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PROBLEM SKIN GUIDE Six common conditions, and natural ways to treat them By Lisa Turner
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re you itchy, mottled, spotted or inflamed—and wondering why? We’ve got answers. Here’s a guide to six common conditions, with science-backed supplements and natural topicals designed to tame troubled skin.
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BLACKHEADS, WHITEHEADS, AND ZITS
Breakouts for the first time since high school—or ever? You may be looking at adult acne, caused by hormonal shifts, medications, stress, and other factors. Avoid salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and harsh products geared
toward teens—they can make matters worse—and choose those suited for more mature skin. Glycolic acid toners, cleansers, creams, and masks gently slough off dead skin cells to prevent build-up that can clog pores, and witch hazel reduces inflammation and fights bacteria, without drying. Or try zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin E: studies show zinc is effective in treating acne, and people with severe acne have significantly lower blood levels of vitamins A and E.
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BROWN PATCHES OR SPOTS
Brownish-gray patches on the cheeks, forehead, bridge of the nose, and upper lip may be melasma, a skin discoloration related to sun exposure, birth control pills, and extreme hormonal shifts; it’s especially common in pregnancy. Brown spots (also called liver spots) are usually caused by long-term sun exposure. A skin-lightening cream with
alpha-arbutin (bearberry), mulberry, vitamin C, kojic acid, licorice, or hydroquinone— a compound that works by decreasing the formation of melanin—can help. Use sunscreen religiously; choose a mineral-based block made with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. And try grapeseed extract or pycnogenol; both have been shown to reduce hyperpigmentation associated with melasma.
homeopathic formulations with calendula, chamomilla, rhus tox, thuja, and other ingredients can soothe redness; or try a lotion or cream that contains rutin, bioflavonoids, and wild yam to strengthen capillaries. Use a fragrancefree tinted sunscreen to temporarily camouflage redness, and try taking evening primrose oil and zinc; both can improve redness and other skin parameters.
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FLUSHED, RED PATCHES
If they’re around your nose and cheeks, it could be rosacea, a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin that may also include facial flushing, dilated or broken blood vessels, thickened skin, changes in pore size and skin texture, and small red bumps. The cause is unknown, but rosacea can be exacerbated by alcohol, spicy foods, stress, extreme temperatures, or wind and sun exposure. Topical
RED OR WHITE BUMPS OR DOTS
Keratosis pilaris, caused by plugged hair follicles, is marked by tiny whitish bumps that resemble chicken skin, most commonly on the cheeks, upper arms, and buttocks. Bright, cherry-colored dots that look like red moles may be cherry angiomas, tiny clusters
aloe vera
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FALL 2018 | AMAZING WELLNESS
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