Your skin has the ability to heal, renew and protect itself with the proper care. The causes of skin imperfections include hormonal changes, reduction in collagen production, free-radical damage, poor nutrition, solar radiation and pollution. If you have problem skin, choose products that optimize your skin's ability to repair itself.
Broken Capillaries: Dry, delicate or mature skin that is thin and fragile is most susceptible to broken capillaries. When blood no longer pumps through the tiny capillaries and the capillary walls weaken, they lose their elasticity, collapse and become visible on the surface. Abrasive cleansers and facial scrubs, alcohol, caffeine, certain drugs, harsh cosmetics, forceful massage, cold weather, extreme winds, overexposure to the sun and spicy foods can all be triggers. Protecting your skin in cold or windy weather can help prevent broken capillaries. Bioflavonoid supplements may reduce redness and strengthen capillaries. Use gentle products that contain aloe and essential oils of lavender and chamomile to help soothe capillaries.
Age Spots: Blotches of pigmentation may result from perfumes, excessive sun exposure or the interaction of medications (such as birth control pills) and sun exposure. In responses, your skin has tried to protect itself by producing an overabundance of melanin -- the pigmented cells in your skin. The most important thing you can do to prevent new age spots is to wear sunscreen when exposed to sunlight.
You can repair your skin with products containing antioxidants, such as vitamin C, that have been shown to clarify skin and help to reverse dye effects of sun damage. Licorice extract is nature's most subtle and yet effective skin lightener. It has depigmenting effects and inhibits melanin synthesis.
Uneven Skin: Discoloration can also be the result of inflammation caused by acne, harsh chemicals or trauma. "Uneven skin is typically from poor skin care and large pore size," says Beer. "Other causes are seborrhea dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea and its cousin, perioral dermatitis (characterized by tiny red bumps around the mouth). For uneven skin, my most popular treatment is self-heating microdermabrasion crystals that are made with micronized bamboo." Again, vitamin C comes to the rescue with its ability to even out skin tone and boost collagen production, reduce skin damage caused by free radicals and improve skin texture.
Rosacea: Although the cause of the disorder is unknown, it is clear that rosacea is aggravated by extremes of temperature, sunlight, alcohol, hot drinks, spicy foods and emotional stress. They cause the already congested and weakened blood vessels to dilate even further and the skin's sensitive surface to become irritated and inflamed. People with naturally thin skin may also be more prone to the condition.
"Rosacea is typically found in light-skinned patients and may be exacerbated by estrogens or changes in hormones," adds Beer. "Tartar control toothpaste can also provoke it. For rosacea-prone skin, I recommend skin-care products that contain green tea extract, which has a calming effect. For rosacea and broken capillaries, I suggest avoiding products that contain alcohol, a lot of fragrance or antiaging ingredients, such as high concentrations of vitamin C or glycolic acid. I also recommend chemical-free sun protection."
Acne: Acne is typically caused by the interaction of bacteria, hormones and sebum (oil from the hair follicle). A conscientious skin-care regime can combat some causes. Use a weekly facial scrub followed by a facial mask. Spot-treating blemishes with a formulation of bacteria-fighting essential oils such as tea tree, neroli or lemon oil can help them heal faste.
"Use cleansers and topical treatments designed for acne-prone skin and avoid anything, including sunscreens, that are not explicitly non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic," says Beer. Supplementing with B vitamins and zinc may also help. Green tea and lavender have both been shown to have antibacterial properties when used topically.
Sun exposure and free-radical damage can lead to flat brown spots on your hands, face, and body. While age spots are harmless, most people consider them an unwelcome sign of aging. The following spot treatment can reduce the appearance of age spots: