditions people deal with, along with skincare solutions to conquer them once and for all.
Acne
Up to 50 million Americans struggle with acne each year. And, contrary to popular belief, this isn’t a condition that magically gets better with age.
Rates of adult acne are actually going up, especially among women, who make up 15 percent of all acne sufferers. If you’re struggling with adult acne, these treatment options can help you kick it to the curb:
- Topical treatments that contain ingredients like salicylic acid, sulfur, benzoyl peroxide, and retinol
- Regular (but not daily) exfoliation with glycolic acid
- Medical spa treatments like chemical peels or microdermabrasion
You may also need to work with your doctor to get to the root cause of your acne. Often, adult breakouts are related to hormonal imbalances, food sensitivities, or poorly managed stress.
Cellulite
Cellulite is a skin condition that develops when fat gets deposited in pockets located right below the skin’s surface. These fat deposits can cause the collagen fibers that connect skin and fat to stretch and break down. This, in turn, causes the skin to develop a dimpled appearance.
Men and women both experience cellulite, but it seems to be more prevalent in women, particularly around the hips, buttocks, and thighs.
Cellulite cannot be totally eliminated. But, you can reduce the appearance of it by living a healthy lifestyle. This means avoiding smoking and yo-yo dieting, getting plenty of exercise, eating a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and maintaining a healthy body weight.
Treatments like wraps, massages, laser therapy, methylxanthine creams, and liposuction can also minimize the appearance of cellulite.
Keratosis Pilaris
Have you ever noticed little red bumps on the backs of your arms, on your cheeks, or on your inner thighs? These bumps are usually indicative of a condition known as keratosis pilaris.
Keratosis pilaris occurs when keratin, or dead skin cells, builds up in the hair follicles. This leads the appearance of rough, red bumps.
This condition is often hereditary. It can also be associated with other conditions like allergies or eczema.
If you’re dealing with keratosis pilaris, do not pick at or squeeze the bumps. This often results in scarring and scabbing.
It’s best to treat the bumps with a cream that contains salicylic acid or urea. This will help to break down the keratin and smooth out the skin. You can also gently exfoliate the areas where the bumps are present.
Razor Bumps
Most people have experienced razor bumps, also known as razor burn, at some point in their life.
This condition is definitely irritating and can be quite painful. But, the good news is that razor bumps are easy to treat and prevent.
To avoid razor bumps, make sure you’re moisturizing your skin thoroughly before shaving. Then, shave in the direction the hairs grow. Avoid repeating strokes over the same patch of skin, and always use a sharp, clean razor.
Don’t forget to moisturize your skin after shaving, too. Many people are looking for more tips to prevent razor bumps, but they’re not following this basic advice. Remember, your skin needs lots of TLC after having a razor dragged across it.
If you already have razor bumps and would like to get rid of them, you might want to consider a topical prescription medication to minimize itching and irritation while the skin heals.
Dermatitis
Dermatitis, or inflammation of the dermis, is another highly common skin condition. Dermatitis comes in many different forms, including the following:
- Contact dermatitis: A rash that occurs after making contact with a specific substance
- Stasis dermatitis: A reddish blue rash that can occur on the lower legs of people who struggle with varicose veins
- Atopic dermatitis: A rash that is often the result of an allergic reaction
The first step to treating dermatitis is figuring out the cause. You’ll need to work with your doctor to rule out allergies or exposure to certain substances that may be triggering the rash.
In the case of atopic or contact dermatitis, you may also need to take an allergy medication regularly while you identify the cause of the rash. Your doctor may also prescribe a topical or oral medication to help clear up your skin.
Pigmentation Under Your Arms
There are a number of reasons why you might be experiencing pigmentation under your arms. Some common causes include a skin reaction to ingredients in your deodorant and ingrown hairs.
Many people find that, when they switch to a natural or hypoallergenic deodorant, the pigmentation under their arms goes away.
Using a hypoallergenic lotion that contains ingredients like soy or hydroquinone can also be beneficial. These ingredients slow down hair growth and help to minimize pigmentation.
If the pigmentation is the result of an ingrown hair, the best course of action is typically to just leave it alone.
Avoid shaving under your arms until the hair grows out. If it appears to be very close to the skin, you may be able to gently pull it out with a pair of tweezers.
Looking for More Skincare Solutions?
Keep these skincare solutions in mind so that the next time an annoying skin issue arises, you can nip it in the bud as quickly as possible.
Are you interested in learning more skincare tips and tricks? Want to know how you can slow down the aging process and keep your skin looking fresh and youthful for as long as possible?
Be sure to check out this article today. It reveals one of the best things you can do to maintain your skin’s health and appearance long-term.
