SKIN CONCERNS

Acne/Pimples

Acne, pimples and breakouts are among the most common skin concerns affecting individuals at any age, especially those with oily skin. Acne and pimples are caused by bacteria, dead skin cells and impurities that are trapped in the pores, which then mixes with excess sebum. Other contributing factors may include a poor diet, environmental aggressors, stress, and hormonal changes. Typically, acne can appear on your face, chest and back as these are the areas with the most oil glands.

To treat acne and pimples, it is important to wash your face regularly using a gentle, low pH facial cleanser to remove excess sebum and impurities, as well as to keep your skin fresh. Look for ingredients that calm and clarify your skin at the same time such as tea tree, mugwort and Vitamin tree. Exfoliating your skin with BHA unclogs pores, removes dead skin cells and controls oil to keep acne and pimples at bay. Nonetheless, it is also equally important to not overdo it, as over exfoliation may cause irritation.

Oiliness

Oiliness occurs when the skin produces more sebum than usual, causing it to appear shiny. This is different to having an oily skin type because oiliness is caused by a host of internal and external factors, and oily skin type is genetic. Common causes of oiliness include using comedogenic products that clog your pores, excessively exfoliating your skin which causes it to produce more sebum and weather changes.

Alleviating oiliness as a skin concern is simpler than you may think. Ensure that you cleanse your face thoroughly using a cleanser that suits your skin type, and removing any makeup using a makeup remover to prevent clogged pores. Opt for lighter skincare products such as those that have watery or gel-like textures, ideally with hydrating ingredients such as green tea, aloe vera or calendula as they help maintain optimal moisture levels of the skin with anti-inflammatory properties.

Dehydration

Dehydration is when the skin lacks water content, feels tight, itchy and uncomfortable especially after cleansing. In addition to that, dehydrated skin often appears dull, with shadows especially around the eyes, as well as more visible fine lines or wrinkles. Unlike dry skin which is a skin type, dehydration is a skin concern that can be resolved by incorporating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and increasing your daily water intake.

Another way to determine whether you have dehydrated skin is by gently pinching your cheek and see if you notice any wrinkling and how quickly the skin bounces back.

Dark Spots and Pigmentation

Dark spots, pigmentation and blemishes appear as a result of wound healing, sun damage, hormonal changes or side effects from medications. While dark spots are not usually a cause for concern and do not need any treatment, they can be undesirable for cosmetic reasons.

The best way to prevent dark spots and pigmentation is by providing it with adequate sun protection, allowing wounds to heal properly by not touching them, and nourishing your skin with Vitamin C, niacinamide or other brightening and whitening ingredients. These can help fade their appearance over time with consistent usage. Gently exfoliating your skin with AHA can also help reduce pigmentation.

Fine Lines and Wrinkles

As the skin goes through its natural aging process, it produces less collagen and elastin which causes it to lose elasticity, appear thinner and start to sag. Making lifestyle changes such as reducing the consumption of excess sugar and processed food, as well as wearing adequate sun protection are key in lessening the severity of premature aging.

Although skin aging is inevitable, there are some skincare ingredients that effectively reduce the appearance of wrinkles by increasing collagen production and giving the skin a plumper appearance. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, collagen, peptides and adenosine help increase skin elasticity which allows it to bounce back and appear firmer. Vitamins and antioxidants such as Vitamin A stimulates cell turnover to give the skin a plumping effect.

Dullness or Lack of Radiance

Dull skin that lacks radiance and vitality is commonly due to a buildup of dead skin cells or lacking moisture which results in loss of the skin’s natural luminosity. When the skin lacks adequate moisture, it becomes more prone to damage and skin cell turnover also slows down. Dull skin affects people of all ages regardless of the climate and weather conditions.

To quickly restore your skin’s natural glow, it is important to eliminate dead skin cells by gently exfoliating them with a physical exfoliator or facial scrub, or using a chemical exfoliant like AHA, BHA, PHA which gently peels dead skin cells away. Exfoliation also helps stimulate skin cell regeneration to reveal a fresh, youthful-looking complexion. Another effective solution is to incorporate vitamins C and E into your skincare routine which contains potent brightening and whitening skincare properties.

Redness and Damaged Skin

Redness and damaged skin occur when the skin barrier is compromised, leading to itchiness, peeling and heated skin. Common causes of this skin concern include allergies, sun burns, irritation or other skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and rosacea.

The remedy to calm red and damaged skin is to use mild and gentle products that are formulated without the addition of harsh chemicals or ingredients like artificial fragrances and colourants which can worsen the skin’s condition. Instead, opt for ingredients like Centella Asiatica which is an excellent repairing ingredient to repair damaged skin, reduce inflammation quickly and speed up the skin’s healing process.

Sensitivity

Sensitivity or sensitive skin concern can happen to anyone regardless of age or skin type. The most common triggers include exposure to allergens or highly irritating substances that lead to the formation of rashes, tenderness, burning sensation, tightness and extreme dryness.

Despite being one of the more common skin concerns, the key to treating sensitivity is mainly focusing on the use of skin-friendly, gentle, dermatologically-tested products that are free from the addition of harsh chemicals, fragrances and colouring. Ingredients such as Centella Asiatica and ceramides are also helpful in rebuilding and strengthening skin barriers, improving its resilience against external environmental stress.