There are plenty of skin conditions that are just as complex as they are common, and they can be very frustrating to live with. For a lot of these conditions there isn’t currently a cure, but there are certain treatments and products that may improve the health and appearance of your skin. It’s times like these that you should turn to a professional for honest advice on your skin condition, and we’ve put together this handy guide to help.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a skin condition that looks like a red flushing on the face. It can be triggered by alcohol or stress where it may flare up, or it may remain calm but still visible on the skin. Its symptoms include burning and stinging sensations, permanent redness that may appear blotchy, spots, and small blood vessels becoming visible. There are steps you can take at home to minimise the flare-ups and visibility of your rosacea, such as using topical vitamin C and retinol serums, wearing sun protection when outside, avoiding perfumed soap, and using moisturisers.
Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation occurs predominantly through skin trauma and sun damage. It isn’t 100% understood, much like rosacea, which is what makes it such a complex condition. It occurs as a form of acne scarring because it is a reaction to skin inflammation that causes excessive melanin production. It occurs as such in sun damage, because the UV rays of the sun inflame the skin and trigger the hormones that produce excessive melanin. The only difference between hyperpigmentation and sun damage is that sun damage pigmentation can continue to develop over time, because once the hormones have been activated too many times, they remain active. Treating hyperpigmentation needs salicylic acid and glycolic acid cleansers, topical creams, and even chemical peels and microneedling if you’d prefer professional treatments over products.
Acne
Acne is one of the most commonly misunderstood skin conditions, because it is assumed that it occurs because the skin is dirty or oily. In actual fact, acne is caused by the underlying makeup and composition of the skin and its internal processes, not what lies on the surface of it. It can be worsened or triggered by stress and hormones, and your risk of scarring can increase if you repeatedly pick at or squeeze the spots. Treating acne covers oil production, deep cleansing, and removal of dead skin cells and debris. Strong cleansers and treatments provided by our clinic such as chemical peels will help to bring congested skin under control.
Acne Scarring
Acne scarring occurs after a particularly vicious bout of acne. It most commonly occurs as dimpled skin or ‘rolling’ acne scars. Acne scarring occurs because the collagen within the skin has been damaged by aggressive spots, which causes the skin to thin in that area. The skin then rests against its lower layer without the added ‘padding’ or thickness of the collagen, causing small depressions. Enlarged pores can also occur because they may have been stretched by blemishes. Treating acne scarring means stimulating fresh collagen production in the skin to help thicken the depressed areas. Microneedling is a particularly effective treatment for this, as it forces the skin to heal and produce collagen at a controlled rate.
Visit Emma J Aesthetics
If you’re experiencing a complex skin condition and feel you would benefit from professional products and treatments, then contact our skin clinic in Inverness today. Emma J Aesthetics would be glad to hear from you and help you on your way to healthier, fresher, glowing skin. Call us on 01463 830149 to book your initial consultation.