Methods for Treating Skin Problems

The core logic of addressing skin issues is never about applying specific treatments in a one-size-fits-all manner—such as using acid toners for acne or repairing creams for redness—but rather about “first identifying the root causes, then providing targeted care based on the skin type, and finally making dynamic adjustments based on daily lifestyle factors.” This is the most practical conclusion I’ve reached after 7 years as a skincare blogger, having helped over 200 followers optimize their skin care routines and avoid common pitfalls.

Many people, when they notice problems appearing on their skin, immediately think of looking for products with the corresponding effects. In fact, this is often the easiest way to go down the wrong path. Last month, a fan approached me, saying that she had been experiencing recurring acne on her chin for three months. Despite trying three different popular acne treatments, there was no improvement. Upon asking, I learned that she had been staying up late every day to work on projects and drinking two cups of iced milk tea daily. After adjusting her schedule and giving up the milk tea, she even stopped using clindamycin. Within half a month, most of her acne had disappeared. In fact, the approaches to regulation in these different fields vary quite significantly: In Western dermatology, a distinction is usually made first. If the condition has progressed to severe acne with extensive oozing and redness, it is necessary to follow the doctor’s instructions and take prescribed medication directly; there is no point expecting skincare products to be effective in such cases ； In traditional Chinese medicine, internal regulation places greater emphasis on the relationships between various organs. For example, acne on the forehead is often associated with excessive heart fire and staying up late, while recurring acne on the chin is more likely related to hormonal fluctuations. These two approaches are not contradictory at all. In cases of severe symptoms, it is always advisable to consult a doctor first; for milder cases, gradually adjusting one’s lifestyle habits is usually the right approach.

Only after eliminating the contributing factors can we discuss nursing in a targeted manner. The current heated debate in the skincare community about whether “effectiveness-focused skincare should first focus on strengthening the skin barrier” actually reflects the core disagreement between those who advocate for specific ingredients and those who support professional medical treatments: Component-based skincare brands tend to go for more direct and potent approaches. For acne treatment, they use ingredients like 15% azelaic acid or benzoyl peroxide; for whitening, they combine niacinamide and retinol; and for anti-aging, retinol is the go-to due to its effectiveness ； On the other hand, the hospital-based skincare approach places greater emphasis on maintaining the integrity of the skin barrier. Even if your goal is to achieve fairer skin or eliminate acne, it’s essential to first nourish the stratum corneum and sebum film until they are in healthy condition before applying any active ingredients. Otherwise, it’s very likely that your skin will become sensitive as a result. I used to be that typical radical who obsessed over specific ingredients—applyning VC serums in the morning and retinols at night for half a month straight. As a result, my skin turned red and started peeling; even amino acid-based cleansers caused pain when applied. Later, I went to a cosmetic clinic for a soothing treatment, and it was only then that the nurse measured my skin’s age and revealed that my stratum corneum had become so thin that I could see the underlying capillaries. I immediately stopped using all products with potent ingredients and switched to a simple soothing cream, along with daily cold compresses. It took a whole month for my skin to recover.

Of course, there are exceptions. I have a friend who has naturally very tough skin, and using retinol every day hasn’t had any negative effects on her skin at all; in fact, it’s made it even smoother. It really proves that what works for one person might be harmful to another. So don’t try to force someone else’s routine on yourself; it’s more important to observe how your skin reacts. I don’t stick to a fixed skincare routine at all when I’m taking care of my skin right now: During spring, when the wind blows and my skin turns red, I switch to using B5 serum. In summer, since my T-zone gets oily, I apply salicylic acid patches twice a week on specific areas. When I get pimples on my chin before my period, I use azelaic acid topically—I even skip the facial masks that I used to rely on regularly. As a result, my skin looks much better than when I used to slather seven or eight layers of products on it every day.

To be honest, many people tend to overlook factors other than skincare routines, such as sun protection. Many people who have acne think that applying sunscreen will clog their pores, so they simply avoid it. What they don’t realize is that ultraviolet rays can exacerbate inflammation and lead to darker spots, which can take months to fade； There’s also the matter of diet. Don’t just believe what everyone says online about “you shouldn’t eat spicy food if you have acne.” I can eat Chongqing hot pot for three days in a row without getting any acne, but drinking half a cup of whole milk will definitely cause me to get pimples the next day. These individual differences mean you need to keep a food diary and carefully observe how certain foods affect you—what works for someone else might not work for you.

Actually, there aren’t that many absolute answers when it comes to skincare. What works for someone else’s skin might cause problems for yours. Spending more time observing your own skin’s needs is far more useful than blindly following trends and buying ten bottles of popular serums. If you really experience widespread redness, pus discharge, or pain upon touch, don’t wait—go straight to the dermatology department of a top-tier hospital. It will be much more effective than spending half a year guessing around on your own.