Skin Scaries

Experiencing skin scaries?

Ever had those days when you’d rather wear a Halloween mask than bare your skin? If so, you’ll know exactly what we mean by skin scaries.

In this month’s post, we chat about a few of the common skin conditions that make you want to cover up, and what cosmetic treatments are available to help.

Read on for more!

Acne and breakouts

Breakouts, pimples, zits, blackheads, we’ve all had them. Acne, however, is an inflammatory disorder of the skin in which dead skin cells combine with sebum (oil) and create a plug in the opening of a hair follicle (pore). This plug traps bacteria that normally live on the skin (Cutibacterium acnes). These bacteria thrive in the absence of oxygen, and proliferate inside the plugged pore. This can develop into swelling, redness, inflammation, and sometimes pus, creating pressure on the follicle wall. In some cases, the pressure is so great, the follicle wall will break and seep bacteria and infection into nearby skin.

Acne is classified according to severity:

Treatment options

Active acne is considered a medical concern and medical options (e.g., prescriptions) may be appropriate for treatment and management. The first step is to see your family doctor. If appropriate, your family doctor may refer you to see a dermatologist. Cosmetic laser treatment can sometimes be an alternative or complementary treatment to prescriptions.

For persistent dark spots or residual acne scars, cosmetic treatments like laser or RF microneedling may be appropriate.

For minor breakouts that don’t require a prescription, sometimes a solid skin care routine with medical-grade products at home is sufficient. Ingredients like niacinamide, salicylic acid (also called BHA) and benzoyl peroxide may be helpful.

Skin care recommendations for breakout-prone skin

Pick up these products in clinic or come see us for personalized skin care recommendations!

Hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone

Hyperpigmentation is a term for dark spots and can range from freckles and moles to large areas of speckling, as well as melasma (sometimes referred to as pregnancy mask, as it can appear in women during pregnancy or while using birth control pills).

Hyperpigmentation is caused by a buildup of melanin (brown pigment) in the skin. Often this is the result of photodamage (exposure to UV radiation). In the case of melasma, more research is needed to determine the cause, but triggers for melasma can include changes in hormone levels, photosensitizing medications, and sun exposure.

Treatment options

Melasma is considered a medical concern and medical options (e.g., prescriptions) may be appropriate for treatment and management. The first step is to see your family doctor. If appropriate, your family doctor may refer you to see a dermatologist.

For other forms of hyperpigmentation, cosmetic treatments like laser or RF microneedling may be appropriate.

Over the counter products can also help to brighten the complexion, fade dark spots and prevent hyperpigmentation from worsening. Ingredients like L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), retinol, resorcinol, kojic acid, azelic acid, and alpha hydroxy acids may be helpful.

Skin care recommendations for dark spots and uneven skin tone

Pick up these products in clinic or come see us for personalized skin care recommendations!

Redness and rosacea

Sensitive skin types often experience flushing or persistent redness, maybe in the cheeks, nose, chin, or even the neck and chest. Rosacea in particular is a common inflammatory skin condition, and genetics play a strong role here. Common triggers for rosacea can include alcohol, spicy foods, hot food and drink, caffeine, vigorous exercise, saunas, hot tubs and other quick changes in temperature.

If the redness is sudden or unusual, you may be experiencing a reaction to a product (also called contact dermatitis). If the redness is persistent and something you’ve experience for a while, it may be rosacea.

Treatment options

Rosacea and dermatitis are considered medical concerns and medical options (e.g., prescriptions) may be appropriate for treatment and management. The first step is to see your family doctor. If appropriate, your family doctor may refer you to see a dermatologist.

For rosacea, cosmetic laser treatment can sometimes be an alternative or complementary treatment to prescriptions.

Redness due to general sensitivity can often be managed by using gentle products at home, formulated with calming and anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as ceramides, niacinamide, bisabolol and allantoin.

Skin care recommendations for sensitive skin

Skin scaries, be gone!