Skin Concerns Glossary

Patches or spots that are darker than the surrounding skin, caused by extra melanin. Sun, inflammation, hormones and injury can all trigger it. Read our Pigmentation Treatment guide.

Dark marks left behind after a spot, rash, burn or irritation has healed. It is more common in deeper skin tones and usually fades gradually with sun protection and gentle care.

Flat brown spots that appear on areas often exposed to the sun, such as the face and hands. Any spot that changes shape, colour or size should be checked by a doctor.

Larger patches of darker skin, often on the cheeks, forehead or upper lip, linked to hormones and sun exposure. It can be stubborn and usually needs ongoing care and sun protection.

A long term skin condition that causes redness, flushing and sometimes bumps on the face. Heat, spicy food, alcohol and some skincare can trigger flares, and a doctor can offer treatments.

Fine red, blue or purple veins visible through the skin, often on the face or legs. Read our Sclerotherapy guide.

Blocked pores. Open comedones are blackheads, where the oil turns dark when it meets the air. Closed comedones are whiteheads, sitting just under the surface.

Red, raised spots. Papules have no visible head, while pustules have a white or yellow centre.

Deep, painful, swollen spots under the skin that can leave scars. It is best treated by a doctor or dermatologist.

Tiny grey or beige dots, often on the nose, that are a normal part of how skin moves oil to the surface. They are often mistaken for blackheads and return soon after being squeezed.

Tiny, hard white bumps caused by keratin trapped under the skin. They cannot be squeezed out like a spot. Read our Milia Removal guide.

Breakouts or irritation caused by friction, heat and trapped moisture under a face mask or other covering.

A general term for clogged pores, bumpy texture and frequent breakouts.

A hair that curls back or grows sideways into the skin, causing a red, sometimes painful bump. Gentle exfoliation and careful hair removal can help.

Small bumps that appear after shaving when cut hairs grow back into the skin. They are especially common with tightly curled hair.

Inflammation of the hair follicles that looks like small red bumps or whiteheads around the hairs. Mild cases often settle on their own, but ongoing or painful cases need a pharmacist or doctor.

A raised scar that grows beyond the area of the original wound. Anyone prone to keloids should mention it before any treatment that breaks the skin, such as piercing, microneedling or semi permanent makeup.

A rash caused by something touching the skin, either as an irritation or an allergic reaction. Common triggers include fragrance, preservatives, hair dye and nail products.

A condition that causes dry, itchy, inflamed patches of skin. Gentle, fragrance free products help, and a doctor can advise on treatment during flares.

Sweating much more than the body needs to cool down, known as hyperhidrosis. Read our Hyperhidrosis Treatment guide.