Skincare Case 125

Age: 24 years old

Gender: Female

Fitzpatrick: 4

Skin type: Dry

Main Concern: Dry skin, freckles

History: She is a ski player and does skiing during the winter seasons. She also likes outdoor activities and wears sunscreen before she gets out in the sun. However, she doesn’t use sunscreen during the day and is on contraceptive pills. 

She is not a smoker; however, she uses recreational substances once a week or sometimes more.

Home care routine: She uses moisturizer whenever she feels her skin is overly dry and wears very light makeup. 

She doesn’t use any cleansers because she had tried cleaners before, and they made her skin even drier. So instead, she cleanses her makeup with micellar water.

Findings: The T-zone has very few pores, while the face as a whole has lots of freckles, especially on the nose, cheeks, and forehead.

Skincare Exams Case 125
Discussion of the case (Click to open)

Case Summary:

This 24-year-old female with Fitzpatrick skin type 4 has dry skin and is concerned about freckles on her face. She is a ski player and enjoys outdoor activities, often applying sunscreen before heading outside, but not reapplying throughout the day. She is on contraceptive pills and occasionally uses recreational substances. Her skincare routine consists of applying moisturizer when her skin feels particularly dry, and she uses micellar water to remove light makeup, avoiding cleansers due to past experiences of increased dryness. Examination reveals few pores in the T-zone but numerous freckles, particularly on the nose, cheeks, and forehead.

Analysis:

  1. What’s going wrong in this case?

The primary issues here are the dry skin and the presence of freckles. Dry skin could be due to the cold, dry air during skiing and lack of sufficient moisturization. Not reapplying sunscreen during the day can lead to sun exposure, potentially causing freckles due to the body’s production of more melanin to protect the skin from UV radiation.

The use of contraceptive pills might also contribute to freckle formation as they can cause hormonal changes that make the skin more sensitive to the sun. Recreational substance use can have various effects on the skin depending on the substance, including dryness and increased sensitivity to sun damage.

  1. What are the causes of the case?

The causes of the dry skin are likely the harsh, dry environment encountered during skiing and possibly inadequate hydration and moisturization. The freckles are likely due to sun exposure without sufficient protection, especially considering her outdoor activities and inconsistent use of sunscreen.

  1. Treatment options:

For dry skin:

  • Use a gentle, non-soap cleanser. Although she has had bad experiences with cleansers in the past, not all cleansers are the same. She should look for a hydrating cleanser that is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic to avoid irritation.
  • Incorporate a daily moisturizer into her skincare routine, preferably one that contains humectants (like hyaluronic acid) and occlusives (like ceramides).
  • Consider using a humidifier at home, especially during the winter months.

For freckles:

  • Consistent use of broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) to protect against UVA and UVB rays. It’s essential to reapply every 2 hours and after sweating or swimming.
  • Topical treatments like vitamin C, retinoids, or other lightening agents can help lighten freckles. It’s best to consult with a dermatologist for a prescription or recommendation.
  • Laser treatments or chemical peels can help lighten or eliminate freckles but should be considered as a last resort after trying topical treatments.

Recommended daily routine:

Morning:

  • Cleanse face with a gentle, hydrating cleanser.
  • Apply a moisturizer, preferably one with SPF, to hydrate and protect the skin. If her moisturizer doesn’t have SPF, she should apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
  • Apply light makeup, if desired.

Throughout the day:

  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
  • Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, or after sweating or swimming, to maintain sun protection.
  • If her skin feels dry during the day, she can use a hydrating facial mist or apply a light layer of her moisturizer.

Evening:

  • Use micellar water to remove makeup.
  • Cleanse face with a gentle, hydrating cleanser.
  • Apply a heavier, night-time moisturizer to hydrate the skin overnight. If recommended by her dermatologist, she can use a topical treatment for her freckles before her moisturizer.
  • Try to avoid recreational substances as much as possible. These can have various negative effects on the skin and overall health.

Additionally, she should continue to maintain a balanced diet and regular exercise routine. If her skin condition doesn’t improve or worsens, she should consult a dermatologist for further evaluation and treatment.