Skin Problems Chart
Acne "Control mild acne with a gentle oil-free cleanser, such as Neutrogena Acne Wash or Dove Beauty Bar Unscented if skin is on the dry side," recommends New York City dermatologist Debra Wattenberg, "followed by a benzoyl peroxide drying gel applied to the affected area." Try one that is a low percentage, such as 2.5-5% to prevent over-drying skin. If you have more than a mild case, Dr. Wattenberg suggests consulting your dermatologist for a more aggressive treatment, such as prescription antibiotics or a Retin-A regimen.
Acne Scars "Before treating an acne scar, first determine your specific needs," says Miami dermatologist Frederic Brandt. His recommendations: If the scar is a discolored patch of red or brown, try a whitening lotion or an exfoliator with salicylic acid -- both turn over cells to reveal fresher, less discolored skin. If the scar truly marks skin depressions, a more active approach is necessary. Visit your dermatologist for an in-office procedure such as laser resurfacing to aggressively change skin texture, or collagen injection, which will temporarily fill holes.
Blackheads "Never, ever try to squeeze or remove a blackhead yourself at home," says Miami dermatologist Frederic Brandt. Dr. Brandt suggests treating the blemish -- a pore that's plugged with dirt and oil -- topically: Apply a gel that contains a retinol derivative, such as salicylic acid or beta hydroxy acid -- both help to turn over skin cells, loosening plugs. If an at-home topical treatment doesn't work, visit your dermatologist for a more aggressive approach.
Cellulite "Cellulite affects more than 90% of women," says New York City plastic surgeon Stephen Greenberg. A skin condition that is directly related to hormone variations, cellulite tends to get worse as you age. Dimpling, or that orange peel look, occurs from fat cells that push up against the skin, while fluid pulls down the skin. Unfortunately, diet and exercise will have no effect on the appearance of cellulite. Dr. Greenberg suggests attacking the problem with Endermologie, a non-invasive, deep-tissue massage. However, you will need a series of treatments that can become quite expensive before you see results. If you want instant results, try one of the new over-the-counter cellulite creams. They can temporarily tighten the skin for an improved appearance.
Chapped Lips Keep your lips lubed with a medicated lip balm, or an over-the-counter hydrocortisone 1% ointment to heal and prevent chapping. Dry lips get drier when you lick them, but often that's what we do to make them feel more comfortable. And don't rely on lip gloss to smooth lips. Unless it's formulated with an exfoliating ingredient, most formulas can actually be drying.
Combination Skin "Women perceive their skin as combination when it's actually normal," says facialist-to-the-stars Regina Viotto. "The sebaceous glands in the facial area are located in the t-zone, so you should experience a bit more oil there, than on your cheeks." If you've got more than "a bit" of oil in your t-zone, try this balancing act from Regina: Cleanse twice, first to rid skin of makeup, second to deep-clean skin. Then moisturize with a product specifically designed for combination skin -- they usually hydrate where your skin needs moisture, and absorb excess oil from the t-zone area. If your cheeks are super dry, spot-treat them with a rich night cream.
Crepey Eyelids Crepey skin, or skin that sags around the eyes, is a result of aging coupled with sun damage, which breaks down the collagen and elastin in skin. Depending on the severity of your crepey skin, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Michael E. Valdes recommends these treatments: * For mild sagging, try a topical treatment such as vitamin C serum or a cream that contains skin-firming Melibiose, such as RoC Active Firming Treatment. * A light glycolic acid peel in the doctor's office may do the trick, but healing time is significant -- up to six months before redness and irritation are completely healed. * Consider a surgical approach -- a plastic surgeon can perform an eye lift -- combination of surgery with a light peel, at a cost of $2,500-4,500. Recovery time is about one week.
