Skin Care

The skin is the largest organ in the body. It’s made of mostly water and is the first thing most people notice when they meet us. We often take our skin for granted — until something happens to it. Find out how to take care of your skin at home, avoid most skin-related issues, and how to nip skin conditions in the bud.

Types of Skin Problems

The skin is connected to most other systems in the body. Eating too much dairy? You’ll see it on your skin. Not moisturizing enough? Your skin will tell you it needs more hydration. Having an allergic reaction? Your skin will probably look red and feel itchy. The most common skin issues include:

• Acne
• Age spots
• Allergies
• Animal bites
• Blisters
• Cell carcinoma
• Chickenpox
• Cold sores
• Contact dermatitis
• Dry skin
• Eczema
• Hives
• Impetigo
• Ingrown hairs
• Keratosis pilaris
• Lupus
• Melanoma
• Melasma
• Moles
• Psoriasis
• Rash
• Ringworm
• Rosacea
• Sunburn
• Vitiligo
• Warts

Causes of Skin Problems

The causes of skin issues can range from your environment, age, predisposition to other issues, diet, and stress levels. That’s why it’s so important to look at skin health from a holistic point of view. The most common causes of skin issues include:

• Allergens
• Age
• Alcoholic beverages
• Bacterial infection
• Close contact with other people
• Dairy
• Exposure to carcinogens
• Exposure to radiation
• Genetic disorders
• Heatstroke
• Hormones
• HPV
• Improperly waxed skin
• Inflammation
• Intestinal bacteria
• Irritation
• Overexposure to sun
• Poor hygiene
• Predisposition to diseases
• Smoking
• Spicy foods
• Stress
• Sugar
• Unbalanced diet

Preventing Skin Problems

Some skin problems are inevitable; luckily, most skin issues are easily preventable. The most common ways to prevent skin problems include:

• Wearing sunscreen
• Wearing clothing to protect your skin from the sun
• Staying out of the sun for too long
• Using moisturizer
• Eating a balanced diet
• Drinking plenty of water
• Avoiding areas with heavy metals and toxins
• Managing stress through exercise, mindfulness, and therapy
• Getting screened for cancer regularly
• Avoiding allergens
• Cleansing skin regularly
• Protecting yourself from sexually transmitted diseases
• Wearing breathable clothing and comfortable shoes

At-Home Skin Treatments

Most skin issues can be treated at home (with a little help from your dermatologist). Just some of the at-home treatments for skin problems include:

• Taking allergy medications
• Specially formulated creamers and cleansers
• Exfoliation
• Lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise
• Avoiding allergens

Medical Skin Treatments

If you’re experiencing more prominent skin issues or if you think you could have a serious skin condition, such as melanoma or dermatitis, we recommend making an appointment with an online dermatologist. 

Common medical treatments for skin diseases and chronic conditions include:

• Prescription steroid creams 
• Surgery
• Medicated creams and cleansers
• Antibiotics
• Freezing off warts
• Lancing acne and ingrown hairs
• Hormone balancing treatments

Even if you don’t have major skin issues, we recommend making an appointment with an online dermatologist or an online primary care provider each year for an annual melanoma checkup. It’s not easy to tell which moles or abrasions could be a sign of skin cancer and which are benign.