Even if you’re a supermodel, as gorgeous model Kendall Jenner reveals on her website, “Where it really impacted me was how self-conscious I became about it. It completely ruined my self-esteem. I wouldn’t even look at people when I talked to them. I felt like such an outcast; when I spoke, it was with my hand covering my face.”
Luckily most skin conditions can be managed, or even kept at bay, with the proper skincare. Don’t spend your days hiding! We’ve got great advice for managing some of the most common problems with your dermis.
Acne
If you’re suffering from adult acne you’re not alone! It’s on the rise, particularly for women. It is important to acknowledge that it is a skin disease. It is not normal and not a right of passage.
There are about a million different things that can cause acne: environmental factors, dirt, skin sensitivity, hormones, poor diet, stress, chemicals, etc. Start by simplifying your skincare routine, getting enough sleep, and eating healthy. If that doesn’t work, you may want to visit your doctor for other options and to rule out underlying causes like the hormone imbalance.
Warts
Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and appear primarily on your fingers or toes as raised, grayish bumps that usually go away on their own over time. You can usually get rid of them more quickly with OTC medications. Some people also swear by covering the wart with duct tape until it falls off on its own.
Warts are extremely contagious and can be easily spread to others, as well as different parts of your own body, so always keep them covered during treatment. Plantar warts show up on the bottom of your foot and grow inward rather than outward. They can be quite painful. Always wear flip-flops if you shower at the gym! Genital warts…well, you know where those show up. The HPV vaccine targets specific types of genital warts that cause cervical cancer but won’t protect against other types. If you think you may have plantar or genital warts, you definitely need to see a doctor.
Moles & Skin Tags
As a rule, both of these skin conditions are completely harmless. Moles can be a sign of skin cancer so it’s extremely important to know all of your moles and to monitor them regularly. If you notice any moles that seem to be changing or new ones that look funny, head to the doctor stat. If you just don’t like your moles or don’t want to have to worry about them, most can be removed easily by a dermatologist. Skin tags are just annoying and are also easily removed in a doctor’s office or with OTC products.