Acne or breakouts occur when our pores, which are connected to sebaceous glands beneath the skin’s surface, become blocked by excess sebum, dead skin and dirt.

These form blackheads and whiteheads which can develop into aggravated pustules and cysts when bacteria infiltrates the blocked pore.

Breakouts can appear across the face as well as the body - commonly seen on the back, chest and shoulder area where there are more follicles and therefore oil.

Blackheads are essentially a blocked hair follicle or sebaceous gland that has been plugged by a tasty combination of excess sebum (skin oil), dirt, debris or dead skin. Typically found on the face, these blockages can appear anywhere on the body where there’s hair.  

The texture of our skin can range from bumpiness to dry patches or pitting.  

The predominant root of uneven texture is due to the build up of dry, dead skin cells which can cause textural build up, breakouts and the dulling of skin. More long-term factors can also include continued sun damage and more severe scarring from acne or breakouts. 

Often seen as dark spots, marks or uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation is simply the over production of melanin by skin cells called melanocytes which creates darker patches on the skin and can occur all over the body including the face
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Signs of ageing that can begin to show from 25 onward, when the skin’s natural collagen production gradually slows.

Many factors can contribute to why our skin can appear dull, lacklustre and tired including exposure to UV and pollution, the impact of ageing causing the skin’s regenerative process to slow down or not exfoliating or cleansing properly. 

Oily skin produces excess sebum from the sebaceous glands under the skin causing a greasy or shiny appearance which can be particularly prominent on the t-zone - forehead, nose and chin. 

Sebum is necessary to keep the skin hydrated, protected and healthy but too much can lead to breakouts (caused when oil, dirt and bacteria block pores) and can leave a greasy/shiny sheen to your skin.

If your barrier has been damaged, it can demonstrate symptoms such as dryness, flakiness, inflammation and itchiness. If not responded to, this can then result in increased irritation and sensitivity plus longer term damage

Scars occur when the tissues in the dermis layer of the skin becomes damaged - for example from the spot itself or how it’s been dealt with.

The healing process involves the body trying to replace these damaged tissues by producing collagen fibres to repair the tissue creating a new layer around the damage. Scarring can occur when too much collagen is produced or not enough and the scarring can range from flat and white to raised and dark. 

Whether it’s an ongoing condition or sudden reaction, the skin can appear red for a number of different reasons with a spectrum of severity - from health conditions such as Rosacea and dermatitis, allergies, reactions to a flush from exercise, temperature etc.

The accompanying factors to the redness, such as itchiness, inflammation or dryness, can often be seen most prominently in the cheeks, and more common in sensitive and dry skin types.

Dehydrated skin is connected to water and lack of it in the skin.

One of the most important factors for healthy, plump skin, is hydration and fine lines and wrinkles can sometimes be a result of lack of moisture in the skin.

Dry skin is a skin type and can result in fewer oil producing glands across the face/body meaning it produces less sebum or that the glands aren’t producing enough oil.

In turn, it affects the skin barrier’s ability to protect against aggressors as well as retaining moisture.

Plump skin can be regarded as well-hydrated, firm with a natural fullness, roundness and bounciness. 

Its decline can be considered a sign of ageing and can also affect the brightness, texture and tone.