Dark Patches Medically known as hyperpigmentation, dark patches can be diminished with creams or gels that contain hydroquinone, kojic acid, or glycolic acid compounds -- all of which help to bleach the skin -- followed by a light peel to uncover fresh skin. "Beware. The darker your natural skintone, the more difficult treatment will be because a peel can cause further hyperpigmentation," says Miami-based dermatologist Frederic Brandt. Dr. Brandt also stresses vigilance with sun protection after diminishing dark patches to guard against future skin darkening.
Dry Skin "Dry skin, unless it's on a mature woman who's past menopause, is usually dehydrated," says facialist-to-the-stars Regina Viotto. The treatment is two-fold: First work on hydrating your body from the inside out, by drinking 10-12 glasses of water a day. Then quench your skin's thirst. Regina recommends exfoliating daily with a mild, chemical exfoliator that contains alpha-hydroxy or beta-hydroxy acids, which digest dead skin cells with little or no irritation. Your fresh skin will be ready to absorb moisturizer morning and night.
Facial Hair Get rid of unwanted facial hair with a gentle depilatory such as Sally Hansen Cream Hair Remover for the Face, or try a lasting solution such as EpiLight. EpiLight is a high-tech, pulsed-light hair removal system available in dermatologists' offices and day spas that works best on people with darker hair.
Fine Lines Fine lines can result from dehydration and lack of rest, so be sure to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, and get 8 hours of sleep. To temporarily plump up fine lines for an aesthetic correction, facialist-to-the-stars Regina Viotto suggests smoothing skin with a cream or serum that contains hyaluronic acid, soy protein, or vitamin C -- all help to build collagen beneath the skin surface after sloughing off dead, dry skin cells with a gentle alpha-hydroxy or beta-hydroxy acid-packed exfoliator.
Flaky Patches Flaky patches, especially around the nose and eyes (occasionally spreading to cheeks) are almost always caused by a skin condition known as seborrheic dermatitis. "Since flaky patches aren't a result of dry skin," says Miami-based dermatologist Frederic Brandt, "moisturizer won't do the job." Dr. Brandt recommends treating flaky patches with a topical over-the-counter cortisone cream or ointment, and washing your face with a cleanser that contains zinc, which helps to heal seborrheic dermatitis. Don't try to exfoliate flaky areas -- since they're caused by inflammation rather than dry skin, exfoliation will only further irritate skin.
Freckles Fade freckles and other hyperpigmentation with a bleaching (or "whitening") lotion or serum that contains hydroquinone or kojic acid, such as Murad Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Gel. Prevent freckles from emerging by keeping skin coated with a broad spectrum physical sunblock (look for Z-cote, micro-zinc oxide, Parsol 1789, or titanium dioxide under Active Ingredients), which guards against harmful UVA, UVB, or IR rays.
Large Pores Pores can get stretched and take on a larger appearance when they're filled with dirt, oil, or excess sebum. Cleanse with a salicylic acid-packed product to help keep pores clean and ultimately looking smaller. Sun damage also can break down collagen in skin, leading to larger pores -- so protect your skin from UVA/UVB rays with a sunblock. The newest pore remedy, according to Miami-based dermatologist Frederic Brandt, is the Non-abalotive Laser, which can increase collagen in the skin, filling in large pores.
Millia Millia are white bumps that are easily confused with whiteheads, but they exist only in the superficial layer of skin (not under the skin like a zit,) and are hard to the touch, making it impossible to clear them. Millia occur when a sweat duct (usually around the nose) gets occluded. Prevent millia by using non-comedogenic products that won't clog pores, and applying a moisturizer that contains retinol to encourage cell turnover. Once you have a millia, visit your dermatologist for extraction.
Oily Skin "Oily skin is a good thing," says facialist-to-the-stars Regina Viotto. "It means you're producing enough natural moisturizing factors to ultimately protect against premature aging and wrinkling." Keep oil that clogs pores, leading to breakouts, at bay, by exfoliating often -- day and night. Regina suggests this pro treatment: Remember, oily skin needs moisture. Get the moisture you need with a light, oil-free moisturizer that contains the chemical exfoliant beta-hydroxy acid applied in the a.m., then manually exfoliate skin with a grainy scrub before bed.
