Big beauty questions

Lesley Reynolds from the Harley Street Skin Clinic shares her advice on your big dilemmas

Q

I suffer with acne but am now getting breakouts on my chest. Is this normal? Mary, Preston

A

NHS stats show that around 15 per cent of those with acne suffer symptoms on their chest and it can get worst during Summer. Shower regularly to remove any sweat and oil from your chest, especially if you’ve been in a hot, humid environment. Always change out of sweaty tops immediately after a workout and change bed sheets regularly.

Switch to a gentle body cleanser with salicylic acid, which removes excess oil and dead skin cells. Try

CeraVe Smoothing Cleanser, £12. Exfoliate once or twice a week but no more; over-exfoliating can irritate and trick your body into producing more oil. The skin here is very delicate. Try a chemical exfoliator, instead, which relies on acids instead of scrubs to dissolve dirt. This Works Evening Detox Spray- On Exfoliator, £26, uses salicylic acid which works overnight to remove dead skin cells and decongest pores. Use a ‘non-comedogenic’ moisturiser, as this won’t clog your pores. Try Cetaphil Body Cream, £14.99. For a more targeted treatment, try Murad Clarifying Body Spray, £35, designed to penetrate deeper into your pores.

QI

suffer from prickly heat every year. Is there anything I can do to stop the itch? Lauren, Sunderland

A

It’s estimated a third of the population is affected by prickly heat. When temperatures and humidity rise, skin heats up and flushing can occur on any area of the body – with or without a bumpy appearance. Trapped sweat can cause a histamine release which can cause itching, a rash and pimples. Wash with Bioderma Atoderm Ultra Gentle Shower Gel, £8, in a tepid shower as it will nourish and help rebuild the skin’s protective barrier. Sprays can cool and sooth to prevent itching. Magicool Plus Prickly Heat, £9.49, is often prescribed for moderate to severe cases. To reduce inflammation, try Care Aqueous Calamine Cream, £2.15. Take antihistamines as soon as the rash appears. Before bed apply Aveeno Dermexa Fast & Long Lasting Balm, £12, which soothes itchy skin for up to six hours. To prevent outbreaks wear breathable fibres like cotton and linen, and exercise outside during the coolest parts of the day.

Q

My eyelashes are going grey, making my eyes look tired and old. How can I perk them up? Julie, Cardiff

A

Lashes can go grey just like hair. Use a gentle cleanser and make-up remover as greying lashes can break easily. Try La RochePosay Respectissime Eye Make Up Remover for Sensitive Eyes, £11, and don’t rub.

Perming and tinting lashes will help darken and add definition. You can get this done at most salons from around £40. You could also try semipermanent eyeliner.

Tiny dots of pigment are ‘tattooed’ along the lash line to give the illusion of thicker, darker lashes. As for make-up, eyes look smaller as we age so avoid dark shadows, which can exacerbate this. Go for nudes, greys and browns. Swap black eyeliner for navy or brown. After applying, soften with a cotton bud or brush for a smudgy look. MUA Intense Colour, £2 in navy, will make eyes pop. Avoid waterproof mascara, as it can sometimes be harsh on thinning lashes. L’Oréal Paris Volume Million Lashes So Couture, £8.99, has a strong pigment – one layer is plenty.