Skin concerns
Blackheads, sebaceous filaments and the mirror test
Dark dots on a nose are not automatically evidence of dirt or poor washing.
21 articles
Skin concerns
Thoughtful explanations of common concerns and when to seek professional care.
Skin concerns
A calmer response to one painful pimple
A deep, tender blemish invites repeated checking, but pressure usually adds injury rather than resolving the underlying problem.
Skin concerns
Dark marks after a breakout: protect the progress
After inflammation settles, a flat darker mark may remain where a breakout occurred.
Skin concerns
Red marks after acne are not always dark spots
An acne lesion can leave a flat pink, red or purplish mark after the raised bump settles.
Skin concerns
Acne scars and flat marks need different plans
The word scar is often used for any reminder of acne.
Skin concerns
Visible pores without the shrinking promises
Skin has follicular openings, and some are more visible than others.
Skin concerns
Flushing, redness and when skincare is not enough
Facial redness can follow heat, exercise, irritation or a range of skin conditions.
Skin concerns
Sensitive skin labels versus your actual reaction
Sensitive skin can describe stinging, burning, itching, flushing or discomfort with products, but those experiences may have different causes.
Skin concerns
A product reaction: what to record and what to stop
If a new cosmetic causes clear burning, itching or a rash, stop using it rather than layering another active product to counteract the sensation.
Skin concerns
Irritant and allergic contact dermatitis: why the distinction matters
Contact dermatitis describes inflammation associated with contact exposure.
Skin concerns
An eyelid rash deserves its own investigation
Eyelid skin can become irritated or inflamed through direct contact or material transferred from elsewhere.
Skin concerns
Small bumps around the mouth are not always acne
A cluster of small bumps around the mouth or nose can resemble acne, yet several conditions can create that pattern.
Skin concerns
Rough upper-arm bumps and realistic expectations
Small rough bumps on upper arms or thighs may be associated with keratosis pilaris, a common condition involving keratin around follicles.
Skin concerns
Tiny white bumps: leave extraction to the right setting
Small, firm white bumps can be milia, tiny cysts containing keratin, but other lesions can look similar.
Skin concerns
Flaking around brows and nose needs more than a scrub
Flaking around eyebrows, the sides of the nose or the scalp can occur for different reasons.
Skin concerns
Acne-like body bumps can have several causes
Small bumps on the chest, back or other body areas may be acne, folliculitis or another eruption.
Skin concerns
Ingrown hairs: reduce the cycle of digging and irritation
After shaving or other hair removal, a follicle can become irritated and a hair may grow back into the skin.
Skin concerns
Cracked hands: connect the skin problem to the task
Hands meet water, detergents, solvents, friction and gloves throughout the day.
Skin concerns
Back acne and the practical clothing check
Acne can occur on the back, but other follicular eruptions can look similar.
Skin concerns
A changing skin spot is not a cosmetic project
A new or changing spot can be harmless, but it should not automatically become a target for a brightening serum or at-home removal.
Skin concerns
Prepare for a skin appointment with useful notes
A productive skin appointment does not require arriving with the correct diagnosis.