Acne "Control mild acne with a gentle oil-free cleanser, such as Neutrogena Acne Wash or Dove Beauty Bar Unscented if skin is on the dry side," recommends New York City dermatologist Debra Wattenberg, "followed by a benzoyl peroxide drying gel applied to the affected area." Try one that is a low percentage, such as 2.5-5% to prevent over-drying skin. If you have more than a mild case, Dr. Wattenberg suggests consulting your dermatologist for a more aggressive treatment, such as prescription antibiotics or a Retin-A regimen.
Acne Scars "Before treating an acne scar, first determine your specific needs," says Miami dermatologist Frederic Brandt. His recommendations: If the scar is a discolored patch of red or brown, try a whitening lotion or an exfoliator with salicylic acid -- both turn over cells to reveal fresher, less discolored skin. If the scar truly marks skin depressions, a more active approach is necessary. Visit your dermatologist for an in-office procedure such as laser resurfacing to aggressively change skin texture, or collagen injection, which will temporarily fill holes.
Blackheads "Never, ever try to squeeze or remove a blackhead yourself at home," says Miami dermatologist Frederic Brandt. Dr. Brandt suggests treating the blemish -- a pore that's plugged with dirt and oil -- topically: Apply a gel that contains a retinol derivative, such as salicylic acid or beta hydroxy acid -- both help to turn over skin cells, loosening plugs. If an at-home topical treatment doesn't work, visit your dermatologist for a more aggressive approach.
Cellulite "Cellulite affects more than 90% of women," says New York City plastic surgeon Stephen Greenberg. A skin condition that is directly related to hormone variations, cellulite tends to get worse as you age. Dimpling, or that orange peel look, occurs from fat cells that push up against the skin, while fluid pulls down the skin. Unfortunately, diet and exercise will have no effect on the appearance of cellulite. Dr. Greenberg suggests attacking the problem with Endermologie, a non-invasive, deep-tissue massage. However, you will need a series of treatments that can become quite expensive before you see results. If you want instant results, try one of the new over-the-counter cellulite creams. They can temporarily tighten the skin for an improved appearance.
Chapped Lips Keep your lips lubed with a medicated lip balm, or an over-the-counter hydrocortisone 1% ointment to heal and prevent chapping. Dry lips get drier when you lick them, but often that's what we do to make them feel more comfortable. And don't rely on lip gloss to smooth lips. Unless it's formulated with an exfoliating ingredient, most formulas can actually be drying.
Combination Skin "Women perceive their skin as combination when it's actually normal," says facialist-to-the-stars Regina Viotto. "The sebaceous glands in the facial area are located in the t-zone, so you should experience a bit more oil there, than on your cheeks." If you've got more than "a bit" of oil in your t-zone, try this balancing act from Regina: Cleanse twice, first to rid skin of makeup, second to deep-clean skin. Then moisturize with a product specifically designed for combination skin -- they usually hydrate where your skin needs moisture, and absorb excess oil from the t-zone area. If your cheeks are super dry, spot-treat them with a rich night cream.
Crepey Eyelids Crepey skin, or skin that sags around the eyes, is a result of aging coupled with sun damage, which breaks down the collagen and elastin in skin. Depending on the severity of your crepey skin, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Michael E. Valdes recommends these treatments: * For mild sagging, try a topical treatment such as vitamin C serum or a cream that contains skin-firming Melibiose, such as RoC Active Firming Treatment. * A light glycolic acid peel in the doctor's office may do the trick, but healing time is significant -- up to six months before redness and irritation are completely healed. * Consider a surgical approach -- a plastic surgeon can perform an eye lift -- combination of surgery with a light peel, at a cost of $2,500-4,500. Recovery time is about one week.
Dark Patches Medically known as hyperpigmentation, dark patches can be diminished with creams or gels that contain hydroquinone, kojic acid, or glycolic acid compounds -- all of which help to bleach the skin -- followed by a light peel to uncover fresh skin. "Beware. The darker your natural skintone, the more difficult treatment will be because a peel can cause further hyperpigmentation," says Miami-based dermatologist Frederic Brandt. Dr. Brandt also stresses vigilance with sun protection after diminishing dark patches to guard against future skin darkening.
