The BIG beauty QUESTIONS TOP TIP!

Lesley Reynolds from the Harley Street Skin Clinic answers your big skincare dilemmas

Q

Peri-menopause is playing havoc with my skin. One month it’s oily and breaking out, the next it’s really dry.

Is this normal and how can I treat it?

Eva, Nottingham

A

Skin weakened by hormonal shifts is not uncommon approaching menopause. Surges of testosterone can cause skin breakouts, while declining levels of oestrogen, progesterone and melatonin can break down collagen and elastin, making skin thinner, drier and wrinkled.

First, use a broad-spectrum SPF50 cream every day to protect from UV damage, help prevent collagen loss and pigment changes. Reducing stress will also help skin health. Avoid excess sugar or salt in your diet as these can exacerbate menopausal symptoms. Aim for a diet rich in good fats, such as oily fish, nuts, vegetables and fruit. Hydration is vital, ideally water or herbal teas. Evening primrose or fish oil supplements can help the skin’s barrier and vitamin D will support its repair mechanisms. Introduce a mask. Oily? Use an exfoliating formula that contains salicylic acid or lactic acid, which will help unblock pores. Try Revolution Skincare 2% Salicylic Acid BHA Anti Blemish Face Mask, £8. To counteract dryness, Skin Proud Daily Saviour Skin Recovery Booster Serum, £12.95, is nourishing thanks to ceramides, hyaluronic acid, rosehip and avocado oil. Finally, use retinol at night, which will help even skin tone. Try BeautyLab Retinol Serum, £35.

Q

My lower legs are covered with tiny black dots. What are they and what’s the best way to get rid of them? Freya, Cardiff

A

Dubbed ‘strawberry legs’, because the spots resemble strawberry skin, these tiny harmless black spots are actually hyperpigmented dots at the hair follicles. There are many causes, including clogged or enlarged pores, or a build-up of dead skin cells. The best way to get rid of them is by regularly exfoliating using a scrub followed by an AHA body serum. Try HSSC Body Regenerating Body Moisturer, £36, which contains glycolic acid and gobbles up dead skin. Use every two or three days in between moisturising with something like oat-rich Aveeno Dermexa Emollient Cream, £10.50. Consider other methods of hair removal aside from shaving. Waxing will open the pores when a warm product is applied and removes hair from the roots, avoiding that dotted effect.

Q

I’m getting very dark shadows under my eyes. What’s causing this and how do I treat them?

Nadira, London

A

Wrinkles and shadows often look worse during Winter due to lack of sunlight. The thinner the skin is under the eye, the more pigment shows through. Ageing can also cause a loss of bony structure, and light cannot be reflected properly, casting a shadow. Lack of sleep and dehydration can also emphasise the problem. Screen time can strain our eyes, which can also prompt blood vessels to get bigger and create shadows. Regular nighttime use of a retinoid eye cream for at least six months can help rebuild collagen, boosting volume and firmness. Always wear SPF when using retinol as it makes skin UV sensitive. La Roche-Posay Redermic Retinol Eye Cream, £28, is suitable for sensitive skin.

Diet changes may also help. Tomatoes, for instance, contain an antioxidant called lycopene, which boosts circulation and protects blood vessels. As for concealer, choose one specifically designed for the eye area. Look for words like ‘lightweight’ and ‘light-reflective’ on the packaging. I prefer liquid concealers as they help plump fine lines. Use a peach tone concealer to counteract the shadows. I like Maybelline Superstay Full Coverage Under Eye Concealer, £5.99.

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