updated July 3, 2015

Good skin care practices can help to maintain firm, smooth, and healthy skin. Eventually, though, time and sun exposure take a toll on the skin's appearance. Facial skin problems and skin problems on other areas of the body can occur because of age, exposure to environmental elements, and a host of other factors. Some common skin flaws are the result of genetics, viruses, and other causes. A cosmetic dermatologist has the advanced training and expertise necessary to effectively treat skin problems.

Acne

One of the most common facial skin problems for adolescents is acne, a troubling skin condition that can affect confidence and self-esteem. As sebaceous glands become overactive and produce excess oil, follicles become plugged, resulting in blackheads and whiteheads. These plugged follicles can then become inflamed, causing pimples, nodules and cysts. Although acne is not harmful to health and will usually go away after time, moderate to severe acne can leave scars. There are several acne treatment options available that can effectively treat acne and eliminate or reduce the scarring it causes.

• RELATED: Find a qualified cosmetic dermatologist in your area

Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation refers to brownish patches that appear on the skinas a person ages or as a result of acne. The condition can be worsened either sun damage or genetics. Sometimes known as "liver spots," these benign patches resemble large freckles and usually appear on the face, neck, hands, feet or legs. Although they are not harmful, many people wish to have them removed for cosmetic reasons. A cosmetic dermatologist can effectively remove or reduce the appearance of age spots on the skin.

Large Pores

Pores are the tiny openings in the surface of the skin through which moisturizing oils are released. When pores on the face are large enough to be visible, they can cause frustration as well as facial skin problems. To some degree, pore size is hereditary, but pores also appear larger when they contain trapped oil and skin cells. A dermatologist can recommend effective treatments for improving the appearance of large pores.

Rosacea

Characterized by facial redness and swelling, rosacea is a facial skin problem that usually afflicts adults with fair skin. It can appear at any age. Rosacea usually develops slowly at first, appearing periodically as a facial flush. The condition worsens over time and rarely resolves on its own. A cosmetic dermatologist can effectively treat rosacea with topical or oral medications, as well as facial skin treatments, such as laser therapy, to provide generally excellent results.

Scars

A scar is an area of skin that is a different color or texture from surrounding skin that results after an injury heals. Although most scars fade over time, certain types and those that occur in noticeable areas may remain apparent for a lifetime. Scars are cosmetic skin problems that do not require medical treatment, but their presence can be frustrating. Scar treatments available from a cosmetic dermatologist can help reduce the appearance of scars dramatically.

Undereye Circles

Darkened skin beneath the eyes is a common skin problem caused by factors such as heredity, lack of sleep, allergies, diet, and sun exposure. In many cases, the darkened circles can be reversed by resolving the underlying cause, or they can be concealed with cosmetics. A cosmetic dermatologist can provide treatments that can reduce or eliminate the discoloration of persistent and very dark undereye circles.

Wrinkles

Wrinkles and lines on the skin are among the most common facial skin problems for women and men as they age. Lines and wrinkles appear where skin naturally folds and creases, becoming more and more permanent as time goes on. Sun exposure, smoking, and extreme dieting can hasten this effect, making skin look older than it is. A cosmetic dermatologist can prescribe professional skin care products and perform a wide variety of very effective procedures to smooth and rejuvenate skin.