How To Manage 17 Common Skin Concerns, From Dark Spots to Dryness

No matter how diligent you are about your skincare routine, pesky skin concerns can still crop up from time to time. Whether it’s dull skin, large pores, or persistent dryness, skin issues affect everybody at some point, and that’s totally normal. Still, knowing how to face skin problems head-on is important if you want to maintain healthy-looking (and -feeling) skin. 

Ahead, we’re outlining the need-to-knows about 17 common skin issues, their causes, and how you can tweak your routine to tackle these concerns. 

What Are the Most Common Skin Issues?

Depending on your skin type, you may be more prone to some types of skin problems than others. Those with oily skin, for example, may experience clogged pores and breakouts more than their dry-skinned counterparts. On the other hand, having dry, sensitive skin is often associated with redness and dullness. But ultimately, skin issues can affect anybody. Here are 17 of the most common skin concerns, plus tips on managing them with proper skincare.

1. Dark circles

While getting a full eight hours of sleep every night is ideal in practice, it’s not always feasible. As anyone who’s struggled through a sleepless night likely knows, sleep deprivation can result in one of the most common skin concerns: dark circles. Certain lifestyle factors, genetics, and even the natural aging process can also lead to dark under-eye circles, per the Cleveland Clinic.

In many cases, adding a targeted eye cream or serum to your skincare routine can help minimize the appearance of dark circles and brighten the eye area. We’re fans of the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Triple Power Eye Treatment, which is formulated with pro-retinol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid. The daily-use eye cream helps refresh the eye area, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, puffiness, and dark circles in as little as one week.

Editor’s tip: To help camouflage dark circles, reach for an under-eye concealer with skincare benefits. The L’Oréal Paris True Match Radiant Serum Concealer contains hyaluronic acid and caffeine and helps de-puff while providing crease-free medium coverage. 

2. Puffiness

Not catching enough Z’s can also contribute to a puffy-looking under-eye area (note: this common skin concern differs from under-eye bags, which in many cases, are genetic). To tackle temporary puffiness, we suggest reaching for a targeted under-eye treatment. The L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Derm Intensives 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid + 1% Caffeine Eye Serum is a great pick, as it contains caffeine and hyaluronic acid and features a unique roller ball applicator to help soothe and de-puff tired-looking eyes.

3. Under-eye wrinkles

Under-eye wrinkles are one of those skin concerns that are just a fact of life. When thinking about your skin and skincare routine, one step you can take to address common skin concerns like this one is to use an anti-aging eye cream. Use the pro-retinol-infused L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Eye Cream both morning and night to help smooth and firm the skin and minimize the appearance of under-eye wrinkles.

4. Dark spots

The Skin Cancer Foundation states that sun damage is the most common cause of dark spots, while the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) explains that acne can also be the culprit. When the former is the cause, they’re often referred to as sun spots; when the latter is to blame, they may be called post-acne marks. You may be wondering if you can actually get rid of dark spots. The short answer is usually yes—although, according to the AAD, it can take quite a bit of time.

Whether your dark spots are a result of acne or sun damage, adding a dark spot corrector or face peel to your routine can help. The L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal 12% [Niacinamide + Amino Sulfonic + Ferulic Acid] Dark Spot Serum is a daily facial serum designed specifically to help minimize the appearance of stubborn dark spots. The lightweight formula provides gentle exfoliation and helps brighten and refine the skin with consistent use.

If you’re looking for more rapid results, consider adding an at-home peel to your routine, too. We love the L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Dark Spot Exfoliant Peel, which contains a gentle yet effective blend of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), and poly-hydroxy acids (PHAs). The pro-inspired formula brightens and helps retexturize the skin in a single use, while repeated applications can help reveal a more even complexion with less visible dark spots.

5. Age spots

Age spots, AKA liver spots, are small areas of discoloration that develop as a result of sun damage. The best way to prevent them is by wearing SPF 30 or higher every single day—yes, even if you’re inside or it’s overcast. We like L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily UV Lotion for its lightweight feel and non-greasy texture. Remember to reapply your sunscreen at least every two hours and follow other sun protection measures to help shield your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.

6. Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is a catch-all term that can describe any type of discoloration. This common skin issue can take on many forms, and there are different causes that contribute to said types. Generally speaking, adding an exfoliant to your regular routine can help to promote a more even, uniform skin tone. If your skin appears patchy or uneven, try swapping out your go-to serum with the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Derm Intensives 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum. The daily-use formula helps resurface the skin to reveal a fresher, more even-looking complexion over time. If you’re unsure what’s causing your discoloration—or if there’s anything you can do to prevent it from worsening—we suggest consulting with a board-certified dermatologist.

