There are many causes of facial skin problems, and when these problems occur, they should be treated as soon as possible to prevent the condition from worsening. Before you can treat a facial skin problem, you need to know what the problem is. Learn the signs and symptoms of various skin problems so you can treat the skin condition most effectively.
Step 1
Look for abnormal skin breakouts that can be a sign of acne. Acne is a skin problem that often manifests when hormone changes occur. When acne is the problem, the skin breaks out with blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, nodules and/or cysts. Identify blackheads as black plugs in the pores. A whitehead will appear as a tiny white grain under the skin. Pimples are red in color and have a white head of pus in the center when they are ready to be extracted. Cysts look like irritated lumps that contain pus, and they cause discomfort. Nodules are similar and cause discomfort as well.
Step 2
Identify an oily skin problem by checking to see if the skin seems thick. Look for enlarged pores clogged with debris and oils. Oily skin will have a thin coat of oil on it, and it may occasionally develop pimples and blackheads.
Step 3
Identify a dry skin problem by running your hand against the skin to see if it feels smooth. Dry skin usually feels rough and scaly. It may feel tight, and the pores are usually so small they are barely visible. Check the skin to see if it looks dry.
Step 4
Check to see if a combination skin problem exists by looking for areas of skin on the face that differ. Look at the forehead, nose and chin to see if these areas are oily, and check the cheeks to see if they are dry. Combination skin will show signs of oiliness in the T-zone area of the face.
Step 5
Identify an aging skin problem by looking for sagging and wrinkles. Aging skin will also sometimes have dark spots on it called “liver spots,” or patches of discoloration. Look for dryness of the skin and tiny protruding pieces of flesh called “skin tags.” Skin tags are commonly found in the area around the eyes and on the neck.
Step 6
Look for pores that are easy to see, to identify an enlarged pore problem. Enlarged pores collect oils and impurities, and the oils in enlarged pores often turns into blackheads. Look for enlarged pores in the area of the nose, cheeks and chin.
Tips and Warnings
- Good lighting and a make up mirror with increased magnification can help you see and identify problem areas on your face.
References
- Womenshealth.gov: Acne
- National Institute on Aging: Skin Care and Aging
- “Milady’s Standard Textbook for Professional Estheticians”, Joel Gerson, 1999
