Perfect skin for winter

I AM still getting spots, even though I am in my 50s. What can I do to get clear skin for the party season?

Laura, 57, Lancs.

STRESS is one of the main causes of adult acne, and with the busy festive season coming up, we are likely to have more breakouts than usual.

the weather can also have a huge impact on our skin — cold temperatures can increase the risk of spots because it makes our skin drier.

Dr Alexis Granite, consultant dermatologist at London clinic Cadogan Cosmetics, recommends paying particular attention to a good cleansing and moisturising routine.

‘Use a mild cleanser and an oil-free moisturiser twice daily to help prevent facial dryness, but keep pores clean. Avoid over-washing your face as dry skin may lead to increased oil production and trigger breakouts.

‘topical acne treatments such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can still be used, but as these are drying, you may need to apply them less frequently or limit application just to spotty areas.’

Maleka Dattu, founder of Merumaya Integrative effective Skincare, highlights the importance of keeping skin hydrated.

‘People make the mistake of thinking they don’t need moisture if they suffer from acne when, in fact, it acts as a protective barrier. If this is taken away your skin is open to attack from external aggressors,’ she says.

Feeding skin while we sleep is one of the most effective ways to ensure it fully absorbs the ingredients.

Dermatologist Dr Ginny Hubbard says: ‘there is no need to avoid night creams if you have a breakout. Dry patches can make the spots look worse and make-up then sticks to those areas.

‘ I recommend Olay total effects 7- in- 1 Anti- Ageing Firming Moisturiser Night Cream (£7.49, boots.com).’

It can be tricky to know what make- up to apply to acneprone skin.

‘there is no reason to avoid foundation when you have spots,’ says Dr Hubbard. ‘Make sure you choose a light, non-oily formulation or consider a mineral powder. And make sure you clean it off thoroughly at the end of the day.’

Caroline Barnes, a Max Factor make-up artist, says: ‘I would recommend using a small brush for pin-point concealing. Avoid sweeping over the skin with a large brush, which makes foundation look thick and obvious.’

Oxygenating Acne Control Foundation (£44, beautybay. com) is available in 14 shades and contains salicylic acid to help camouflage and clear the complexion.