10 Most Common Skin Concerns 

Acne, breakouts, and blemishes are common skin concerns which affect around 90% of the global population at some stage of their lives. Breakouts are caused when our pores, which are connected to sebaceous glands beneath the skin’s surface, become clogged with oil, dirt, bacteria, and dead skin cells.

Breakouts tend to appear on the face but can also present on the body too, particularly on the back, chest, and shoulders, where the skin is oilier with more follicles. Small and bumpy in appearance, they take the form as pimples, blackheads, or whiteheads, while blemishes can include dark spots and red markings.

Characterised by dark spots, markings, or an uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation is the overproduction of melanin, a substance in our body that’s responsible for the natural pigment in our skin, hair, and eyes. This can typically affect the face and entire body, appearing as flat, darkened patches or spots that differ in size and color.

While there are many different causes, the most common types of hyperpigmentation include age spots, melasma, freckles, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

When our skin looks dull, tired, and lackluster, it’s often the result of a dry and uneven appearance. Textured skin struggles to reflect light evenly, which can prevent it from achieving the same radiant as a smoother complexion. 

Many external and internal factors related to lifestyle choices and environmental stressors contribute to this, such as tiredness, ageing, exposure to UV rays and pollution, and improper exfoliation or cleansing. Other causes include poor diet, dehydration, and stress, all of which can lead to dull skin.

Dry skin is defined by a lack of moisture and hydration due to fewer oil-producing glands in the face and body. Identified by a dry, flaky appearance with a rough texture, it affects the skin barrier’s ability to protect against aggressors and retain moisture. 

Many people experience seasonal skin dryness during cold temperatures, which strips the skin of moisture, while others experience ongoing dry skin year-round. Although environmental and lifestyle factors can cause skin dryness, aging and genetics can also contribute.

A form of Acne which presents itself as slightly raised bumps with a black centre, blackheads form when the sebaceous glands attached to hair follicles in the skin are clogged with sebum (skin oil), dirt, and dead skin, which get trapped in the pores. 

They typically develop on the forehead and nose, but can also appear on the rest of the face and body, including the neck, back and chest. The black centre is a result of oil and other debris in the pore oxidizing when exposed to air.

As we get older, the skin’s natural collagen production slows down, which can lead to premature aging. Usually, this starts around mid-twenties, but everyone can start to show visible signs at different ages.

The most common signs of premature skin aging are fine lines, wrinkles, dry skin, sun spots, and hyperpigmentation. While there are many factors that contribute to its development, environment, lifestyle, and genetics all play a part in the onset of these signs.

Whether it’s an ongoing condition or a sudden reaction, skin redness can be caused by a number of factors and in varying degrees of severity. Common triggers for flare ups are skin conditions like rosacea and dermatitis, allergies and reactions, and flushing due to exercise or hot and cold weather.

Facial redness and flushes are often accompanied by symptoms such as itchiness, inflammation or dryness and affect mainly the cheek area. They are generally experienced more frequently by dry and sensitive skin types.

Dark circles under the eyes are tell-tale signs of fatigue and lack of sleep, but they can also indicate visible signs of aging and an imbalance in our wellbeing. Found beneath the lower lid and often accompanied by puffiness, they can appear as dull, dark shadows or as sunken, hollow areas. 

These dark circles occur from the constriction of blood vessels beneath the eye area and can worsen as the delicate skin thins as a result of aging, stress, or lifestyle factors.

Uneven skin can range from dry patches to pitting and a scaly, bumpy appearance that feels coarse to the touch. The root of rough skin texture comes from the buildup of flaky, dead skin cells, which can lead to breakouts and a dull complexion.

Rough skin texture be caused as a result of skin conditions including eczema or psoriasis, although more long-term factors can also include prolonged sun damage and severe scarring from Acne or breakouts. 

Oily skin happens when the sebaceous glands located within our hair follicles produce too much sebum, the oily substance that protects and moisturizes the skin. As a result, the complexion becomes greasy or shiny, most prominently in the T-zone area—forehead, nose, and chin.

While sebum is essential for keeping the skin hydrated, protected, and healthy, too much of it can lead to breakouts, when excess oil, dirt, and bacteria block pores, leaving a greasy sheen on your skin.