Tips to help prevent breakouts and stay safe in the sun

GENTLE WASHING OF THE SKIN EVERY DAY

‘A LOT of people have a myth that you get acne because your skin is dirty,’ Nikki says. What they then do is overwash by washing three times a day and that actually makes your glands produce more oil which drives your acne more by blocking pores. Washing once a day with something that is suitable for acne and then using products from over-thecounter and/or combining prescription therapies will help. Effaclar Duo Plus (€18.50 pharmacies nationwide) combines anti-imperfection moisturising formula with sun protection factor 30 to help heal blemish-prone skin, while shielding it from the sun.

GO AND SEE YOUR DOCTOR

A PROPER diagnosis is essential if you are to get the right treatment. ‘If you have moderate to severe acne you will need some form of treatment,’ Nikki says. ‘Acne can scar, so the sooner you get the right diagnosis, the better. For many patients it is too late if you are already scarred, as the treatment options are limited.’

ALWAYS USE SUN PROTECTION

THE survey also found that one in six of us has stopped using suncream as we believed it was responsible for breakouts on our skin. But Nikki says: ‘You need to use sun protection — there are plenty of sunscreens that are not going to block your pores. According to this study, one in six adults believe they experience a breakout of spots after using sun protection and so they avoid using it. Maybe historically suncreams were very thick and could block your pores, but now there are plenty you can buy that are light and won’t block pores or cause breakouts.’ Try the Anthelios range which has an Ant-Shine Cream Fluid with an SPF of 30 (€19.50 pharmacies nationwide) or Soltan Dry Touch Face Cream (€7.50 boots.ie) which also has an SPF of 30. ‘If you are being treated for acne your skin will be more photosensitive, so you are more likely to get sunburnt,’ Nikki says. ‘So it’s even more important to use protection.’

WEAR OIL-FREE MAKE UP

‘OIL-based make-up is best avoided if you have problem skin’ Nikki says. ‘Look for oil-free or non-comedogenic on the back of your make up. And always make sure to remove it at the end of the day.’ Try Urban Decay’s Naked Skin Weightless Make-Up (€34.99, debenhams.ie) or Clinque’s Stay Matt Foundation (€32, arnotts.ie).