Skin is the body’s largest organ — and when it’s not happy, it makes itself known. Common skin conditions affect millions of UK adults and children, yet many people aren’t sure what they have or how to treat it effectively. This guide is your starting point.

Understanding Your Skin

The skin has three main layers: the epidermis (outer barrier), the dermis (contains hair follicles, sweat glands and nerve endings), and the subcutaneous layer (fat and connective tissue). The skin microbiome — the community of bacteria, fungi and viruses living on the skin surface — plays a crucial role in skin health. Disrupting it with harsh products is a common cause of skin problems.

The Most Common Skin Conditions in the UK

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) — affects around 15% of children and 10% of adults. Characterised by dry, itchy, inflamed skin.
Acne vulgaris — affects up to 85% of teenagers and many adults. Caused by blocked pores, excess sebum and bacteria.
Psoriasis — affects around 2% of UK adults. An immune-mediated condition causing thickened, scaly plaques.
Dry skin (xerosis) — extremely common, especially in winter. Impaired skin barrier leads to moisture loss and itching.
Fungal infections — athlete’s foot, ringworm, fungal nails and candida are all very common and very treatable.
Contact dermatitis — allergic or irritant reaction to a substance (nickel, latex, fragrances, cleaning products).

Identifying Your Skin Type

Dry skin: feels tight, may look dull or flaky, fine lines more visible. Oily skin: shiny appearance, enlarged pores, prone to acne. Combination: oily T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) with dry or normal cheeks. Sensitive skin: reacts to many products, prone to redness and stinging. Normal skin: balanced, minimal concerns.

Building a Basic Skincare Routine

The fundamentals are simple — cleanse, moisturise, protect:

  1. Cleanse — remove dirt, oil and pollutants. Choose a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser appropriate for your skin type. Avoid harsh soaps that strip the skin barrier.
  2. Moisturise — replenish and lock in moisture. Apply to slightly damp skin. Choose texture according to skin type: ointments for very dry, lotions for oily.
  3. Protect — SPF 30+ every morning, year-round. UV causes 80–90% of visible skin ageing and significantly increases cancer risk.

OTC Treatments vs When to See a GP

Many common skin conditions respond well to OTC treatment: mild eczema (emollients, hydrocortisone 1%), acne (benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid), athlete’s foot (clotrimazole, terbinafine), nappy rash (zinc oxide barrier creams), insect bites (antihistamine cream, hydrocortisone). See a GP for: suspected psoriasis, rosacea, severe eczema unresponsive to OTC treatment, skin infections not improving, any skin change you’re concerned about (moles, new growths).

Chemist 2 Customer Skincare Range

We stock a comprehensive range of skincare products for every condition. Explore:

Related guides: Eczema Treatment, Acne Solutions, Dry Skin Remedies.