Problem: Men with Melasma Melasma is a skin condition where patches of the skin darken and appear brown. The condition is not an infection of any kind and is not cancerous. Melasma is not considered transmissible or contagious and it does not appear due to any certain allergy. It is a form of hyperpigmentation and most frequently shows on the face, specifically the forehead, bridge of the nose, upper lip, cheeks and chin – but can also be seen on the forearm and neck. Interestingly, melasma patches are commonly symmetrical in appearance and can be confluent or punctate in shape. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it is more commonly seen on women, though it still affects approximately 10 percent of men. Melasma affects over five million Americans and generally appears on people with darker skin tones, such as Latinos or Hispanics, because they have more active melanocytes than those with lighter skin tones. North African, African-American, Asian, Indian, Middle Easter, and Mediterranean skins also have a higher chance of developing the skin condition. Read More

Problem: Dark Under-Eye Circles Idiopathic cutaneous hyperchromia of the orbital region (ICHOR), periorbital hyperpigmentation (POH), periorbital melanosis, orbital hyperchromia and infraorbital pigmentation are all terms used in the medical field to describe the darkening of the skin beneath the eyes. More frequently, however, this condition is referred to informally as dark circles, but also by more descriptive idioms such as raccoon and/or panda eyes. Preceded only by acne, under-eye circles are the second most common skin care complaint relayed to skin care professionals that are frequently seen in both men and women.1,2 From a clinical perspective, this condition can, for the most part, be separated into two individual types: primary and secondary. Read More

Problem: Cellulite Adiposis edematosa, dermopanniculosis deformans, gynoid lipodystrophy, and status protrusus cutis are all terms used in the medical field to describe the breach of subcutaneous fat within fibrous connective tissue that appears on the surface of the skin as dimpling and knot-like swelling. In informal, everyday terms, this skin condition is referred to as cellulite or by other more colorful colloquialisms such as hail damage, orange peel syndrome, mattress phenomenon, and cottage cheese skin. Read More

Problem: Acne According to Stedman’s® Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing, acne is an inflammatory disease of sebaceous follicles marked by papules and pustules. Acne typically begins during puberty; it can affect the chest, back and face, but sometimes other areas. Cause remains unknown. Predisposing factors include heredity and androgen-estrogen imbalance. Read More

Problem: Keratosis Pilaris Keratosis pilaris, also known as follicular keratosis, lichen pilaris or chicken skin, is a common skin condition that causes rough patches and small, acne-like bumps on the arms, thighs, cheeks and/or buttocks. Keratosis pilaris bumps are usually white or red and generally do not hurt or itch.1 Although no clear study of what causes this skin condition has been defined, keratosis pilaris is often associated with dry skin conditions such as ichthyosis vulgaris, xerosis and atopic dermatitis.2 As an autosomal dominant gene, keratosis pilaris is hereditary, taking a single gene from either parent to inherit less than smooth skin. However, it is difficult to pinpoint which parent is responsible due to only 30 to 50 percent of keratosis pilaris patients having a positive family history. Moreover, 50 percent of the entire population is affected by keratosis pilaris, affecting 50 to 80 percent of children and four out of every 10 adults. Read More

Problem: Hyperpigmentation A person’s natural complexion is determined by the melanin present in their body and is referred to as pigmentation. When there is a change in the appearance of the skin, whether from an increase or a decrease in the amount of pigmentation present, it is apparent that something is causing the body distress. Hyperpigmentation is the overproduction of melanin which results in the appearance of dark colored patches on the skin. Certain health issues, and even outside stimuli, can exacerbate this skin condition, such as pregnancy, adrenal gland dysfunction, and adverse reactions to over-thecounter and prescription drugs. However, the most prevalent cause is the reaction to sunlight which not only brings on hyperpigmentation but can also result in the darkening of already affected areas of the skin. Read More

Problem: Oily skin Genetics, hormones, stress, environmental factors, overuse or incorrect use of skin care products, medications, and skin irritation can all cause the overproduction of sebum resulting in oily skin. Characterized by an overabundance of sebum production, pores tend to contain more oil and are larger in size. An oily skin type can be present if an individual displays large, visible pores over a majority of their face. This skin type is prone to blemishes due to the larger pores becoming clogged with oil and a buildup of dead skin cells – making exfoliation and cleansing an imperative part of their skin care routine. Whiteheads, blemishes, pustules and comedones are common for individuals with oily skin. Read More