Acne scars, cellulite, stretch marks—these, among others, are all common skin issues we have all faced at some point. Despite how widespread these skin conditions are, it can be difficult to know just how to treat them. That’s what we’re here for—we’ve compiled a list of some of the most common skin concerns and how to combat them, all in one page.
Acne Scars
It’s one thing to break out, but it is a whole other thing to deal with the scars they might leave behind. These acne scars are even harder to remove than acne is! Whether you already have acne or are in the process of trying to help your scars, make sure not to scratch at them so that they don’t become worse. Once you already have the scars, the most effective way to treat them is with surgery. Since that isn’t doable for everybody, though, an at-home remedy that won’t break the bank involves using over-the-counter scar creams and gels. They’ll reduce the itch and also help shrink and fade raised scars.
If you have fresh scars, keep a bottle of Bio-Oil Scar Treatment ($9.19) handy; it’ll help your scars blend better with your skin. If you’ve had them for a while, you should invest in DNA EDF Renewal Growth Factor Serum ($145) to tighten scars and reduce their appearance.
Cellulite
Cellulite can happen to anybody—men, women, overweight, underweight, young, old. It doesn’t discriminate, and is certainly nothing you should be ashamed of! All it is is fat pushing up against your skin’s connective tissue. Regardless, decreasing the appearance of cellulite may be a personal preference for many—so try a cellulite cream! Be careful to check the ingredient list, though; many cellulite creams contain aminophyline, which can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Or, if you’re looking to splurge, go to the spa! While they won’t remove the cellulite, there are treatments that’ll diminish the dimpling appearance in the skin. And working out can go a long way, too; squats and other exercises that both stretch out and work your legs and quads will help!
To help diminish the appearance of cellulite, try out Clarins Body Lift Cellulite Control ($70) or Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Firming Butter ($4.79) for an everyday lotion.
Eczema
Itchy, bumpy, thick, and dry are four adjectives to describe eczema—and this skin condition can be extremely annoying! These patches most commonly appear on your face, hands and feet, but can also show up other places. First—don’t scratch, no matter how itchy your skin feels! You might cause bleeding and eventually, scarring. Luckily, as long as your eczema is not infected, the solution can be bought over the counter: hydrocortisone! It contains cortisteroids and they lessen the chance of infection. If you don’t have time to run out to the local drugstore yet, keep the affected area moist, hydrated and cool.
For immediate relief, use some Cortizone 10 Intensive Healing Formula 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream ($6.29) and use some Aveeno Eczema Therapy Moisturizng Cream ($13.15) for some long-term relief for mild eczema.
Rosacea
This chronic skin condition is not hard to treat, but if left untreated, can worsen. This condition is characterized by a redness and it can lead to visible blood vessels, swelling, thick and bumpy skin, and irritated eyes. There are many different types of rosacea but most can be treated by medicine and antibiotics. A quick tip to preventing flare-ups is by isolating what causes it: Too much sunlight? Extreme stress? Fatty foods? By knowing what your triggers are, you can learn to avoid them so that you’re not consistently flaring up.
To keep your redness at bay, try out Avène Antirougeurs Fort Relief Concentrate ($48).
Stretch Marks
These innocuous skin blemishes honestly aren’t bad. They don’t cause any negative effects, and we think that you should love your skin and body—stretch marks included! Even so, if you do have the desire to lessen the appearance of your stretch marks, we recommend trying cream that includes Retin-A, which works by restoring collagen to your skin. Make sure to keep your skin hydrated and always massage the area to keep the blood flow circulating.
For some intense stretch mark removal, try TriLastin-SR Intensive Stretch Mark Cream ($77) or use some Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion For Stretch Marks ($4.79) for a lotion that you can use daily.