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Excess SEBUM secretion causing increased facial oiliness and a greasy scalp. While the exact cause of this excess production is not understood, male sex hormones (androgen hormones) do play a role in the problem. Not surprisingly, therefore, the problem is most common in adolescent boys and men.
Treatment: Seborrhea usually disappears by adulthood without treatment, but people with seborrhea are more likely to have other skin problems such as ACNE vulgaris and seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrhea is very difficult to treat. Washing the face frequently and the use of acne products reduce skin oiliness only temporarily. The only product known to reduce sebaceous gland activity is Accutane, which reduces the size of the glands during treatment and for several months afterwards. |
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Also knows as melasma, this is a condition often appearing during pregnancy, which blotches of pale brown skin pigmentation appear on the face. It may occur in women who have been taking birth control pills or have been exposed to too much sun. Occasionally, the skin darkening will appear in men or postmenopausal women. The tendency to develop chloasma may run in families.
Symptoms: The pigmentation primarily appears on the forehead, cheeks and nose, sometimes merging to form the " mask of pregnancy" and is worsened by even brief exposures to sunlight. While it usually fades away over a period of time, in some patients it becomes permanent. It also tends to recur in successive pregnancies.
Treatment: The condition may improve if the client avoids sunlight or uses a strong sun block. In addition, some clients may respond to agents containing hydroquinone or the combination of glycolic and hydroquinone. |
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Removal of dead cells on the surface of the skin. As the skin matures, the turnover of epidermal skin cells slows down. Because dead skin cells cling together on the surface, the complexion may appear dull and rough. Some dermatologists say that by exfoliating properly, it's possible to increase the epidermal-cell turnover, making skin look smoother and pinker again. Exfoliation also helps stimulate the production of young epidermal cells.
The subject of exfoliation generates strong and differing viewpoints among dermatologists. Exfoliation supporters say the technique works best for those with healthy, normal or dry complexions and for those with dull, sun-damaged skin or skin with lots of blackheads. Even thin skin can be helped by milder exfoliations as long as there are no broken blood vessels. Clients who have had acne and whose complexions have improved may find that mild exfoliation keeps the pores unclogged and the complexion healthier. |
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