5 Common Skin Conditions And How To Treat Them

There’s no such thing as perfect skin. But some skin conditions hit us harder: flaky and itchy skin is unbearable; severe acne brings so much discomfort; hyperpigmentation – well, don’t even get us started.

These common skin conditions cause distress for most of us, with experts saying skin conditions rank fourth leading cause of nonfatal disease burden.  

It affects us in many ways, both physically and mentally, emotionally and financially.  

We explain the seven most common skin conditions experts see and proven ways to treat or tame them with suitable skincare products. 

1. Acne

What is Acne?

Acne is a common skin condition that affects 95% of people aged 11 to 30. It can take several forms like non-inflammatory pesky blackheads and whiteheads and the mild tiny red dots known as pimples.

The causes are varied and brought on by a series of factors from hormonal imbalance and diet to lack of sleep, improper skincare routine and stress.

How to treat it?

“Treatment depends on the acne severity,” says Dr Gabriela Petrof, MBBS, PhD, NHS Consultant Dermatologist.

For zit-zap emergencies, we love MyClarins Pure-Reset Targeted Blemish Lotion. It has blemish-busting salicylic acid to remove any swelling and meadowsweet extract to clear clogged pores in just one night.

For serum, we recommend My Clarins PURE-RESET Resurfacing Blemish Serum. This helps to reduce excess sebum and the appearance of blemishes and visible pores. Enriched with organic apple extract and exfoliating salicylic and glycolic acids, the serum rebalances the skin and reduces the appearance of shine for oily skin.

2. Eczema

What is Eczma?

In the UK alone, eczema affects up to 20% of children and 10% of adults. It’s an inflammatory skin condition that causes dry skin, itchy skin, rashes, scaly patches, blisters and skin infections. Itchy skin is a common symptom of eczema.

How to treat it?

Dr Petrof advises: “Applying frequent topical emollients and using soap-free products are the mainstay of treatment. Identification and avoidance of triggers are also important.”

People with eczema could benefit from the richness of Shea butter. Shea butter, an emollient, is proven to have efficient anti-inflammatory properties which help calm down any dryness, redness, or flakiness of the skin.

We are a fan of the emollient-rich Body-Smoothing Moisture Milk. This moisturising body lotion has a light, melt-in texture and glides onto the skin to provide immediate comfort, suppleness and softness.

For shower gel, you should look for a skincare formula that is gentle enough for the most sensitive skin. Our Eau Ressourçante Comforting Shower Milk, with Vegetal Squalane, boosts the skin’s protective barrier to seal in moisture for soft, supple skin.

For face, a plethora of gentle cleansers would work, too. Look for ones that contain shea butter or oat extract. We recommend a cleanser loaded with AHAs like Gentle Renewing Cleansing Mousse. This cleanser removes make-up and restores radiance while leaving the skin cleansed and feeling instantly renewed.

3. Rosacea

What is Rosacea?

Constant rosy cheeks. People who have rosacea can cause persistent blushing or flushing in the face.

A substantial proportion of the patients I see have rosacea. This is a chronic condition with a significant psychological impact.

Rosacea is commonly characterised by background inflammation (affecting the forehead, nose, cheeks, chin); some patients also experience spots/bumps in the centre portion of the face,” Dr Alia Ahmed, NHS Consultant Dermatologist explains.

How to treat it?

Dr Ahmed says: “Management of rosacea is complex, it is usually a combination of medical, skincare, lifestyle and psychological management.”

As for the skincare routine, Dr Ahmed says, “It typically includes gentle cleansers to wash the face, mineral sunscreen, and light moisturisers. Having rosacea can make skin feel dry, which leads some people to over moisturise and aggravate inflammation. Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic formulas are preferred. Supporting the skin barrier is important; look for serums/light creams with hydrating qualities (e.g., hyaluronic acid)."

Our Hydra-Essentiel [HA²] Light Cream, enriched with hyaluronic acid, organic leaf of life extract and organic cassava root powder, is a perfect cream that leaves your skin plump, supple and matte.

We also recommend Clarins Calm-Essentiel Range. It is tailored for people with weakened and compromised skin, like rosacea. Plant active clary sage extract is clinically proven to reduce skin sensitivity to irritants, while vegetable squalane reinforces the skin and protects it. Both soothe, repair, and hydrate sensitive skin, increasing its tolerance.

Calm-Essentiel Restoring Treatment Oil is an excellent addition to your sensitive skincare routine. This is an intensive treatment for 10-20 days, depending on your needs. 90% said the treatment oil helped with the skin’s restructure. The treatment oil will instantly soothe skin discomfort (reducing dryness and tightness), nourish even the most reactive skin, and protect against external aggressors.

Need help? Book an online consultation to receive product advice and recommendations on putting together a personalised routine.

4. Dry heels

What are Dry Heels?

Dry heels are a widespread skin condition that affects us all. 90% of UK women have foot problems, and the College of Podiatry reveals that 45% of women suffer from painful cracked heels. No wonder Dr Gendler sees this as so common to her patients.

“While this is a problem we often see in the winter, it occurs all year round. It is important to remember that the skin on the feet takes quite a beating, and it thickens to protect itself and your underlying bone structure.

Constantly buffing and scrubbing the soles is not the answer, though many people do this! The vigorous paring of the soles leads to worse thickening because the skin constantly believes it needs to.” she explains.

How to treat it?

New York-based dermatologist Dr Gendler recommends foot creams once or twice a day that contains lactic acid or urea in an emollient base. You will need to go through a week or so when your heels seem even more cracked and dry, but once the habit of using creams there sets in, you will be so happy.

Clarins Foot Beauty Treatment Cream is formulated with emollient-rich shea butter and anti-fungal arnica extract and virgin cashew nut oil, which all work to renew and protect from ankle to toe. Top tip: You can mix the cream with Relax Body Treatment Oil for a spa-like experience and extra benefits of stress-relief.

5. Hyperpigmentation

What is Hyperpigmentation?

“Hyperpigmentation is when certain areas of your skin are darker than the rest. There are multiple causes known for triggering hyperpigmentation: sun exposure, irritation from skincare products, melasma, the ageing process, inflammation on the skin, and allergic drug reaction to other very rare medical conditions,” says Dr Anastasia Therianou MD, PhD, London-based NHS consultant dermatologist.

Age spots, also called sunspots, are the most common type of hyperpigmentation. Age and sun are both common reasons someone may develop this condition.

How to treat it?

To prevent hyperpigmentation from worsening or, better yet, from happening, make sure to use SPF, reapply every two hours and stay out of direct sunlight.

Bright Plus Advanced Dark Spot-Targeting Serum is an excellent addition in your skincare routine. It is enriched with all the dark spots busting ingredients, such as Vitamin C and new organic sea lily, to fight hyperpigmentation.

Natural retinol is also effective in treating hyperpigmentation. We recommend a plant alternative 40% better than the Vitamin A derivative, Organic Harungana. It is found in Super Restorative products.

Super Restorative Night Cream - All Skin Types help to fight visible changes on the skin, which include dryness, skin slackening, loss of density, deep-set wrinkles, and an uneven skin tone.

For hyperpigmentation on body, especially neck area, Super Restorative Décolleté and Neck Concentrate will diminish the age spots and immediately lifts the surface of the skin.

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