Help! I’m getting spots in midlife — what can I do?

QI

AM in my 40s and I have started to get breakouts that leave my delicate skin congested in places. Should I try microdermabrasion, which a friend has suggested? A No! DoN’t do it! Microdermabrasion is an abrasive peeling treatment that works for very congested, oily or scarred skin, but when it is used on dry or fine skin it can quickly lead to inflammation and broken veins.

And like any gritty scrub, it should never be used on active acne because it will exacerbate inflammation.

I would try HydraFacial ( hydrafacial.co.uk) instead. After a peel with modest levels of retinol and glycolic acid is applied to prep skin for deep cleansing, it hoovers out pores with a suction tool.

It then treats skin with a jet of pressurised, bespoke serum containing ingredients such as salicylic acid (to decongest), hyaluronic acid (to plump) horse chestnut seed and red algae extracts, zinc and magnesium peptides.

It doesn’t scratch and irritate delicate skin, but does work deeply in the pores to unblock, peel and drive in the powerful active ingredients.

there are several treatments and I have the Skin Health for Life version with a cocktail of cell stimulants. It feels rather pleasant; the jet tickles a bit but is also soothing.

over time, the HydraFacial Acne and Congested Skin treatments (from £140) should re-balance your skin. Your breakouts should start to reduce after two sessions of this.

Lots of people are developing spots at your age, with the main culprits thought to be stress and pollution. Seek out skincare with salicylic acid, antioxidants and calming azulene to settle yours.