Your skin is a significant part of your body and can impact your overall health more than you may realize. Good skin is generally seen as a sign of youth and beauty, but it’s important for more than that. As well as being a part of your everyday beauty routine, taking care of your skin is also a lifestyle choice that can improve your general health and well-being.
However, a skin condition can make your skin harder to deal with. This can impact your self-esteem, but it can also affect your health or be a sign of an underlying condition. Here are some common skin conditions and how you can treat them.
General Skincare Advice
No matter what your skin situation is, everyone could use general advice and a good skincare routine. If you have a healthy routine to start with, then you might be able to clear up some minor skin conditions without having to take any special care. A good skincare routine can also hold off the aging process and keep your skin looking clear and youthful for longer.
The first thing you need to do is find out what type of skin you have. Everyone is unique, and that means that everyone’s skin is different as well. However, you can categorize your skin into four basic skin types. These are:
- Normal skin, which is the ideal balanced skin type.
- Dry skin, where you don’t produce enough sebum (skin oil), which can make your skin look dull or dry.
- Oily skin, where you produce too much sebum, which can make your skin look greasy or shiny.
- Combination skin, where you have patches of both dry and oily skin.
If your skin is unbalanced, then it can make it less healthy. Once you know your skin type, then you can change your products and skincare routine to accommodate it.
Cleansing & Moisturizing
Everyone should at least use a cleanser and moisturizer twice a day (morning and night, preferably), but your skin type might change this. For example, someone with dry skin would benefit from moisturizing more often to keep their skin hydrated and healthy.
If you have sensitive skin, then use products designed to be kind to your skin. Ideally, even if it doesn’t irritate your skin, avoid using harsh chemicals on your skin as they can dry it out. This includes makeup, which can do more harm than good.
Consider the food that you eat as well. Some foods contain nutrients that boost your skin health and healthy fats. You should drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated and your skin looking supple and healthy, rather than drying out.
Finally, you should always see a doctor or dermatologist if you’re worried about a skin condition. They can give you targeted advice and medication. Also, changes in your skin can indicate health conditions. For example, a mole that changes color, size, or texture, can be a sign of skin cancer. Getting it looked at and treated sooner rather than later is always better.
Treating Eczema
One of the most common skin conditions out there is eczema. Eczema is characterized by dry, irritated skin. It can range from dry patches that can be easily treated with a basic moisturizer, to a far more severe issue with painfully cracked and inflamed skin. More serious eczema flare-ups can lead to infections as the skin breaks, either due to scratching or cracks.
Eczema can also damage your self-esteem, as it can look unsightly as well as uncomfortable. Facial eczema, for example, can be very difficult to deal with. The skin on your face, particularly around your eyes is sensitive, and it’s impossible to hide a flare-up on your face.
The most common cause of a flare-up is exposure to an irritant. This might be perfume, makeup, or anything else that comes in contact with your skin. Even some moisturizers can irritate your skin if you’re sensitive to some of the ingredients. Pay attention to what irritates your skin and avoid it as much as possible.
Harsh & Cold Air Make It Worst
Cold air and harsh conditions can dry out anyone’s skin and can be especially bad if you have eczema. Protect your skin in the winter, keeping it warm and dry. Another common cause of an eczema flare-up is stress.
If your skin is flaring up and you don’t know why you may be anxious or stressed. See if you can change your lifestyle and, if necessary, speak to a therapist. If your eczema isn’t calming down with home treatments, then visit your doctor or dermatologist.
Acne
Acne is one of those skin conditions that’s seen as an ordinary part of life. For many people, it is. You get spots as a teenager then, as you get older, you outgrow them for the most part, other than the odd one every now and then. Acne, like eczema, can often be treated using over-the-counter treatments.
However, some people have to deal with acne for far longer, or they have very severe acne that doesn’t go away no matter what they do. This can be damaging to your self-esteem, as well as being uncomfortable, and it can even be a sign of an underlying issue.
While it’s tempting to wash your face repeatedly, this can do more harm than good. Use a mild cleaner and wash your skin about twice a day, for best results. Use water-based cosmetics and skincare products. Avoid a lot of makeup as, while heavy foundation can cover acne to a degree, it often makes the problem worse in the long run. Remove what makeup you wear before bed.
If your acne still won’t come under control, then you should see a doctor or a dermatologist. They will give you medication to deal with the acne, although it can take a few months to work. Women can have acne flare-ups when they undergo hormonal changes, such as when the menstrual cycle.
It can take a while to get your skin to where you want it, but it’s worth the effort to feel comfortable and confident in your own body.
You Are Not Alone
Regardless of age or skin type – anyone can experience various types of skin conditions. If you’ve been on this site a while, you know that I suffer from Eczema. But, how we treat our skin, care for it and the environment we live in are all contributing factors. My hope is that this post helps you a bit if you are experiencing any of these.
Disclaimer: This is a collaborative post. All opinions are my own, 100% honest & unbiased. Affiliate links are posted throughout. Feel free to read my Disclaimer Page for details and information on sponsored posts, affiliate links, and more.
