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What is the Most Common Skin Concern? 

We asked over 900 people what their primary skin concern is to find out the most common skin concern among them–and the results may surprise you! Read on to find out how common your primary skin concern compares to our results, and what factors may cause these common concerns.

Our Top Result:

Out of the eight options we presented as primary skin concerns, nearly 25% of the people we surveyed said that their main concern was acne and breakouts. Acne and breakouts can have multiple causes, such as diet, hormones, medication use, cosmetics, and more – so we’re not surprised that this is our highest scoring issue. Unlike fine lines and wrinkles, acne and breakouts have the potential to affect a much wider demographic range. You can make certain lifestyle adjustments to try and combat acne, such as using a gentle daily cleanser, using oil-free and non-comedogenic products, as well as keeping bedding and makeup brushes clean, as they can hold onto dirt, oil, and bacteria.

The Runner Up:

The next most selected skin concern were respondents whose main focus was improving overall skin health and radiance at 20%. These are people who may not be actively dealing with some of our other possible skin concerns, but still feel they need a bit of a boost. This may also include individuals who want to experience some self-care, but don’t require a targeted service, such as our Resurfacing Acne Facial. You can take care of your skin every day with healthy lifestyle choices, and a proper skincare routine.

Tied for Third:

Two concerns tied for third place, with around 13% of the vote for each. The first being dull skin or uneven skin texture, and the other being fine lines and signs of aging. Dull skin can be caused by factors such as dehydration, a lack of moisture, and a buildup of dead skin cells. Fine lines may start to develop if you’ve experienced sun damage, are a smoker, or are getting older, as aging skin naturally has a decreased ability to retain moisture. For these skin concerns, we suggest lifestyle habits such as staying hydrated, using a daily SPF, and refraining from smoking.

Middle of the Pack:

The fourth most common concern at 11% was acne scars or discolouration, while the fifth spot at nearly 9% was for uneven skin tone and fine lines. Skin discolouration is a common side effect of the acne healing process, and is largely dependent on how your skin heals. It can be caused by the dilation of blood vessels during healing, which could leave your skin looking red or purple. As well, if the acne has damaged your skin cells in any way it may cause these cells to release more melanin, which is a pigment that causes your skin to look more brown. We recommend abstaining from picking or squeezing any acne, as inflammation plays a role in the development of skin discolouration, and may lead to a higher chance of it developing. Discolouration is also more likely in individuals with darker skin tones, as their skin produces more pigment when it has been damaged than in those with lighter skin tones.

The Penultimate:

We found that skin hydration was the primary concern for only around 7% of respondents–which we found quite surprising, as winters are often very long and dry in Winnipeg. Along with dry weather, common causes of dehydrated skin are not drinking enough water, excessive sweating, and lack of sleep, which can disrupt the body’s ability to maintain hydration at a cellular level. To combat skin dehydration at home, we suggest staying hydrated with non-caffeinated beverages, using gentle, non-drying soaps or cleansers, and regularly moisturizing.

Last, but not Least: 

Finally, back acne was the least reported skin concern with less than 1% of votes. Back acne or “Bacne” is caused by many of the same factors as facial acne, but can also occur from friction from shirts, backpacks, and other clothing rubbing against sweaty skin. People who sweat excessively have a higher chance of sweat being trapped between their skin and their clothing, which can cause their pores to become clogged. For this final skin concern, we suggest keeping your skin clean–especially for those who sweat a lot–to remove any trapped sweat and oil, be sure to use clean towels and sheets to avoid any bacteria build up, and as always, refrain from popping or squeezing any blemishes.

Conclusion: 

We hope you found this article educational, as well as helpful in combating your most troublesome skin concerns. If you are struggling with any of the above skin concerns, or just feel like you need a bit of a skin boost – come see us at one of our Lotus Bloom locations for more information on our facial treatments, or how to choose the right service for your skin. You can also visit our Facials page, and try our Facial Matchmaker Quiz!

A women laying with a warm towel over her face during a facial treatment at Lotus Bloom.