How to deal with problem skin

Document Date Posted: 12/01/2021-02:57AM

How to deal with problem skin
Most people have dealt with problem skin at some point in their life. Whether it’s a pesky breakout, a rash or blackheads, unfortunately skin problems are not just the domain of teens. In this post we look at what problems your skin can face and tips on how to solve the issues.

Acne
Although acne predominantly affects teens because of hormonal changes at the onset of puberty, adults can suffer from it too. A 2012 study published in the Journal of Women’s Health1 found that more than 50 percent of the women in the study had some form of acne while 30 percent of women aged between 31-50 years of age had clinical acne.

Dealing with acne
Look at making some lifestyle changes like getting more sleep, exercising to boost blood flow and watching your sugar intake2. Some cases may need medical attention and over the counter treatments. Try not to pick at your skin as scarring can occur.

Hyperpigmentation
Your skin can darken around the cheeks and face because of increased production of melanin (the substance that determines your skin colour). It’s common in pregnant women or can occur after skin is exposed to the sun3. If the cause is pregnancy, it usually disappears after the birth of the baby.

Dealing with hyperpigmentation
If you suffer from melasma, a type of hyperpigmentation, most commonly brown patches on the face, then experts recommend limiting sun exposure between 10 am to 2 pm and using sunscreen4. Consult a doctor if the condition worsens or before treating the condition yourself.

Dry skin
If you spend your hours in air-conditioned rooms, take hot showers and wash dishes using detergents and hot water, then you’re likely to suffer from dry skin. Protect hands from moisture- stripping liquids by wearing gloves when washing dishes and moisturise hands regularly. Take a shower with mild soap as soon as you finish swimming - chlorine can really strip your skin and hair of water5 then apply a moisturiser to lock the moisture in the skin6. Tip: Try Body Series® G&H Lotion which contains glycerine, allantoin and honey for all over body softness.

Itchy skin
Itchy skin can be caused by either a skin condition such as eczema or as an allergic reaction to clothing materials, soaps, perfumes or cosmetics7. If your skin has broken into a rash then try a cool shower or compress to calm it, let it dry then apply moisturiser. Monitor your skin for a week to see if the rash spreads or has disappeared.

Dealing with itchy skin
Wear loose clothes and avoid scratching8, stop using harsh soaps, lotions or cosmetics. If the rash is still there after a few days, get it checked by your GP. These are only a few of the skin problems that can occur. It’s important to monitor the issue, find out what could be causing it and seek appropriate medical advice.

1. http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/jwh.2010.2722?journalCode=jwh&
2. http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/features/lifestyle
3. http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/health-fitness/womens-health/4-common-skin-problems-how-to-deal?page=1
4. http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hyperpigmentation-hypopigmentation
5. http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/dry-skin
6. http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/dry-skin
7. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/itchy-skin/basics/causes/con-20028460
8. http://www.webmd.com/allergies/treating-your-skin-allergies-at-home