5 Things Your Skin Is Trying to Tell You — and How to Respond

1. Acne Tells You About Hormones

What caused your acne as a teen isn’t necessarily what’s behind your breakouts now — and that’s important to know when choosing a treatment. As a teen, acne may have been due to excess oil production, but now as you age, it’s often hormonal.

Hormonal acne in women often worsens with the menstrual cycle. The acne bumps usually pop up closer to your jawline and chin, as opposed to the acne that might’ve plagued you in your teen years, which is often localized to the face and forehead, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).

If you have sensitive skin, products containing sulfur or willow bark can also help clear skin. Ultimately, your gynecologist and dermatologist can work closely together to regulate a disruptive hormonal cycle for clearer skin.

2. Undereye Bags May Signal a Diet or Lifestyle Problem

The juicy burger may taste good, but sodium-laden fast food is also a culprit for skin problems, such as undereye bags. Get to the source of the problem. Allergies, smoking, and even eating too much salt can play a role in giving you bags under your eyes.

But lack of sleep is a huge culprit behind that look, and if it’s a common occurrence, you may have to work on sleep hygiene habits or prioritizing shut-eye. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that adults aim to get seven to nine hours of sleep every night. You have medication and surgical options, so consult your dermatologist if those avenues feel right for you.

3. Dark Undereye Circles May Have Nothing to Do With a Lack of Sleep

This won’t be a popular answer, but genetics play a big role in undereye circles, and that’s just something that’s out of your control. Still, you can help diminish discoloration with eye creams that contain brightening antioxidants, like vitamin C and vitamin E. If circles look more blue-grey, the issue may be that blood vessels are showing through the thin undereye skin. In that case, a product containing caffeine “can help collapse the blood vessels to lessen the appearance of darkness.

4. Dark Spots Suggest Your Skin Is Hurting From Past Sun Damage

Even sunburns from your teenage years can have lasting effects on your skin. First, keep up your sunscreen routine, as sun damage is the top culprit of discoloration. Next, hydroquinone (HQ) remains the gold standard in addressing hyperpigmentation problems, says Sadick, as it inhibits tyrosinase, an enzyme that produce pigments called melanin.
You can look for products containing licorice extract, azelaic acid, niacinamide, or arbutin, ingredients that are known for their brightening properties.

5. Sagging Skin? You Guessed It: Your Face Is Calling Out for a Collagen Boost

If you’re not ready for a facelift (and may never be), topical creams can only do so much. But you may benefit most from noninvasive treatment options with your dermatologist, like ultrasound skin tightening devices, which are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These will stimulate new collagen formation to reduce sagging. The result: a lifted look with less pain and no post-surgical recovery time required.

Content Credit: Jessica Migala

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