Does your skin have you worrying about the health and appearance of your complexion? It's time to come to understand common problems and tackle them head on! Today's post shares all about different skin conditions and how to soothe them – so get ready to talk all things acne, eczema, and more!
What Are Skin Conditions?
If you feel like you are constantly in a battle with your skin, you may have a condition that makes it difficult to achieve a soft and smooth complexion. But what exactly does that mean?
What Is Acne?
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A common skin condition experienced at all ages
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Appears as spots on the face and/or body
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May cause skin to feel oily or painful to touch
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Caused when the hair follicle becomes blocked
What Is Psoriasis?
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An autoimmune condition experienced by 2-3% of the population
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Appears as red, flaky, or scaly patches on the face and/or body
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May cause skin to feel sore, itchy, or have a burning sensation
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Caused when skin cells are replaced more quickly than normal
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This is a lifelong condition
What Is Eczema?
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A common skin condition
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Appears as a rash, scaly patches, or redness on the face and/or body
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May cause skin to feel itchy, dry, or sore
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Caused by a variety of factors including stress and environment
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Can be a lifelong condition or may be outgrown
What Is Rosacea?
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A common skin condition that is more prevalent for those aged 30-50
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Appears as redness or pus-filled bumps on the face
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May cause skin to flush, sting, or swell
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Caused by a variety of factors including immune system and environment
- This is a lifelong condition
What Causes Skin Problems?
The skin is a complex system, so it's no wonder there is such a range of problems that can be experienced. From acne and redness to itchy and tender areas, the potential for trouble is pretty extensive. However, these conditions all tend to stem from irritation or a lack of balance.
Diet:
What you eat can impact what your skin looks and feels like, so it's important to keep an eye on the effects the food and drinks you consume have externally. For some, this means reducing sugar, dairy, or gluten. For others, it might involve upping your daily water intake. Each individual experience is unique, however there are certain triggers that studies have pinpointed. For example, a high glycemic diet has been linked with acne, and an increase in fruits and veggies has been linked to improving inflammation in conditions like psoriasis.
Ingredients:
Allergies to particular ingredients can cause irritation and long term issues such as sensitivity, dryness, and inflammation. Recognising potential irritants is essential for addressing skin conditions, but allergic reactions are not the only cause for concern. Did you know that certain ingredients can create an imbalance that leads to issues like acne or redness? Knowing your body, avoiding comedogenic oils, and steering clear of harsh additives and actives can produce huge changes in your skin.
Environment:
Unfortunately, the environment around us can also have a significant impact on our complexion. Have you noticed how your skin gets drier and more prone to redness in winter? The central heating, cold winds, and warm showers play a big role in this. However, it's not just the seasons that exaggerate the effects of skin conditions. Air pollution and daily contamination are also contributing factors. This is why it is so important to cleanse every evening, to wash your bed clothes regularly, and to soothe your skin with gentle natural products each day.
Biology:
While it would be nice if all skin conditions could be explained by diet, irritating ingredients, or environmental factors, that's just not the case. In some instances, these issues are due to your genetics or hormones. Variations in the genes can lead to chronic diseases, and eczema, psoriasis, and even acne can be hereditary. Flare ups can also be tied to monthly cycles, menopause, or other changes to hormones. In these instances, it’s all about finding balance and persisting with effective treatments, preventative measures, and lifestyle changes.
Have you been struggling with a skin condition? It can be a difficult situation to be in, but know you are not alone. Acne, rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema are experienced by so many, and here at Terre Verdi we work to help combat the symptoms and achieve soft, healthy, radiant skin.