Age Spots
Age spots (sun spots) are changes in skin color associated with older skin. They’re harmless, flat, brown discolorations of the skin which usually appear on the back of the hands, neck and face of people. They’re usually caused by the skin being exposed to the sun over many years and are a sign of sun damage. The only way to prevent age spots is to use liberal amounts of sunscreen before the age of forty, avoid the sun, and wear protective clothing. These measures will also help prevent the formation of skin cancer and wrinkles.
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Birthmarks
Birthmarks are colored markings on the skin that are present at birth or develop shortly after birth. They can be many different sizes, shapes, and colors, including brown, tan, black, blue, pink, white, red, or purple. Some birthmarks appear on the surface of the skin, some are raised above the surface of the skin, and some are located under the skin.
Some birthmarks appear because a child has extra color (pigment) in his or her skin. Other birthmarks appear because a child's blood vessels did not develop normally. Most will vanish early in life or stay in proportion. But, some grow more aggressively and threaten health. Many birthmarks fade or disappear over time and require no treatment. However, for some, corrective makeup is the answer.
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Bruising
A bruise is a common skin injury that results in a discoloration of the skin. Blood from damaged blood vessels deep beneath the skin collects near the surface of the skin resulting in what we think of as a black and blue mark. Bruises in elderly people frequently occur because their skin has become thinner with age. The tissues that support the underlying blood vessels have become more fragile.
The treatment for a bruise is most effective right after the injury while the bruise is still reddish. A cold compress such as an icepack or a bag of frozen peas should be applied to the affected area for 20-30 minutes in order to speed healing and reduce swelling. Do not apply ice directly to the skin. Wrap the icepack in a towel.
After about 48 hours, heat in the form of a warm washcloth applied to the bruise for 10 minutes or so 2-3 times a day may increase blood flow to the bruised area allowing the skin to reabsorb the blood more quickly. Ultimately, the bruise will fade in color. Camouflage makeup can disguise the bruises during the healing process.
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Freckles
Freckles are small brown spots usually found on the face and arms. Freckles are extremely common and are not a health threat. They are more often seen in the summer, especially among lighter-skinned people and people with light or red hair. Freckles are caused by genetics, certain diseases, and exposure to the sun. Since freckles are almost always harmless, there really is no need to treat them. As with many skin conditions, it's best to avoid the sun as much as possible, or use a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher. This is especially important because people who freckle easily (for example, lighter-skinned people) are more likely to develop skin cancer. If you feel that your freckles are a problem or you don't like the way they look, you can cover them up with makeup or consider certain types of laser treatment.
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Hyper-Pigmentation
Hyper-pigmentation is a common condition in which patches of skin become darker in color than the normal surrounding skin. This darkening occurs when an excess of melanin, the brown pigment that produces normal skin color, forms deposits in the skin. Age spots, or sun spots, are a common form of hyper-pigmentation as well as melasma chloasma, or freckles. Changes in skin color can also result from outside causes. For example, skin diseases such as acne may leave dark spots after the condition clears. Other causes of dark spots are injuries to the skin, including some surgeries.
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Lupus
No two cases of lupus are exactly alike. Signs and symptoms may come on suddenly or develop slowly, may be mild or severe, and may be temporary or permanent. Most people with lupus have one thing in common, however, and that's the tendency of the disease to get decidedly worse in episodes called flares and then to improve or even disappear completely for a time.
Although it only affects about one in three people with lupus, the skin problem most often associated with the disease is a butterfly-shaped rash (malar rash) that develops across the cheeks and bridge of the nose. A malar rash may be flat or raised and may be blotchy or completely red in the affected areas. Some people with lupus develop skin lesions that initially resemble small pimples but that eventually turn scaly and itchy, whereas others have large, flat, itchy lesions with clear centers. Both types of lesions usually appear after exposure to sunlight. Still other people develop a crusty, red, raised rash (discoid rash) on the face, neck, chest or scalp. A discoid rash is usually thick and scaly, may last for days or years, and often leaves hypopigmented or hyperpigmented scars.
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Melasma
Melasma, or "pregnancy mask," as it's commonly referred by, is a common skin condition characterized by patches of darkened spots often found on the face and neck of women. Signs of melasma usually surface during the second or third trimester of pregnancy or while taking oral contraceptives. The areas most commonly affected are the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and chin.
