Your Top Body Skin Problems, Solved By The Experts

“This happens when the hair curls back or grows sideways into the skin, resulting in an inflamed, raised bump. Ingrown hairs can be painful, and some may even form like a boil or a sore. They’re often caused by hair removal methods like waxing, tweezing or shaving but they’re also more common in those with dense, coarse hair and can result from a lack of exfoliation or a hormonal imbalance. If you get one, it’s best to stop waxing, shaving or plucking until it goes away or starts to reduce in size – if inflamed, use a warm compress to open the follicle and ease the pain.” – Chanele Rosa, dermatologist & specialist at Candela Medical Clinical 

THE SOLUTION: 

“If your ingrown hairs won’t budge by themselves, use creams with ingredients designed to exfoliate the skin, such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid or lactic acid – these will break down sebum and dead cells which obstruct the hairs. Tea tree oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, too, and anything with aloe vera can help to soothe the area.” – Chanele

“Crepiness is caused by a loss of moisture, collagen and elastin as we age and due to exposure to UV rays and other environmental aggressors such as pollution. Chronic inflammation can also contribute to crepey skin. Crepiness presents as loose, sagging skin that may also show fine lines and wrinkles. Common areas to see this initially on the body include the neck, chest, and above the elbows and knees.” – Dr Alexis Granite, consultant dermatologist & founder of Joonbyrd

THE SOLUTION:

“Taking good care of your skin from the inside out with a healthy diet, plenty of fluids and exercise can help reduce crepiness. Skincare is essential, and in particular emollients, sunscreen and firming products can be really effective. Powered by collagen and elastin-boosting peptides, green coffee oil and Songyi mushroom, Joonbyrd Daydreamer – our firming body serum – is ideal for improving skin firmness.” – Alexis 

“This common skin condition presents as patches of rough bumpiness. It’s caused by a build-up of a hard protein called keratin that protects the skin from harmful substances and infection. The excess keratin blocks the hair follicles and causes uneven texture. At times, keratosis pilaris can look like acne pustules. These small, non-infected hard bumps can leave marks and hyperpigmentation scars if left untreated.” – Marie Narsoomamode, dermatology nurse at The Private Clinic 

THE SOLUTION: 

“Keratosis pilaris usually clears by itself over time, but in the meantime, there are several products and treatments that can help address the texture. In terms of topical formulas, go for quality emollients and liquid exfoliants that can ease the dryness and speed up cell turnover. Booking in for regular skin peels can also help unclog the hair follicles and smooth over the roughness. Another option is laser hair removal, by targeting and destroying hair follicles this minimises the appearance of bumps and improves your overall skin texture.” – Marie 

“Dry, flaky skin – known as xerosis or xeroderma – can be caused by several different factors. Sun damage, overbathing, harsh soaps, hormonal changes and cold, dry weather can all contribute, but it’s also a symptom of common skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. Often, it’ll present as rough to the touch, with visible scales and flakes. These patches can feel tight and itchy, and in some more severe cases, cracks and even bleeding may occur. The colour of the area can range from reddish to dull and grey, depending on your skin tone.” – Marie 

THE SOLUTION: 

“To manage dry, flaky patches, boosting your hydration levels is essential. Regular moisturising, limiting hot showers and baths and gentle, fragrance-free formulas can all help your skin feel more balanced and comfortable. Treatment-wise, Profhilo – a rejuvenating injectable – can be very effective in addressing dry, flaky texture by delivering intense, deep hydration. Others to consider are mesotherapy and polynucleotides, both of which stimulate collagen and elastin production.” – Marie

“Eczema is a condition that causes the skin to become dry, itchy, bumpy and sore. It weakens barrier function, responsible for keeping the skin protected and moisturised. Also known as atopic dermatitis, it’s a complex condition that can be caused and triggered by a variety of factors: genetics, hormonal changes, allergies, environmental aggressors, stress, harsh soaps and infections.” – Marie 

THE SOLUTION: 