7. Dryness

Of the different skin conditions and concerns on this list, dryness is one of the few that nearly everybody experiences, to a degree, at some point. It’s especially common during the cold, dry winter months, though those with dry skin types may suffer from a lack of moisture all year long. Regardless of the cause, moisturizing consistently is one of the best ways to help restore hydration and improve your skin’s look and feel. We love the L’Oréal Paris Collagen Filler Moisture Filler Anti-Aging Moisturizer, Fragrance Free—it delivers up to 48 hours of intense hydration and leaves the skin looking smooth, bouncy, and youthful. 

Fixing dry skin doesn’t start and stop with changing up your moisturizer, either. Consider adding a hyaluronic acid serum, like the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum, to your morning and nighttime skincare routines for even more lightweight hydration.

8. Face redness

There are many different causes of face redness, from minor irritation to facial skin conditions like rosacea. If you have persistent redness, it’s a good idea to visit a dermatologist to identify the underlying cause. In the meantime, you can help minimize the appearance of redness by leaning on a color corrector. Green tones help neutralize redness to promote a more uniform-looking complexion. If you’re looking for a color corrector that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine, we suggest giving the L’Oréal Paris Prime Lab Up to 24H Redness Eraser a try. Apply the mint-toned primer after finishing your skincare routine and before applying makeup to diminish visible redness and extend your makeup wear for up to 24 hours.

9. Dullness

If you don’t exfoliate regularly, dead skin cells can buid up on the surface of your skin, leaving your complexion looking dull and lackluster. Thankfully, the fix for this skin concern is pretty simple: exfoliate. (If you’re unsure how, we break it all down in the article How To Exfoliate Properly for Brighter, Smoother Skin). 

Adding a vitamin C serum to your regular skincare routine can also help brighten a dull complexion over time. The L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Derm Intensives 12% Pure Vitamin C + E Salicylic Acid Serum is a great pick. It contains 12% L-ascorbic acid—in other words, pure vitamin C—and boosts radiance, evens skin tone, and helps refine skin texture with continued use over time.

10. Rough texture

Rough texture often goes hand-in-hand with dull skin—and, once again, a lack of exfoliation is often the culprit. While there are a couple of different types of exfoliation, we recommend opting for chemical exfoliation, as it tends to be a slightly gentler approach than physical exfoliation, per the AAD. Plus, chemical exfoliation is easy to incorporate into your existing skincare routine. Try swapping out your usual toner for a formula with glycolic acid, such as the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Derm Intensives 5 Percent Glycolic Acid Peeling Toner. The alcohol-free formula is suitable for all skin types and tones and can be used daily to help promote a smoother, brighter-looking complexion.

11. Forehead wrinkles

Forehead wrinkles are an incredibly common skin concern, particularly as you get older. While they’re a completely normal (and expected) sign of aging, many opt to use skincare products designed to help reduce their appearance. 

Products with retinol—a form of vitamin A—can be incredibly helpful for addressing the visible signs of aging, including wrinkles. Try incorporating it into your routine with the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Pressed Night Moisturizer With Retinol + Niacinamide, which helps firm the skin, diminishes the appearance of wrinkles, and improves skin texture and tone over time. You could also try using an anti-aging cream, like the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Skin Care Cell Renewal Midnight Cream. The rich yet non-greasy formula is made with a patented antioxidant complex and vitamin E and helps repair the skin barrier at night, when the skin is most susceptible to recovery. Use it nightly to help firm the skin, smooth wrinkles, and boost radiance.

12. Hormonal acne

For many women, that time of the month also brings with it an onslaught of deep, painful breakouts—in other words, hormonal acne. While this is a common skin concern, it can be tricky to manage on your own. If you frequently deal with hormonal breakouts, we recommend making an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist. They can offer helpful insight and recommend the best approach for keeping your monthly breakouts at bay. 

13. Blackheads

Blackheads are a type of blemish that develop when your pores become clogged with excess oil and dead skin cells. They typically appear black or dark brown in color (hence the name) and are also known as open comedones. While squeezing blackheads can be tempting, we implore you to avoid the urge. Picking at blemishes can drive bacteria further into your skin, worsening the breakout. It can also lead to dark spots and, in some cases, acne scarring, per the Cleveland Clinic. Instead, adopt a targeted skincare routine, exfoliate regularly, and stick with non-comedogenic products that won’t clog your pores.