Melasma is thought to be caused by overachieving melanocytes. These pigment producing cells become stimulated to produce extra unwanted melanin resulting in patchy discoloration. Triggers include estrogen supplements, birth control pills, pregnancy, and sun exposure. Melasma is more of a problem in people who have relatively dark skin to begin with, and because melasma is made worse by sun exposure, it tends to be more of a problem in the spring and summer months.
A genetic predisposition is the major factor for the development of melasma. More than 30% of patients will have a family history of melasma and 9 times out of 10 those patients will be between 20 and 40 years old. The predisposition to get melasma can not be prevented, but limiting your sun exposure and using topical treatments such as cover makeup or concealer can often help improve many cases.
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Port Wine Stains
The port-wine stain is a type of vascular birthmark that occurs in 3 out of a 1,000 people. Port-wine stains are flat with pink, red or purplish discolorations, found mostly on the face, neck, arms, or legs. They can be of any size and tend to grow as the child grows. Over time, port-wine stains may become thick and develop small bumps or ridges. Camouflage makeup makes it easy to conceal port-wine stains and give the skin a natural color.
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Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a non-contagious skin disorder that most commonly appears as inflamed lesions covered with a silvery white scale. More than 4.5 million adults in the United States suffer from some form of psoriasis.
Normally, skin cells grow deep within the skin and rise slowly to the surface. The process is called cell turnover and it normally takes about a month. With those suffering from psoriasis, it can happen in just a few days because the cells are rising too fast and start to pile up on the surface. Most psoriasis causes patches of thick, red skin with silver scales. These patches can itch or feel sore and they are often found on the elbows, knees, other parts of the legs, scalp, lower back, face, palms, and soles of the feet.
Psoriasis cannot be caught from other people nor can it be transferred from one part of the body to another. Research has concluded that it is just as prevalent in men as it is in women at the adult stage, however girls are more commonly affected than boys. Like most diseases, psoriasis is influenced by inherited characteristics. Up to 50% of people with psoriasis will know another affected family member.
Possible psoriasis triggers may include injury to the skin, severe emotional stress, serious systemic infections, and reaction to certain drugs. Although unproven, some even believe that allergies and a change in diet might cause their psoriasis to flare up.
There are a variety of topical treatments available such as creams and ointments. When used properly they can be most effective and have minimal side effects.
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Rosacea
Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition that causes redness of the face. Signs of rosacea include small, red bumps, on the nose, cheeks, forehead, and chin. One may also see visible small blood cells on their nose and cheek as well. It most often affects those aged 30 to 60, especially those with fair skin, blue eyes, and of Celtic origin. Although, it's more common in women, men may develop more apparent signs of the condition. It's estimated that 14 million Americans suffer from this condition.
While the cause of rosacea remains unknown, researchers suggest that it's likely due to some combination of hereditary and environmental factors. Other factors that may aggrevate the condition and cause an increase in blood flow to the surface include spicy foods, alcohol, temperature extremes, sunlight, stress, strenuous exercise, and hot baths or saunas.
Left untreated, rosacea tends to be progressive, which means it gets worse over time. However, in most cases, the condition is cyclic, which means it might flare up for a period of one week or month and then signs and symptoms may lessen for another extended period following. While coping with rosacea, the key to successful skin care is to avoid doing anything to irritate your skin which may cause a flare up and worsen the condition. A suggested daily skin regimen should including washing with lukewarm water, using a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser and blotting dry out of the shower.
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Scarring/Burn Scars
There are three phases in the formation of any type of scar. In the first phase, which lasts less than a week, the body begins to remove dead and dying skin tissue, fights infection, and sends cells that will begin the healing process to the burned areas. In the second phase, which takes a few weeks, the body makes collagen fibers to form scar tissue and creates tiny new blood vessels in the injured area. In the final phase, which takes months to years, the scar tissue matures, resulting in a stronger scar.
Skin lotion is an important part of handling burn scars. Glands in the skin (sebaceous glands) produce oil that lubricates and moistens skin. Deep burns destroy the sebaceous glands, making it necessary to use lotions to prevent the skin from becoming too dry. Skin color is created by cells in the epidermis called melanocytes. Melanocytes produce melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. Melanocytes are destroyed by deep burns. Scars usually change color over time, becoming less red. While burned skin is in the process of healing, it is particularly fragile and prone to blistering. Clothes that fit well are important to prevent skin breakdown. The healed skin is also more vulnerable to sunburns than regular skin and may be more allergic to sunscreens and other skincare products.
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Under-Eye Circles
Dark under-eye circles are a familiar problem and a major cosmetic challenge for a lot of women. The purplish color along with puffiness is the result of tiny blood vessels that have poor circulation due to stress, lack of sleep, or heredity.
The most common reason for under eye circles is a thinning of the natural fat pad under the eye, which results in a sunken-in appearance. Another reason is often due to an increase in the number of blood vessels in the skin below the eyes. Since the area of skin here is thinner and more translucent than elsewhere, the blue color of the veins shines through.
There is no magic formula that will erase dark circles overnight, so the best option would be to find a good way to camouflage them. A good cover-up will restore your radiant looking, well rested appearance almost instantly.
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Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are fine lines on the body that occur from tissue underneath your skin tearing from rapid growth or over-stretching. It is a common condition that does not cause any significant medical problems, but can be a cosmetic concern for some.
Between 75-90% of women develop stretch marks during pregnancy. The sustained stretching on the abdomen as a result of weight gain usually means stretch marks will appear during the sixth or seventh month. However, pregnant women are not alone in being susceptible. Adolescents experiencing growth spurts and athletes who practice strenuous and repetitive exercise are likely to get stretch marks, as is anyone who gains or loses a significant amount of weight in a relatively short period of time.
There is no specific treatment for stretch marks, as most stretch marks fade over time and aren't that noticeable. However, if you have a lot of stretch marks or worried that they look unsightly, you may want to consider topical moisturizers or creams. Using these can help to keep the skin agile and the action of rubbing in the cream can encourage better circulation.
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Unwanted Tattoos
There are three primary methods used for removing a tattoo. The first one is excision, where the surgeon surgically removes the skin. The second one is a procedure called dermabrasion, where the skin is scraped off. And, finally, there are laser treatments that break up the ink within the skin. The effectiveness of the removal depends heavily on the depth of the ink and the types and colors of ink used.
Regardless of which method of tattoo removal is used, some scarring or color variations are likely to remain. Healing time varies depending upon the size and depth of the tattoo, the procedure used, and the patient's healing process.
Despite advances, however, removal of a tattoo can be an arduous process and quite costly. Camouflage makeups can be a cost-effective solution of covering unwanted tattoos.
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Varicose Veins
Varicose Veins are enlarged veins that can appear flesh colored, dark purple or blue. They often look like cords and appear twisted and bulging. They normally are raised above the skin and are commonly found on the backs of the calves or on the inside of the legs. Spider veins are similar to varicose veins, but they are much smaller. They are often red or blue and are closer to the surface of the skin than varicose veins.
In normal veins, valves in the vein keep moving blood upwards towards the heart. With varicose veins, the veins do not function properly, allowing blood to remain in the vein. When this happens the vein enlarges. With spider veins, the vein is working just enough to return most blood back to the heart, but still not the entire amount.
About 50-55% of American women and 40-45% American men suffer from some form of vein problem. Vericose veins affect 1 out of every 2 people 50 years of age and older. For some, vein problems might be of a cosmetic concern. For others, varicose veins might cause aching pain and discomfort. Aching and heaviness of the legs are common complaints, particularly after standing for a long period of time.
Factors that might attribute to individuals developing vericose veins include increasing age, hormonal changes, pregnancy, obesity, sun exposure, and having other family members with vein problems.
Corrective makeup can easily hide spider veins and even reduce the appearance of varicose veins.
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Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a disfiguring medical disease whose cause is absolutely unknown. The disease causes the destruction of melanocytes, most notably, in the skin and eyes-- which results in the absence of pigment. The loss of pigment most commonly is noted first on the hands, feet, arms, face, and lips.
This disease affects an estimated 1% of the country's population or about 3 to 6 million people. About half the people who develop it do so before the age of 20. The severity of pigment loss differs with each person. Those who tan in the summer will show a noticeable contrast between the areas of vitiligo and the suntanned skin. However, year round, vitiligo is more obvious on people with darker skin.
When a person first develops vitiligo, the disease usually starts out as flat white spots on the hand or around the eyes. These spots are commonly circular and occur in the same areas on both sides of the body, thus producing a mirror image effect.
Although the cause is still unknown, recent research suggests that an over abundance of hydrogen peroxide in the skin may be the root of the problem. Researchers have concluded that people with vitiligo may not have the proper enzyme (or enough of it) to break down the hydrogen peroxide, which naturally accumulates and collects in the skin.
While many experts believe that a reliable treatment for this condition is on the way within the next few years, those suffering from it today can seek an array of cosmetic treatments such as camouflage makeup, tanning compounds, or skin dyes to minimize the appearance. Disguising vitiligo with these topical treatments is the safest and easiest way to make it less noticeable.
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