1. Acne
"Multiple factors are thought to be important in causing acne," says Dr. Jerry Tan, medical director of the Healthy Image Centre for Cosmetic Dermatology in Windsor, Ont.
Androgenic hormones are a primary trigger – they increase the production of oil, which can lead to a buildup, blocking pores. The situation can worsen as bacteria starts to grow.
Clear it
"Effective treatment starts with an education about the nature of the problem," says Tan. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the acne. Mild acne may be improved with cleansers, gels and creams, while more serious cases may require antibiotics or hormone pills. Very severe cases may best be relieved by more powerful prescription medications, while a range of cases may benefit from acne facials and therapeutic light treatments.
2. Brown spots
Freckles may be cute on the young and pigtailed, but there's nothing darling about wayward brown spots on your face in adulthood. Often hereditary or the product of sun exposure (or a combination of both), these dark dots can be treated with a tiered system, says Tan.
Clear it
Sun protection keeps pigmentation production at bay, while fading creams, including tretinoin, alpha hydroxy acids and hydroquinone, can gently lighten the brown spots. For a more prompt solution, liquid nitrogen, intense light therapy and lasers may brighten the situation, says Tan.
Page 1 of 2 – Dull skin, dark circles or fine lines have you down? Read Dr. Tan's best treatment tips for these common skin troubles on page 2.