14. Sebaceous filaments

If you notice small dark spots on your nose, you may assume they’re blackheads. However, that may not actually be the case. Sebaceous filaments are one of the different skin concerns those with oily skin often face. They occur when pores get filled—but not clogged— with oils and dead skin cells. You can’t get rid of sebaceous filaments entirely, but a proper skincare routine (and, again, regular exfoliation) can help make them appear less noticable.

15. Razor bumps

Razor bumps are small, reddish bumps that can develop after shaving, per the AAD. They may be painful or itchy, and can appear anywhere you shave, including the legs, underarms, or bikini area. Following a proper shaving routine can help minimize the chance of developing razor bumps. This includes exfoliating before breaking out the razor, prepping the area well with a shaving cream or oil, and shaving with—rather than against—the grain.

16. Oiliness

Some oil is necessary for balanced, healthy-looking skin, but if your body produces too much, your complexion may appear more greasy than hydrated. Keeping excess shine to a minimum starts with choosing the right cleanser for your skin’s needs. We recommend trying the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Derm Intensives 3.5% Glycolic Acid Cleanser. It’s made with glycolic acid and salicylic acid and helps remove excess oil to reveal fresher, brighter skin. It also helps remove makeup, refines the appearance of large pores, and smooths the skin. 

Another tip for those with oily skin is to use a mattifying primer like the L’Oréal Paris Prime Lab Up to 24H Matte Setter. The non-comedogenic formula instantly reduces excess shine and helps rebalance the skin over time.

17. Large pores

Large pores are a common concern for those with oily skin, though the natural aging process can also make your facial pores appear larger and more prominent. While you can’t shrink your pores (sorry), there are things that you can do to make them less noticeable. Following a consistent skincare routine is key. Alongside regular cleansing and exfoliating, you may want to consider adding a vitamin C serum to your routine to help refine your skin. We love the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Derm Intensives 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum, which works over time to help refine the skin, improve skin tone, and minimize the appearance of pores.

For a quick (albeit temporary) fix, reach for a pore-filling primer, such as the L’Oréal Paris Prime Lab Up to 24H Pore Minimizer, before applying makeup. The non-comedogenic formula instantly blurs pores and helps refine the look of skin texture over time.

Common Skin Concern FAQs

What is the best routine for sensitive skin?

If you have sensitive skin, the best rule of thumb is adopt a gentle and straightforward approach to your skincare routine—using anything too strong could contribute to discomfort or irritation. Start your skincare routine with a mild cleanser designed to remove impurities without stripping or over-drying the skin. After cleansing, layer on a hydrating serum, fragrance-free moisturizer, and SPF formulated specifically for sensitive skin. If you need further guidance on how to build a skincare routine for your skin type, we suggest consulting with a board-certified dermatologist.

How often should I exfoliate if I have dry skin?

How often you should exfoliate depends primarily on the product you’re using. Some are gentle enough for twice-daily use, while others should be used more sparingly. The best way to determine the appropriate exfoliation schedule for your skin is to read the instructions on the product you’ve chosen and follow them to a tee. It’s also a good idea to keep close tabs on how your skin looks and feels. If you experience redness, irritation, or a worsening of your dryness, you may want to dial back your exfoliation or choose a gentler product. 

Can oily skin types use moisturizers?

Those with oily skin should absolutely use moisturizer—all skin needs hydration, and oily skin is no exception. In fact, skipping moisturizer can actually cause oil glands to ramp up production, leading to even more oil, which can in turn lead to clogged pores. 

Still, you’ll want to choose your moisturizer carefully. We suggest opting for a water-based formula that absorbs quickly, like the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Derm Intensives Micro Hyaluronic Acid + Ceramides Line-Plumping Water Cream. The dermatologist-tested formula provides intense hydration without clogging pores, and it’s suitable for all skin types (including oily). 

How can I treat hyperpigmentation at home?

Managing discoloration often requires a multi-pronged approach that involves tweaking both your skincare routine and your habits. Start by using products designed to help brighten and even the skin (scroll up to see some of our favorites). You’ll also want to be diligent about your sun protection, as sun exposure can both cause discoloration and make existing dark spots worse. If your dark spots are persistent or not fading as quickly as you’d like, consider scheduling an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist. They may have access to topicals or treatments that can help support your at-home routine.

What are the best ingredients for anti-aging?

There are a few ingredients that commonly show up in anti-aging skincare products, including retinol, vitamin C, collagen, and alpha-hydroxy acids. But arguably, the best anti-aging ingredient is sunscreen—research shows that up to 80% of facial skin aging is caused by UV exposure. Be diligent about your sun protection and sun safety habits, and your skin will thank you—both now and in the years to come.

Next Up: 3 Benefits of Using a Moisturizer With SPF

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris