YOUR SKIN PROBLEMS SORTED
Irritating and painful, skin conditions can also put a big dent in your self-confidence. Dermatologist Dr Stefanie Williams on how to beat some of the most common complaints
Compiled by Claire Higney
It may be the body’s largest organ, but many of us take our skin for granted and don’t look after it as well as we should – until a problem flares up and then we realise just how important it is.
To keep skin healthy, protected and looking its best, it’s important to maintain a good skincare regime, with products tailored to your skin type and an SPF. However, most skin conditions – acne and psoriasis, for example – are actually diseases that need specialist treatment from a dermatologist.
The good news is, these days, even serious cases of acne, psoriasis and eczema can be dramatically improved with the right combination of treatments.
THE PROBLEM
Adult acne
Several factors contribute to acne, but the main one is a genetic predisposition. The wrong skincare and hormonal fluctuations (due to menstruation, coming off the Pill and stress) can cause flare-ups, but only if you already have a genetic susceptibility. Food can affect it, but for most people it’s not as strong as often thought. Too much sugar or processed starchy foods can make existing acne worse, but someone without that genetic link could have a sinful diet and be OK.
TREAT IT: Acne is a skin disease, so don’t think of it as a cosmetic problem and try to get rid of it with semi-effective treatments, like salon peels or microdermabrasion. You’ll need prescription creams and, in severe cases, prescription tablets along with dermatology grade facials.