Q My make-up keeps going on patchy, no matter if it’s powder or liquid. Is there an underlying skin issue I need to resolve?

Tracey,Middlesex

A

DR AAMER SAYS: As we get older, our skin cell turnover also slows down from a 28-day cycle down to 90 days, so we accumulate more dead skin cells. This can lead to dryness, particularly dry patches on the face, and that’s when a peel can help. They are basically chemical exfoliants and, depending on their content and strength, they remove the upper layers of skin and stimulate new skin cell growth. A superficial skin peel would most likely help your skin. I like the Jessner Peel, a 30-minute treatment which causes the top layers of skin to flake off for up to five days, and will smooth and rejuvenate your skin. A course of three, a month apart, gets good results. From £250 per peel.

LESLEY SAYS: This can be caused by a number of factors. Normal healthy skin has a layer of fatty substances, known as lipids, which help to seal in moisture, leaving skin soft and supple. If this gets disrupted, the result is patchy, flaky, dry skin. What disrupts it? Anything from long, hot showers, the wrong skincare, or even a poor diet. Look for products containing peptides, retinol and Vitamin C all known to help rejuvenate the skin. Gently exfoliate weekly with Superdrug Naturally Radiant Glycolic Overnight Peel, £6.99, to clear pores and dead skin cells. You could also try using a skin booster. Designed to hike up hydration levels, they enhance the benefits of your existing skincare. Most are applied immediately after cleansing or are mixed with your moisturiser. Simple Water Boost Hydrating Booster, £6.99, tackles dry, rough, tight patches. Afterwards, mix a few drops of facial oil into your moisturiser to help smooth the skin’s surface. Finally, choose a lightweight, dewy finish, like bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Cream, £26.