A spot of bother

From a lack of radiance to pigmentation marks, there are lots of things people look for advice about on the internet. But if recent Google searches are anything to go by, then acne is top of the list of skin concerns.

With more than 1.1million monthly searches, it is by far the biggest skin issue in the UK.

According to a new poll by skincare brand Tolpa, 65 per cent of women will go to major lengths to cover up spots, including wearing roll-neck jumpers in summer and wrapping a scarf around their face.

Worryingly, 38 per cent said there has also been a time when they haven’t left their house because of their skin.

Although we associate acne with teenagers, it can affect people at any age, with some women developing it for the first time in their 40s and 50s.

Adult acne can be particularly frustrating to treat, with stress and a poor diet (think booze and sugar) often culprits.

However, the main underlying cause of acne is hormonal, leading to excess production of the skin’s natural oil, sebum, which blocks pores.

Breakouts can occur as a result of the menopause or as part of a

Each week our experts Dr AAMER KHAN and LESLEY REYNOLDS bring you the latest beauty news and welbeing advice

more complex hormonal condition such as polycystic ovary syndrome.

Help is on hand with topical anti-inflammatory treatments, which are applied to the skin, oral medication and professional procedures at the clinic.

While mild acne usually responds well to self-care measures and over-the-counter skincare, moderate to severe cases may require prescription medication and antibiotics, so do see a dermatologist with your concerns.

SKINCARE SOLUTIONS

Despite the marketing hype about how you can banish spots for ever, the truth is there is no cure for acne. However, it can be controlled if you use the right products.

The most important thing you can do is to have a good skincare routine. Light or gel-like formulations are best and ideally the product should be labelled as non-comedogenic. Avoid products that contain lanolin, mineral oil or petroleum, which block pores.

Look out for the following spot-busting ingredients below and be patient – most acne treatments take two to six months to work.

● Retinoids: Exfoliates to help unblock pores and dry up spots. Always use a sunscreen to protect the newer skin from sun damage.

● Glycolic acid: Penetrates the skin and dissolves the dead cells and oil that block pores.

Salicylic acid: Soothes inflammation, relieves painful acne, reduces oily skin and clears out blocked pores.

Benzoyl peroxide: Helps kill bacteria that cause acne. Avoid sun exposure while you’re using it.

Niacinamide: Acts as a soothing anti-inflammatory.

SAVING FACE

Cleanse no more than twice a day. Frequent washing can irritate the skin and make symptoms even worse.

Avoid harsh soaps that will dry out your skin. Use a gentle soap-free cleansing gel such as Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Gel Cleanser, £16 (caudalie.com). Manage stress with a healthy diet, exercise and sleep, and practise self-care through meditation and deep breathing.

Use a gentle, fragrance-free and non-comedogenic moisturiser every morning. Try Cerave AM Facial Moisturising

Lotion SPF25, £9.75 (boots.com), which contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid.

Banish dead skin cells with an at-home gentle exfoliator once or twice a week. Tolpa Sebio 3 Enzyme Scrub, £9.99 (lloydspharmacy.com), minimises blackheads and reduces sebum production. A couple of times a week, use a mask to draw out any impurities, such as Harley Street Skin

Care Clean Tech Pore Minimising Mask, £35 (harleystreetskin clinic.com).

Use a retinol product at night after cleansing, such as No7 Advanced Retinol 1.5% Complex Night Concentrate, £34.95 (Boots).

Avoid heavy foundation and go for mineral make-up as it’s anti-inflammatory and acts as a concealer, foundation, powder and sunscreen all in one. Taking a supplement that includes vitamin C, zinc and omega-3 fish oil. These have all been shown to improve skin.

IN THE SALON

A professional glycolic or salicylic peel will unblock pores and smooth skin. Skin must be prepared for two weeks before a peel with AHA products. It costs from £80 per peel.

Celuma Light Therapy is a powerful treatment used to calm and soothe skin. During the procedure, a special mask beams blue, red and near-infrared light on to skin, which stimulates circulation and banishes bacteria. Best results are seen after four treatments. From £100 a session.

A cortisone injection is a quick way to remove blemishes within 48 hours. While this will not prevent future breakouts from occurring, it is a quick fix for any existing spots and can help to reduce scarring. From £100.

For more of Lesley’s tips, visit lesleyreynolds.com