Facelifts, Botox and other widely available facial procedures, along with the vast array of skin-care products on the market, prove that people are concerned about saving face. You can avoid some facial skin problems, such as those caused by unprotected sun exposure. Others, however, often develop no matter how much you invest in your face.
Pigment Changes
Freckles, dark circles under the eyes and liver spots, also called age spots, are problems associated with darkened skin pigmentation, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Freckles and age spots commonly crop up after unprotected exposure to the sun or other sources of harmful ultraviolet rays, like tanning beds. Not getting enough sleep can lead to dark circles under the eyes, as can stress, disease and inadequate nutrition.
Excess Oil
Acne, whiteheads, blackheads and enlarged pores come about when facial skin produces excess oil, according to the weight-loss and fitness website WomenFitness. Whiteheads and blackheads arise when excess oil becomes trapped in facial pores and blocks hair follicles. Blocked follicles deep in the skin produce whiteheads, while blackheads are pores blocked near the surface. Acne is the severe manifestation of whiteheads and blackheads, sometimes leading to cysts. Excessive oil can also lead to enlarged pores, which stretch to accommodate the trapped pores.
Aging
Wrinkles, furrows and sagging skin are problems associated with aging, WomenFitness notes. As you grow older, your skin loses its elasticity and fat deposits beneath it. Furrows and frown lines may develop on your forehead and between your eyes. Bags beneath the eyes, droopy eyebrows and crows feet at the corners of the eyes may also develop. Hollow cheeks, double chins, laugh lines around the mouth and jowls also often come with the aging process.
Other
Other skin problems may mar the face, the Mayo Clinic and the American Academy of Dermatology say. Different forms of dermatitis sometimes affect facial skin. One is contact dermatitis, which causes an itchy rash. It can be triggered by an allergy to hair chemicals. Another is perioral dermatitis, with no known cause. The skin may peel and develop pus-filled bumps. Flat warts are most common in kids but sometimes hit adult men in areas where they shave.
Misconceptions
The Mayo Clinic and the American Academy of Dermatology clear up a few misconceptions. Your face will not freeze into a permanently funny or obnoxious expression, although facial skin does develop wrinkles and furrows from repeated expressions. Acne, pimples and other blemishes are not caused by eating chocolate or greasy food. Nor are they caused by not washing your face enough. In fact, acne is often exacerbated by heavy facial scrubbing. Kissing, or even touching, a toad won't give you warts. Warts are caused by a virus, namely the human papillomavirus, or HPV.
