If you're suffering from one of these beauty dilemmas, then read on for advice. Also, in case you think I pulled this information out of my a--, er, brain, I should tell you that it actually came from these experts.
Issue no. 1:
Cystic Acne
How it happens: Dr. Heidi Waldorf explains that,
"Cysts occur when the sebaceous follicle [or your pore, in
laymen’s terms] containing skin cells, sebum [or oil], bacteria and
white cells ruptures." This spreads inflammation to the
surrounding skin and then your body tries to wall that off. It
becomes like a balloon of inflammation. "That's why you
should not try to pop them -- you'll just spread the
inflammation further," she says.
How to treat it in the short term: "The fastest way to treat individual cysts is with an injection of … corticosteroid by the dermatologist," Waldorf says. The cyst will usually go away in a couple days after being injected. If you can't get to a dermatologist, Waldorf says you can try a benzoyl peroxide or sulfur/resorcinol spot treatment, but know that it will take longer to disappear. (Try: Clean & Clear Maximum Strength Persa-Gel 10, $6.30 or Proactiv Refining Mask, $6.99.)
How to treat it in the long term: If you have frequent cystic acne, Waldorf says oral antibiotics and topical retinoids can be helpful. Other options include hormonal therapies like oral birth control pills. A dermatologist will be able to prescribe these medications and monitor your situation.
Issue no. 2:
Spider and Varicose Veins
Who is susceptible: Dr. Arielle Kauvar says spider
and varicose veins are usually inherited (thanks mom!) and more
than half of women get them. They can be triggered by pregnancy and
hormones, or by standing for long periods of time.
How to prevent them: Keep your calf muscles toned, Kauvar says, because it helps send the blood in your legs back up to your heart. You can also try wearing compression hose if your legs hurt from standing.
How to treat them: "Sclerotherapy (injecting a chemical solution into the vein with a hair thin needle) is the main treatment, but lasers are used in specific circumstances," Kauvar says. If they are causing you pain (or you just want to get rid of them), talk to your doctor.
Issue no. 3:
Acne Scars
At-home treatments: While Kauvar says that
in-office procedures work best, you can get results with topical
products at home. Look for products with retinoids and/or vitamin C
to stimulate collagen, which will help tighten the skin and
minimize the look of depressed acne scars. (Try:
SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0, $48 or
Dermalogica ChromaWhite TRx System, $188.)
In-office treatments: Kauvar says you can use resurfacing lasers to cause new collagen growth (which will fill in the depressions of the scars). Another option is "subcision, where a needle is inserted beneath the skin to break up the scar tissue," Kauvar says. "Often multiple different approaches are needed for best results."
Issue no. 4:
Extreme Hair Breakage
What causes it: P&G scientist Jerry Teuschler
lays out a laundry list of breakage causes: chemical treatments and
over-processing your hair (like too much coloring, bleaching or
perming), too much combing or brushing, too much heat styling (blow
drying, flat ironing or curling), too much sun or even scratching
your scalp too much.
How to fix it: Aside from the obvious, which is to minimize all the factors above, look for products that contain silicones, like dimethicone, to coat the hair and make it less prone to tangling (and getting broken when you brush your hair). Try not to brush hair when it's wet, instead use a leave-in conditioner to combat tangles (try: Marco Pelusi Anti-Frizz Leave-In Conditioner, $35 or TreSemme Detangle Leave-In Spray, $4.73). You can also do weekly deep conditioning treatments to help add moisture back to your hair (try Pantene Relaxed & Natural Breakage Defense Deep Conditioning Mask, $5.99). Teuschler adds that if your breakage is coming from scratching your scalp, use an anti-dandruff shampoo with pyrithione zinc to stop the itching.
Get help for eight more hair and skin issues here!- Did I miss a problem you'd love some advice on? Then tell me about it here.
- Need help with more minor issues? We've got those covered too.
- With this video, faking flawless skin while you deal with one of these issues is no sweat.