Dry Skin "Dry skin, unless it's on a mature woman who's past menopause, is usually dehydrated," says facialist-to-the-stars Regina Viotto. The treatment is two-fold: First work on hydrating your body from the inside out, by drinking 10-12 glasses of water a day. Then quench your skin's thirst. Regina recommends exfoliating daily with a mild, chemical exfoliator that contains alpha-hydroxy or beta-hydroxy acids, which digest dead skin cells with little or no irritation. Your fresh skin will be ready to absorb moisturizer morning and night.
Facial Hair Get rid of unwanted facial hair with a gentle depilatory such as Sally Hansen Cream Hair Remover for the Face, or try a lasting solution such as EpiLight. EpiLight is a high-tech, pulsed-light hair removal system available in dermatologists' offices and day spas that works best on people with darker hair.
Fine Lines Fine lines can result from dehydration and lack of rest, so be sure to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, and get 8 hours of sleep. To temporarily plump up fine lines for an aesthetic correction, facialist-to-the-stars Regina Viotto suggests smoothing skin with a cream or serum that contains hyaluronic acid, soy protein, or vitamin C -- all help to build collagen beneath the skin surface after sloughing off dead, dry skin cells with a gentle alpha-hydroxy or beta-hydroxy acid-packed exfoliator.
Flaky Patches Flaky patches, especially around the nose and eyes (occasionally spreading to cheeks) are almost always caused by a skin condition known as seborrheic dermatitis. "Since flaky patches aren't a result of dry skin," says Miami-based dermatologist Frederic Brandt, "moisturizer won't do the job." Dr. Brandt recommends treating flaky patches with a topical over-the-counter cortisone cream or ointment, and washing your face with a cleanser that contains zinc, which helps to heal seborrheic dermatitis. Don't try to exfoliate flaky areas -- since they're caused by inflammation rather than dry skin, exfoliation will only further irritate skin.
Freckles Fade freckles and other hyperpigmentation with a bleaching (or "whitening") lotion or serum that contains hydroquinone or kojic acid, such as Murad Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Gel. Prevent freckles from emerging by keeping skin coated with a broad spectrum physical sunblock (look for Z-cote, micro-zinc oxide, Parsol 1789, or titanium dioxide under Active Ingredients), which guards against harmful UVA, UVB, or IR rays.
Large Pores Pores can get stretched and take on a larger appearance when they're filled with dirt, oil, or excess sebum. Cleanse with a salicylic acid-packed product to help keep pores clean and ultimately looking smaller. Sun damage also can break down collagen in skin, leading to larger pores -- so protect your skin from UVA/UVB rays with a sunblock. The newest pore remedy, according to Miami-based dermatologist Frederic Brandt, is the Non-abalotive Laser, which can increase collagen in the skin, filling in large pores.
Millia Millia are white bumps that are easily confused with whiteheads, but they exist only in the superficial layer of skin (not under the skin like a zit,) and are hard to the touch, making it impossible to clear them. Millia occur when a sweat duct (usually around the nose) gets occluded. Prevent millia by using non-comedogenic products that won't clog pores, and applying a moisturizer that contains retinol to encourage cell turnover. Once you have a millia, visit your dermatologist for extraction.
Oily Skin "Oily skin is a good thing," says facialist-to-the-stars Regina Viotto. "It means you're producing enough natural moisturizing factors to ultimately protect against premature aging and wrinkling." Keep oil that clogs pores, leading to breakouts, at bay, by exfoliating often -- day and night. Regina suggests this pro treatment: Remember, oily skin needs moisture. Get the moisture you need with a light, oil-free moisturizer that contains the chemical exfoliant beta-hydroxy acid applied in the a.m., then manually exfoliate skin with a grainy scrub before bed.