“To be clear, there is no known cure for eczema. But there are ways of preventing flare-ups and effectively managing your symptoms. Moisturising twice a day is key, and I recommend using fragrance-free formulas because these are less likely to irritate the skin. If you’re struggling, a dermatologist can give you tailored advice and may even recommend you take tests to rule out certain allergens. Powered by postbiotics, ceramides and niacinamide, one product that can soothe and support barrier function is the Obagi Skin Barrier Recovery Cream. Then treatments like polynucleotides and Profhilo are also worth considering due to their hydrating, anti-inflammatory benefits.” – Marie 

“‘Bacne’ refers to back acne and occurs when the sebaceous glands become overactive. The excess oil, combined with dead skin cells and bacteria, blocks the pores, resulting in inflammation and acne lesions. This is most common on the back, but body acne can also appear on the shoulders and sometimes the upper chest. They’re usually red, inflamed bumps, whiteheads, blackheads and in some cases painful cysts or nodules. The cause can be hormonal, genetic or connected with diet, lifestyle, medication or even using comedogenic skincare products.” – Marie 

THE SOLUTION: 

“Gently wash the area with an oil-free formula and incorporate regular exfoliation into your bodycare routine – this will improve texture and minimise scarring. Also, moisturise with a lightweight lotion or cream to prevent pore blockages. As far as professional treatments go, the N-Lite Laser – which works by killing bacteria, stimulating collagen and reducing inflammation – can help reduce active breakouts. For individualised support, seek the advice of a dermatologist.” – Marie 

“Puffy legs are caused by an increase of fluid in the tissue of the legs. For many, the veins in the legs become weak and leaky and therefore lose fluid into the tissue. Particularly as we age, the function of our lymphatic vessels deteriorates, and they become unable to effectively remove the fluid from our tissue. This can result in puffiness and that feeling of heaviness in the legs.” – Professor Michael Detmar, dermatologist & co-Founder of IRÄYE

THE SOLUTION: 

“Exercising, avoiding long periods of standing and immobility, and elevation of the legs when sitting all activate the leg muscle pump, which can reduce puffiness and that sensation of heaviness. In more severe cases, a compression garment might be helpful. IRÄYE’s Shaping Body Cream contains an active formula, including the proprietary LymphactiveR Complex, to tighten blood vessels and activate the function of the lymphatic vessels in the legs, thereby helping to efficiently reduce tissue fluid and puffiness. It also improves the signs of cellulite which is often related to weak lymphatic vessels.” – Michael

“Razor burn is a skin irritation that appears inflamed and often feels very sore or itchy. You may also notice a graze-like effect, which, depending on your skin tone, may or may not be visible. It can be caused by friction, dry shaving or dull blades and immediately soothed with a post-shave balm.” – Dr Yvonne Abimbola, general practitioner & founder of Dr Eve Skin

THE SOLUTION: 

“Look for lotions that contain aloe vera or are fragrance-free to minimise the risk of irritation. Avoid heat and reach for bodycare formulas designed to calm irritation. Do not tweeze hairs as this will cause further irritation and potentially trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. To prevent razor bumps in the first place, use a liquid exfoliant product to prep your legs before you shave. Glycolic and salicylic acid are among the best for this. When shaving, follow the direction of hair growth and use a shaving gel or cream to create glide between your skin and the blade.” – Yvonne

“Heat rash, or prickly heat, occurs mostly in the summer when heat gets trapped under the skin, leading to blocked sweat glands and the formation of skin-coloured or red bumps. Sun exposure and heavy sweating can trigger it, and it often feels itchy.” – Yvonne

THE SOLUTION: 

“Keeping hydrated, having cool showers and using creams that contain menthol, zinc or aloe vera can all provide immediate relief. Avoid rich, thick formulas in favour of lighter textures. Oat-based emollients are great for restoring moisture, and if you’re still feeling that prickly sensation, taking an antihistamine can rapidly improve acute symptoms.” – Yvonne 

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