As a dermatologist, pharmacist, and the founder of a skincare company, I’ve seen countless patients with similar concerns about their skin. While everyone’s skin is unique, the challenges people face are often universal. Here are the ten most common skincare concerns I’ve encountered and what you can do to improve them.

1. Acne and Breakouts

Acne affects people of all ages, not just teenagers. The causes can range from hormonal fluctuations (often exacerbated by stress) to clogged pores and bacteria.

What to do:

• • Use a gentle cleanser twice daily to remove dirt and oil.
  • Incorporate salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to treat active breakouts.
  • Avoid over-drying your skin; hydration is crucial to healthy skin.
  • Support your skin health with a healthy diet and effective stress management.
  • Consider professional treatments like chemical peels for persistent issues.
  • Murad offers a Rapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment for periodic breakouts and a Deep Relief Acne Treatment for more severe acne.

1. 2. Dryness and Dehydration

Dry skin can feel tight, flaky, and uncomfortable, while dehydration occurs when your skin lacks water. In addition to dryness, itchiness, and fine lines, dehydrated skin may also result in dark circles and sunken eyes.

What to do:

• • Eat your water to hydrate your skin from the inside out! Emphasize moisture-rich foods like cucumbers and watermelon. Drinking plenty of liquids is helpful too.
  • Use a hydrating cleanser and follow with a moisturizer containing hyaluronic acid or glycerin to draw and keep water in the skin.
  • Wear sunscreen faithfully.
  • Avoid harsh soaps and hot water, which can strip natural oils.

3. Oily Skin

Excess oil production can lead to shine, clogged pores, and breakouts.

What to do:

• • Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer—yes, even oily skin needs moisture!
  • Incorporate niacinamide (a form of Vitamin B3) to help regulate oil production.
  • Try blotting papers to minimize midday shine without disturbing your makeup.

4. Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Aging is a natural process, but many want to minimize its visible signs.

What to do:

• • Incorporate retinol or peptides into your skincare routine to boost collagen production. I recommend Murad’s Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream and Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum.
  • Use sunscreen daily to prevent further damage.
  • Consider professional treatments like laser therapy for deeper wrinkles.

5. Hyperpigmentation and Dark Spots

Dark spots can result from sun exposure, acne scars, or hormonal changes.

What to do:

• • Use products with vitamin C or hydroquinone to fade spots over time.
  • Exfoliate regularly to speed up cell turnover. (However, if your skin becomes red or irritated, ease up). Murad’s Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum is designed precisely for this.
  • Wear sunscreen daily to prevent spots from darkening.

6. Sensitivity and Redness

Sensitive skin can react to products, weather changes, or stress with flare-ups of redness, rashes, or eczema.

What to do:

• • Stick to gentle, fragrance-free products designed for sensitive skin.
  • Use soothing ingredients like chamomile, aloe vera, or calendula.
  • Avoid over-exfoliation and patch-test new products.

7. Enlarged Pores

Pores can appear more prominent due to genetics, aging, or excess oil.

What to do:

• • Use products with salicylic acid to keep pores clean.
  • Retinol can help improve skin texture over time.
  • Consider pore-minimizing treatments like microdermabrasion.

8. Uneven Skin Tone

An uneven complexion can be caused by sun exposure, acne scars, or hormonal shifts.

What to do:

• • Brightening ingredients like niacinamide and licorice root can even out skin tone.
  • Regular exfoliation can help, but be gentle to avoid irritation.
  • Sunscreen is non-negotiable to prevent further discoloration.

9. Loss of Firmness and Sagging Skin

As collagen and elastin production decrease with age, skin can lose its elasticity, resulting in “crepey” skin on the upper arms, neck, décolleté, and even the thighs.

What to do:

• • Use firming creams with peptides or collagen-boosting ingredients.
  • Ask your doctor about estrogen supplementation—either topically or internally.
  • Consider professional treatments like radiofrequency or ultrasound therapy.
  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise. In particular, you want to build muscle: muscle contains more water than fat and also adds bulk to smooth the appearance of sagging skin.

10. Dark Circles and Puffiness

Fatigue, genetics, and fluid retention can all contribute to under-eye concerns.

What to do:

• • Get plenty of sleep—it’s essential for healthy skin. Consider sleeping with your head slightly elevated to prevent fluid buildup.
  • Manage your stress: whether that’s through vigorous physical exercise, yoga or meditation, journaling, or a walk on the beach, stress management isn’t a luxury; it’s necessary.
  • Apply a cooling eye cream with caffeine to reduce puffiness. For example, Murad’s Targeted Eye De-Puffer includes a toning trio of ginseng, lily and caffeine along with an amino acid peptide that helps tighten skin. You might also try Murad’s Vita-C dark circle corrector if dark circles are the problem, not puffiness.
  • Use a gentle tapping motion when applying skincare products to improve circulation.

The bottom line:

Be good to yourself. After all, as I often say, “When you’re healthy, you’re beautiful.”

That’s because healthy skin is a reflection of overall wellness. It encompasses diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management, in addition to topical products. If you’re unsure where to start, consult a dermatologist for personalized advice.

Here’s to healthier, glowing skin in 2025!