Cosmetic products play a major role in protecting the skin. But in order to know which ingredient or product to go for, it is helpful to know your skin type and the skin concerns or conditions that you’re currently experiencing.
Here is a list of some of the most common issues… and solutions!
*Note: This post is not intended as medical advice.
COMMON SKIN CONCERNS
Premature aging
- Acne
- Scars
- Pigmentation
- Dehydration
- Sensitive skin
- Dark circles
- Large pores
COMMON SKIN CONCERNS AND INGREDIENT SOLUTIONS - SUMMARY
PREMATURE AGING
Aging is a biological process that cannot be avoided. But premature aging is triggered by external or lifestyle factors that can be influenced, like overexposure to the sun, pollution, smoking, sleeping positions, etc.
Some of the changes the skin will experience with age are decreased ability to regenerate skin cells; reduced oil production and ability to regulate water; decreased number of pigment-containing cells (melanocytes); fragile blood vessels in the dermis; reduced overall skin barrier function, among others.
Common signs of aging include dehydration, fine lines, wrinkles, reduced elasticity, photodamage, dark spots, enlarged pores, and thinner dermis.
Prevent and treat with:
Sunscreen, Antioxidants, Vitamin C, Retinoids / Retinols, Niacinamide, Ceramides, Peptides, Chemical exfoliants: AHAs, BHAs (Salicylic Acid)
ACNE
Acne is caused by a blockage of hair follicles and sebaceous (oil) glands of the skin, alongside the presence or accumulation of bacteria and dead cells.
There are different forms, including non-inflammatory and inflammatory lesions, such as pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, cysts, nodules, etc. Various factors that can trigger it include: hormonal levels or changes, medications, diets, stress, and cosmetics, among others.
Prevent and treat with:
Retinoids, Chemical Exfoliants: AHAs, BHAs (Salicylic Acid), LHA’s, Benzoyl Peroxide, Azelaic Acid, Niacinamide
SCARS
Scars are a result of the body's healing process.
When damage occurs in the dermis, the body will form new collagen to repair said damage. As a result, there will be an uneven surface elevation and even color in the area.
Scars take time to improve, as the skin doesn’t normalize completely most of the time.
Prevent and treat with:
Sunscreen, Retinoids/Retinol, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, AHAs, Cocoa butter
HYPERPIGMENTATION
Hyperpigmentation occurs when there is an uneven distribution of melanin over the surface of the skin and/or there’s an uneven melanin production or absorption. As a result, there will be spots or patches of skin that appear darker than surrounding areas.
There are many concerns within this particular “category”. For example, melasma is triggered by hormonal factors, pregnancy, and sun exposure; freckles, discoloration or darker spots can be triggered or developed by sun exposure and cumulate with time.
Prevent and treat with:
Sunscreen, sunscreen, SUNSCREEN!
Retinoids / Retinol, Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Azelaic Acid, Kojic Acid, Hydroquinone, Glycolic Acid
DEHYDRATION
Dehydration, usually confused with dryness (lack of oil in the skin) is caused by a lack of water in the skin. Factors that can trigger this concern include lack of water intake, water loss due to damage to the skin barrier, overexposure to sun, harsh products, among others.
Dry and oily skin types can experience dehydration, resulting on itchiness, dryness, flakiness, tightness, inflammation, etc. To know if your skin is dehydrated, GENTLY pull or pinch your skin, if you see wrinkles or feel like you have an additional layer of skin on top… your skin is dehydrated.
Prevent and treat with:
Sunscreen, Antioxidants, Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane Oil, Colloidal Oatmeal, Bakuchiol, Niacinamide, Ceramides, Glycolic and Lactic Acids, Glycerin
SENSITIVE SKIN
Sensitive skin usually has a genetic predisposition and it is prone to redness, irritation and even allergic reactions. It is also more susceptible to inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis, rosacea and eczema.
It is usually self-induced by using cosmetics that are too harsh for your skin. Some visible signs of sensitive skin include, dryness, redness, burning, itchiness, breakouts and inflammation. And it is very important to gently cleanse and moisture frequently to protect and strengthen the skin barrier.
*Note: Always patch test any new product a couple of times before fully applying to a bigger surface of the skin.
Prevent and treat with:
Vitamin B5, Colloidal Oatmeal, Centella Asiatica, Chamomile, Azelaic Acid, Ceramides, PHA
Look for:
Fragrance Free, Products for Eczema, Hypoallergenic, Anti-Redness, Soothing
DARK CIRCLES
Dark circles are the result of visible blood vessels causing hyperpigmentation, or thinning of the skin around the eyes.
The following factors have been shown to contribute to under eye dark circles: genetic predisposition, increasing age, ethnic background, and/or sun exposure. It can also be the result of other external or lifestyle factors, such as skin problems, medical issues, scrubbing, smoking, fatigue, dehydration, etc.
Prevent and treat with:
Retinoids or Retinol, Vitamin C (Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sodium Ascorbate), Kojic Acid, Niacinamide, Azelaic Acid, Aloesin, Hydroquinone, Lactic Acid, PHA
LARGE PORES
Theres an odd obsession with pores and the shrinkage of these. It is important to state that pores are a NATURAL PART of the skin structure where glands and hair follicles open to the surface.
Considering they are small openings in the skin and have no muscles contractions to allow them to move or shift shape, we can’t really shrink them. With that said, we can help reduce the appearance. And the best way to do it is with a steady skincare routine.
Prevent and treat with:
Sunscreen, Antioxidants, Vitamin C, Retinoid / Retinol, Chemical Exfoliants (AHA’s and PHA’s, etc.)
