Understanding Skin Conditions: The 3 Most Common

Do you know that feeling? A specific spot on your face keeps itching, red, dry patches form, or pimples are more pronounced than on your friends' faces? Then there's a chance you have a skin condition. But **don't panic**. We'll explain what that means, what types there are, and how you can deal with them in your daily life. Read on here!

Skin Conditions: A Brief Definition

Skin conditions are also referred to in technical jargon as "dermatoses" or "dermatopathy." These are mainly treated by a dermatologist, i.e., a skin doctor. The affected areas are not only the epidermis itself but can also include nails, hair, sweat, and sebaceous glands. This is because these originate from your largest organ.

Person covers their eyes and face with both hands.

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There are **many triggers**. On the one hand, the affected region reacts to external stimuli. These include, for example, cold, heat, toxins, medications, or pathogens. On the other hand, internal processes can be decisive. Hormonal changes or autoimmune diseases, in particular, are often the cause of skin changes. In any case, it is important to see your doctor if you experience unusual and suddenly appearing eczema or similar.

Skin Conditions: Acne, Psoriasis, and Rosacea Introduced

The various skin conditions **manifest themselves differently**. They can occur individually or in conjunction. Patches, papules, blisters, wheals, nodules, and/or itchy areas are often among the first signs. To help you better understand your diagnosis, we will now introduce three of the most common types.

More Than Just Blemishes: Acne

At the latest during puberty, they appear: blemishes. What for some people resolved with one or two pimples, is for others a lengthy process. Nevertheless, clinical acne affects approximately 40 percent. In this case, the **sebaceous glands are responsible** for the many impurities that arise.

Learn in our blog what skin type you are and find out which care is suitable for you!

Photo: © Anna Tarazevich, License: Creative Commons CC0 1.0, Source: pexels

This is why areas where these are more concentrated are particularly affected. This means: face, neck and side of the neck, anterior chest triangle, back, upper arms and shoulders. Depending on the clinical picture, **different forms are distinguished**. For this, it is best to consult your dermatologist. The chances of recovery are very high. Suitable medications for external (creams, gels) or systemic therapy (hormone preparations or antibiotics, ...) usually need to be prescribed. To use these specifically, however, the reasons for the acne must first be clarified. The following are common causes:

Factor	Explanation
Sebaceous gland overactivity	during puberty, the sebaceous glands enlarge due to the influence of male sex hormones (androgens) and growth factor (GH) and produce more sebum
Keratinization disorder	horny material clogs the excretory duct, so sebum can no longer drain
Bacterial overgrowth	due to the overactivity of the sebaceous gland, the bacterium Cutibacterium acnes finds improved conditions for growth in the sebaceous gland's excretory duct
Inflammatory reactions	special immune cells loosen the wall of the duct, allowing inflammatory messengers to move back and forth more easily

Person with itchy patches scratching their arm

Photo: © 9nong, Source: Adobe Stock

An Autoimmune Disease: Psoriasis

A skin condition that can accompany you throughout your life is psoriasis, or colloquially, **scaly skin**. It affects the entire body, meaning it often involves bones, joints, and even blood vessels in addition to the epidermis. Two out of a hundred people in Germany live with this chronic inflammation. It manifests itself primarily through **large, red, scaly patches**. The reason for this is, on the one hand, an inflammation that causes the redness, and on the other hand, a disturbed, overly rapid renewal of the epidermis, which creates the white flakes. These are usually found on hairy scalps, elbows, knees, or the lower back. Why psoriasis is triggered can have a variety of reasons. These include stress, purulent tonsillitis or dental inflammation. In addition, genetics can play a role if other family members are also affected. No matter how it was triggered: In any case, it cannot be cured. Although there are various **relief methods**, you should discuss these with your doctor.

Person with rosacea on their face looking in a mirror and touching it with their fingers

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More than just a reddened face: Rosacea

You've probably heard of this skin condition before. This is no wonder, as about two to five percent of German adults are affected by rosacea. This **chronic disease** usually begins between the ages of 30 and 50. The typical warning signs are fine veins around the face. These mainly expand to the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin. Nodules and pimples that appear in flare-ups can also be an indication. The causes of rosacea are not yet completely understood. However, it is strongly suspected that **genetic factors** play a major role. Another trigger can be chronic damage to the facial skin caused by sun exposure. Further research has shown that inflammation can result from a misguided innate immune response. Incidentally, there are various **influences** that can worsen the symptoms. These include stress, sun exposure, alcohol, hot beverages, or spicy foods. We recommend that you avoid these. Therefore, don't forget to apply your sunscreen daily!

A bottle of Purito Centella Unscented Serum

Photo: Provided by purito

How to Care for Various Skin Conditions

When choosing your cosmetic products, you should be particularly careful if you live with a skin condition. Especially **preservatives** such as fragrances and dyes can worsen symptoms. That's why, for example, you can find unscented products in our online shop that do not contain these ingredients. Incidentally, snail slime as an ingredient can help with regeneration. Another tip: less is more. Try to reduce showering, bathing, and hair washing as much as possible. As explained in our article on dry skin in winter, soap and the heat of the water can damage the protective barrier. Depending on your condition, you should definitely discuss with your **doctor which cosmetics** are suitable for you.

dear klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner, opened

Photo: Provided by Dear Klairs

Makeup for Skin Conditions

First and foremost, we want to tell you: Having a skin condition is **nothing to be ashamed of**, and you don't have to hide because of it. Nevertheless, you might want to spruce yourself up a bit for a special occasion or just because. In our article on applying makeup correctly, we already show you which products are involved and how to use them. When making your selection, always pay attention to the **ingredients**. Your alarm bells should ring for alcohol, urea, and essential oils. If you are unsure, it's best to consult your doctor or pharmacist. However, generally opt for a light and low-fat product. This will not irritate your skin too much. For the affected areas themselves, use a light camouflage cream. This has higher coverage and blends well with a normal foundation for the rest of the face. For powder, we recommend a product with protective minerals like zinc or silica. A final note: If your epidermis currently has many open wounds from pimples, etc., you should wait until they have closed, as there is a **risk of infection**. Learn more about this in our article on covering pimples!