Skin Care - Issue #2

2. Top 3 Common Skin Conditions 

In this post, we will look at top 3 common skin conditions, causes and the treatments available.

Acne

Acne is a skin condition which causes pimples, cysts and clogged pores such as blackheads and whiteheads. They are mostly found on face and shoulders. It affects teenagers and adults who are into their 20s, 30s or 40s. Although acnes pose no risk to your health, they can leave permanent scars on your face in severe cases. It occurs when hair follicles are congested with oil and dead skin cells. When combined with excessive sebum, the follicle wall is open to bacteria. Acne is developed as a result of these build-ups. 

Likely Causes:

• Hormones
• Medication
• Food such as bread, bagels, chocolates, chips which increase blood sugar
• Cosmetics (water-based products are safer)

Whenever I encounter acnes, my instant solution is to use my favourite acne pimple medication - OXY Vanishing Formula (highly recommended!). Oxy-5 or Oxy-10 (the number indicates the strength) contains benzoyl peroxide that helps to clear up oily layers and unclog pores. The cream works deep within the skin to kill bacteria causing the breakouts. Oxy 10, as its strength implies, is only used if breakouts still persist after a week. Oxy 10 can easily dry up your skin - which is why you should only use the smallest amount as possible. Initially I use Oxy 5 (as it's milder in strength) to test whether it works. Now I like to use Oxy 10 as my skin has gotten used to it. I don't apply it regularly though, even if I'm having breakouts. My acnes usually disappear after first or second usage; if not, they usually diminish after a few days without application. But of course, new acnes will soon pop up because of sleep deprivation.        

Small tube like this only costs around $3. Highly affordable and effective :)

Although I am not so prone to having acnes, I always try to avoid food that are greasy or fried - simply because my acnes appear whenever I do take them. Diets play a bigger role in your skin than you realise - we will discuss that in Issue #5. 

Dark Eye Circles

Dark circles comprise of dark eye rings, dark eye circles and eye bags. They are dark blemishes caused by lack of sleep, heredity or bruises. They occur when the remaining elements of red blood cells are not broken down by enzymes, making the blood vessels visible. 

Treatments:

• Drink plenty of water
• Have enough sleep! (I know right, it's super hard for me too)
• Wear sunscreen with min. SPF 30 to prevent sun from damaging the skin
• Apply cucumber slices over the eyes for 15 minutes
• Reduce sodium intake
• Get enough vitamin C
• Take more antioxidants

What I usually do is I will apply night cream to my eyes every night before I sleep. I'm using this eye cream from The Face Shop. This is actually a free sample I got by making some other purchases from the shop. I have been using it from March till now.

Large Pores

When pores are opened, enlarged, infected and clogged up, the pores become prominent. It is impossible to reduce the size of large pores but there are several ways to make them less obvious.


Genetics and age are two chief reasons for the existence of large pores. If one has thick and oily skin, he will have larger pores naturally. In addition, aging that leads to reduced skin elasticity and sun damage can cause pores to enlarge. When the skin thickens, tiny cells will gather adjacent to the pores and thus make the pores look bigger. Large pores can be a cause of blackheads too as pores are clogged with bacteria or dirt, the oil will build up within the pore causing the pore to dilate.


Treatments include:

• Exfoliation
• Chemical peels
• Cleanse the debris with face wash that contains vitamin C and retinol
• Take more vitamin A
• Deep pore cleansing treatment
• Tightening masks

Large pores definition taken from http://www.dermatologist.sg/large-pores.php.

I'm using this mud mask from The Face Shop. I only use it when I feel like it lol. But after every usage, I feel that my pores are more tightened and visibly reduced. It's just that I don't have a habit of using mask regularly :P

You can also reduce blackheads instantly by using this strip from Watsons:

Different forms of skin diseases coming up in Issue #3 before finally moving on to your skincare routines.