Common Skin Problems

Common Skin Problems and Solutions

By Abby Lerner

Dark Under-Eye Circles

The skin under your eyes isn't as forgiving as your abs, so late night gym-sessions during the week may show up as dark circles on your face. Mom and dad are mostly liable for this inherited trait, but a lack of sleep and poor diet only make it worse.

Since your packed schedule isn't going to suddenly change, diminish dark circles by eating more nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, drinking water, and tagging along to your wife or girlfriend's yoga class—it'll not only reduce dark circles, but also increase overall skin health. If you're really open to anything, place a couple thin, cool slices of cucumber over your tired lids. No one will ever know.

Wrinkles

Wrinkles may conjur the image of your sweet, elderly grandmother, but the fact is, they happen to everyone. It's part of getting older—skin gets thinner, drier, and less elastic.

Since you can't turn back the hands of time, protect your skin from further damage. Number one priority: ban cigarettes. Even if you've smoked for years, quitting now will prevent future wrinkles. Protect your skin from the sun by wearing hats and sunscreen, even in winter. And rub on a moisturizer every night before bed. Dry skin turns plump skin cells into shriveled ones, creating lines and wrinkles.

"Once a wrinkle is there, it's like a crease in a piece of paper—it's not ever going to completely go away," Dr. Carezani-Gavin said. "It's extremely important for men in their 20s and 30s to take good care of their skin now to prevent the onset of wrinkles."

Acne

Contrary to what most guys think, pimples don't stop popping up when your voice finishes changing. Raging hormones were responsible in your teen years, but other factors such as humidity, stress, heavy sweating, or the use of steroids cause the irritating red bumps now.

Even if you're the figure of perfect personal hygiene and diet, you'll still see flare-ups. In fact, washing your face too much can cause acne to get worse.

If your acne is bad enough to rattle your confidence, see a primary care physician. "Acne truly is a medical condition that requires medical treatment," Dr. Carezani-Gavin said. "A primary care physician can also help identify the cause of even occasional flare-ups and advise accordingly."

Not a fan of lab coats? Pick up a 5 percent, over-the-counter, benzoyl-peroxide skin wash from your local drug store, and use it twice a day. "A lot of patients do wonderfully just with that," Dr. Carezani-Gavin said.