5 Common skin conditions and how to cure them

BY READERS DIGEST

14th Jan 2022 Health Conditions

Celebrity facialist and renowned skin expert Pietro Simone defines and debunks myths for common skin problems such as acne, eczema and more

When it comes to addressing skin issues, I know that it is never just “skin deep”; they can often be psychological or emotional. Hence, it is important for anyone with any issues to look into natural ingredients and advanced technologies when it comes to their skin care and regimens.

I recommend bio fermentations, carriers, delivery systems, drone technology, bio engineered 100 per cent stable form of vitamin C, lipo and encapsulated retinol. The key is to look for ingredients that won’t be harmful to your skin care routine.

It is important to first understand what each skin issue is, and what causes it to make it worse or how to break these cycles, to stop from having these conditions.

Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition with four defined subtypes. Its cause is still unknown. Each subtype holds its own defining set of symptoms. It is possible that multi-level subtypes might preside.

Rosacea’s primary characteristic is the presence of multiple small, red, inflamed, and potentially pus-filled spots, that present themselves during skin flare-ups. Typically rosacea affects the skin on the nose, cheeks and forehead.

Tips to stop rosacea

Seek advice on Professional Laser Treatments that could help
Seek advice on skin supplements from nutritionist/doctor
Make sure your skincare routine is not harsh
Always protect your skin from sun throughout the year
Avoid products containing fragrance and alcohol
Avoid glycolic acid and Lactic acid
Pay particular attention to makeup being applied & hygiene of makeup brushes and applicators

Peri-menopausal or menopausal skin

Menopausal skin is reduced collagen, fat and elasticity; increased dryness, age spots and pigmentation. Studies show that a woman’s skin loses approximately 30 per cent of its collagen during the first five years of menopause.

As levels of hormones drop before and during menopause, some women develop teenage-like acne.

Approximately at the age of 50, the Ph level of our skin changes; with this change, skin becomes more sensitive and is likely to develop rashes and irritations.

Hormones play an important role in healing skin. When hormone levels fall, skin takes longer to heal. As estrogen levels decrease, skin becomes thinner and therefore is prone to increased bruising.

"Hormones play an important role in healing skin. When hormone levels fall, skin takes longer to heal"

Tips for menopausal skin:

Seek advice from your medical doctor on hormonal treatments
Remember: menopause is not taboo! Own it and find your own balance
Seek advice on natural treatments
Gua Sha your face and body—it really helps
Food is a crucial portal, feed your body and skin with natural sources that support this stage of life
Meditation and breathing techniques can really help
Always remember to drink water

Acne and scarring

Acne is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition where the pores are blocked by hair, sebum, bacteria and dead skin cells causing spots and pimples; especially on the face, shoulders, back, neck, chest and upper arms.

It commonly occurs during puberty when the sebaceous glands activate but it can occur at any age.

There are a variety of causes—genetics, fluctuating hormone levels, stress, high humidity, and inappropriate skin products.

Tips to stop acne:

Change your pillow case two-three times a week
Spray a gentle colloidal silver spray on your pillow daily (to limit and stop bacteria from spreading)
Diet is fundamental: seek advice of your doctor/nutritionist
Natural herbal facial steam baths aide skin immensely (do give it a try)
Don’t be harsh with your skin; acne is an inflammation—let’s calm it down
Although it is hard to do: don’t pick your acne!

Eczema

Eczema is a specific kind of skin inflammation which causes redness, edema, flakiness and crustiness and also is itchy and can have a burning sensation. The obvious approach to this is to heal it.

Tips to stop eczema:

To ease symptoms of eczema (without use of drugs such as steroids) is to first avoid all kinds of acids, found on the skincare market—as by doing so, the skin is able to heal and be in a “recuperate” mode

I would suggest wound healing compounds such as bio fermentation of Reishi, Pine bark, Curcumin, Marrabium Vulgare, and Drone technology to repair the skin barrier, as these are fundamental steps to calming an already stressed and inflamed epidermis

My 360-degree approach tells me also to investigate more into the lifestyle of the person who’s affected by eczema or atopic dermatitis. Stress, processed food, intolerances, wrong skincare products, lack of liquids/water especially lead to even a worse situation.

A soft, gentle approach in these cases, including not using steroids, can lead to a full awareness of skin healing and a deeper understating of the skin language

Melasma

Melasma is a common skin problem that causes dark, discoloured patches on the skin. The condition typically manifests on both sides of the face with similar discolouration marks. Other areas of the skin which are exposed to the sun may develop malasma. It occurs in pregnant women, and while it is more common in women, men also suffer with it.

Unbalanced levels of estogen or progesterone hold an increased risk of developing melasma and may additionally be triggered by the birth control pill, hormone therapy, and pregnancy. Also linked to the cause of this skin condition are stress, thyroid issues, and sun exposure, because ultraviolet rays affect the cells that control pigment (called melanocytes).

"Melasma is a common skin problem that causes dark, discoloured patches on the skin"

Tips to stop melasma:

Always protect your skin from sun throughout the year
If in direct sunlight, apply SPF every two, three hours
Tailored supplementary professional treatments are fundamental
A methodical and consistent skincare regime is critical to manage melasma effectively
Avoid waxing treatments if possible
Prevention and protection are paramount

Catch Pietro Simone and his great tips on how to do gua sha treatments at home and other simple treatment tips on Instagram @pietrosimoneofficial or contact through his treatment and clinics at www.pietrosimone.com

Renowned for his exceptional treatments and cutting edge clinics, both in the UK and US, skin expert Pietro Simone is advocating to define and debunk myths for skin problems such as rosacea, menopausal skin, acne, eczema and melasma to help all achieve healthy skin and wellness.

He has recently launched his third skincare collection, FIERCE, and its creation is quintessentially who he is; during the COVID pandemic and lockdowns he experienced his own issues with hormonal changes and imbalances resulting in personal challenges. Hence, he is fiercely advocating for all to use sustainable and traceable steps when it comes to their skin.