What are some methods for treating skin problems?

In fact, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to addressing skin issues. The key principle is always to identify the underlying causes of the problem first, and then to tailor your skincare routine accordingly, distinguishing between internal and external factors. The worst thing you can do is to blindly follow trends and use a bunch of products with claimed benefits, or copy someone else’s skincare routine without understanding the specifics of your own skin type and needs.

Not long ago, I helped a recently graduated girl with her skin issues. She kept getting red, swollen pimples along her jawline, so she followed the popular online routine of using salicylic acid and applying medical face masks every day for three months. However, this only caused small rashes all over her face; even gentle air exposure made it red and painful. When we examined her skin under a dermatoscope, we realized that her problem wasn’t just normal acne caused by excess oil production, but rather hormonal imbalances and an imbalance in the skin’s microbial flora due to chronic lack of sleep. The high concentration of salicylic acid had completely damaged her already thin skin barrier. Eventually, she stopped using all topical treatments and only applied mild healing creams, while also taking some medication prescribed by her doctor to regulate her hormones. In less than a month, the rashes had mostly disappeared.

You'll see that as soon as many people encounter issues like breakouts, dark spots, or redness, their first reaction is to look for corresponding functional skincare products, but in fact, they're mostly on the wrong track. If your problems are of an internal origin—such as persistent acne caused by polycystic ovaries, a sallow and tired complexion from staying up late for extended periods, or widespread breakouts due to stress—then applying the most expensive anti-acne or whitening products will be of little use. At best, these products may provide temporary relief, but the issues will surely recur eventually. In such cases, it is necessary to work with a doctor to adjust your lifestyle, including your diet and sleep habits, in order to address the root causes of the problems.

If the problems are sunspots caused by excessive sun exposure, clogged pores resulting from the wrong use of pore-clogging cosmetics, or redness due to overcleaning, then these are indeed the main areas where skincare interventions should focus. However, it’s important not to try too quick to see results. Just like a previous regular customer with sensitive skin who wanted to reduce the dark spots on her face, she immediately bought a 10% nicotinamide serum to use. Within three days, her face swelled up as if it had been stung by bees. Later, she carefully used restorative products for three months to strengthen her skin’s barrier before gradually increasing the concentration of her AHA serum to 2%. She also made sure to apply thorough sun protection every day. After about six months, the dark spots had faded by nearly 70%, and she no longer experienced any redness.

There are currently several misconceptions about health and wellness that generate a lot of debate online, but in reality, there is no absolute right or wrong when it comes to these matters; it all depends on individual circumstances. For example, with the claim that “avoiding sugar can eliminate acne,” some people give up drinking bubble tea and eating cakes for a month and notice a significant reduction in oil production on their skin, as well as a noticeable decrease in the number of pimples. As a result, they start claiming that avoiding sugar is a miracle solution for acne. Others, however, go so far as to avoid even eating too much rice after two months of this diet, but still end up developing pimples. In response, these latter group may accuse others of paying “intelligence tax” – when, in reality, the former group was already consuming a high amount of sugar, equivalent to two or three cups of bubble tea per day. Reducing the intake of added sugars can indeed help reduce excessive sebum production. As for the latter group, their acne is likely caused by hormonal issues or imbalances in the gut flora, and has nothing to do with sugar at all. Therefore, avoiding sugar will not be effective in their case, and there’s no need to punish oneself unnecessarily in order to prevent acne. Some people also argue about whether using face masks actually nourishes the skin or causes damage to it. During periods of acute redness and sensitivity, applying a simple, medically approved soothing mask can indeed quickly replenish moisture and reduce redness—much more effectively than using a cream. However, if used every day, it may lead to over-hydration, softening the skin’s barrier, and reducing its ability to resist external irritants, which could potentially cause damage to the skin.

To put it simply, taking care of your skin is a bit like nurturing a potted plant. Just because you see someone else watering their rose plants every three days, doesn’t mean you should do the same with your succulents. You need to first understand what type of skin you have and what the specific issues are, and then gradually adjust your skincare routine accordingly. This is far more effective than blindly buying a bunch of expensive skincare products just because everyone else is doing it.