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 had recurring red, swollen pimples along her jawline, and after following the popular online routine of using salicylic acid and applying medical face masks daily for three months, her entire face broke out in small rashes. Even gentle air exposure caused her skin to turn red and sting. It was only after a dermatoscopy that we realized 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 moisturizers, while also taking medication prescribed by her doctor to regulate her hormones. In less than a month, the rashes had mostly disappeared.

You might notice that when many people encounter problems like acne, spots, or redness, their first reaction is to look for skincare products with specific therapeutic effects. In fact, this approach is often completely off 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, they 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 these problems.

If the problems are sunspots caused by excessive sun exposure, clogged pores resulting from the wrong types of acne treatments, or redness due to over-cleaning, 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 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 retinol serum to 2%. She also applied heavy sunscreen every day when going out. After about half a year, the dark spots had faded by nearly 70%, and she no longer experienced any redness.

There are currently several misconceptions about health regulation that are causing 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 “cutting out sugar helps eliminate acne,” some people give up milk tea and 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 cutting out sugar, only to find that they still get pimples. In this case, they accuse others of being foolishly paying a “tax on intelligence.” In reality, the first group was already consuming a high amount of sugar—equivalent to two or three cups of milk tea per day—so reducing their intake of added sugars naturally helped reduce excessive sebum production. The second group, on the other hand, may be experiencing acne due to hormonal issues or imbalances in their gut flora, which has nothing to do with sugar at all. Therefore, cutting out sugar would be ineffective in their case, and there’s no need to punish yourself in order to avoid acne. Some people still 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 applying a cream. However, if used every day, it may lead to overhydration, weakening the skin’s barrier and reducing its ability to resist external irritants, which could potentially cause damage to the skin.

To put it bluntly, 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.