Five of the Most Common Skincare Issues, According to a Dermatologist

Everyone’s skin is unique, but most of us share some common skincare problems. We can use home remedies and apply spot treatments, but at the end of the day, a professional opinion is best when tackling some of your peskiest skin issues.

We spoke with Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS: Manhattan Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery, about the top five most common skincare problems she encounters in her practice and the ways you can take care of your skin.

Brown spots

Believe it or not, people are more often bothered by the discoloration their blemishes leave behind than the blemishes themselves. Patients of every age frequently come to my office, asking for treatments for brown spots.

Applying antioxidants can help improve the appearance of brown spots because certain antioxidants block the enzymes involved in pigment formation, help repair DNA, and fight free radicals, which can damage collagen and increase inflammation. If you’re looking to supplement your home skincare routine, speak to a dermatologist, who can recommend prescription options as well as in-office treatments, such as chemical peels or lasers.

Dry skin

Winter temperatures, hot showers, and genetics can all play a role in dry skin. Moisturizing is one of the most essential skincare steps you can take to combat dryness, no matter the reason. Keep your skin hydrated and look for products that include hyaluronic acid, which can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water. Products that support your skin’s surface barrier are also ideal because they’ll retain your skin’s hydration while keeping any unwanted bacteria out. 

Fine lines

Like brown spots, this issue can affect people of all ages, especially since many of the lines we see are related to our facial expressions and the strength of our facial muscles, rather than our age. While in-office procedures like neurotoxin injections (the most popular form is commonly known as Botox) can help, I always remind my patients of the importance of sunscreen and skin strength. Sun damage can cause fine lines and wrinkles, but applying sunscreen everyday can prevent them. Using products that promote collagen retention and improve elasticity can be the key to smoother skin.

Dark circles

While dark circles can be attributed to genetics, they can also worsen with time. We currently have several helpful in-office procedures, such as fillers and brightening peels, but it’s also important to remember to moisturize and apply antioxidants in the area around your eyes. These antioxidants can brighten your skin by evening out your skin tone and reinforcing your skin’s natural renewing process.

Dull skin

Dull skin is often related to the buildup of dead skin. To avoid this, you’ll need to find ways to remove the dead skin and promote new skin cell turnover. While this can be done through exfoliating, I caution my patients against using harsh scrubs and over-exfoliating, as these can lead to irritation and ultimately leave your skin looking and feeling worse. Look for chemical exfoliators and clay-based skin polishers as a gentler alternative.

However diligent you are about caring for your skin, you may experience at least one of these issues. As a practicing dermatologist, I can confidently say that you’re not alone. Luckily, there are solutions out there. To take proper care of your skin, you need products that carry active ingredients deep within your skin instead of just deposit them on the surface. You’ll also need to use a soft exfoliator occasionally, moisturize, and apply sunscreen every day. Your skin will thank you for it.