Common Skin Conditions.

There seems to be a lot of confusion when it comes to skin conditions. Many believe that this term refers to the diseases. This however not always is the case. The word "condition" means - "the state of something, especially with regard to its appearance, quality, or working order". When we talk about skin conditions we refer to the state of the skin, which is not always a disease. Aging is a condition, so is dehydrated skin. These two, however, are usually confused with skin types, which is incorrect. From my previous post you can learn that skin type is determined by person's genetics. The main goal in skin care is to balance the skin type, not change it. What we focus on is improvement of our skin and fighting unwanted skin conditions. Unlike skin type skin conditions are not just a result of our genetic makeup. Here are 6 most common skin conditions that we focus on in skin care more often:

Acne

Usually attributed to puberty and common for teenagers, this condition can be seen more often in adults nowadays. While skin care products are not meant to treat this condition, there are various options available to control the breakouts. Most minor breakouts are caused by the overproduction of oil and buildup of dead skin cells. The severity of acne however varies, so are the causes behind it. While minor breakouts may be controlled by the proper skin care products and practices, more severe cases should most definitely be addressed doctors as their causes are most often internal.

Aging (e.g. fine lines and wrinkles)

Aging is a normal biological process. There is nothing we can do to stop it. Sun damage is believed to be one of the primary causes behind aging, as well as other internal and external factors. However if we take proper care of our skin and ourselves, the chances are that we can enjoy beautiful complexion longer and age graciously.

Hyperpigmentation (e.g. age spots, sun spots)

Hyperpigmentation is caused by overproduction of melanin. The trigger behind dark spots is most often sun exposure. Hormonal changes (such as in pregnancy) may also cause skin to develop areas of hyperpigmentation. The best way to prevent it is by using an appropriate sunscreen and other methods of sun protection. There are also some very effective treatments available, that help reduce the appearance of dark spots.

Dehydration

Commonly confused with dry skin, dehydration is not a skin type but a skin condition. Dehydrated skin lacks water, while dry skin lacks oil. Dehydration may be caused by environment, medications, topical agents, aging and even dehydrating drinks containing caffeine or alcohol. While our skin type may slightly change throughout our life, an oily skin can not become dry all of a sudden. Identifying dehydrated skin is very important. Treating this condition with products designed for dry skin type is not always helpful, and may actually cause havoc within your skin.

Redness

Erythema - redness caused by inflammation, can have various reasons behind it. It may be due to conditions such as Eczema, or Rosacea, or due to a reaction to harsh topical products or treatments, and even from getting too much sun. Redness is can be caused by sensitivities to internal and external factors. In each case redness may require different treatment.

Habits, diet, and stress all play a part in our health, which in turn is reflected in our skin's appearance. Skin conditions can be caused by allergies, genetics, medications, medical conditions, and many other external and internal factors. When purchasing skin care product or receiving a skin treatment we focus on treating a particular skin condition, not skin type. Being aware of what common skin conditions are and identifying the culprit behind them will help you make wiser choices when it comes to skin care and general well-being.