The Face and Body shop in Grotton answers your health and beauty questions
Send in your health and body questions for their experts to answer, email: aimee@saddind.co.uk or write to: Health and Beauty, 5 Kinders Crescent, Greenfield, Oldham OL3 7JQ.
Q. I am 38 years old and have been suffering with acne-like spots around my mouth and chin. Why is this happening and what can I do to treat it?
A. When we think back to our teenage years there are many things we’d give out right arm to have back. We spend hours in the gym trying desperately to regain our teenage figures, we long for the days when the most important issues in our lives where which party to go to and who is the best looking member of New Kids on the Block.
One thing we never get nostalgic about is our problem, acned, hormonal skin, but a recent survey by the Acne Support Group found that 15% of women are still affected by acne well beyond their teens.
Adult acne is no different to normal acne. Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that most commonly affects the face, chest and back and experts believe it is caused by sensitivity to the male hormone testosterone. That is not to say sufferers have more of the male hormone, just that they are more sensitive to testosterone. The rush of hormones associated with puberty explains why teenagers are prone to acne and why women may be prone to spots around their period.
Hormonal acne is usually characterised by large and painful spots around the jawline and chin, which does sound like the type you describe, but stress, poor diet and unsuitable beauty products can also be contributory factors.
In treating acne it is essential to keep the skin as clear as possible. Cleansing and toning the skin morning and evening to remove surface dirt, bacteria and make up is essential and regular exfoliating is a must.
Try and avoid a grainy exfoliator if the acne is sore and red as there is a danger you can scrub too hard and cause inflammation. Instead try a liquid exfoliator such as Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner £25. This product uses alpha hydroxy acid, glycolic acid and salicylic acid to clean the pores and brighten the complexion.
It is also common for sufferers to mask the problem with heavy liquid foundations but these can aggravate the skin and block pores. Try using a loose powder foundation such as Clarins Skin Illusion Loose Powder Foundation £28; available in 6 shades it can be built up to conceal imperfections. This will be lighter on the skin and is less likely to cause irritation
A great salon treatment for deep down cleansing is the Guinot Hydradermie Double Pro. This luxury facial achieves instant results and the benefits can be seen for up to four weeks.
The facial uses galvanic current to penetrate all three layers of the skin and specific intensive treatment gels are used to address the client’s individual concerns. The facial then uses high frequency to sooth and cleanse bacteria from the skin.
The facial does include a full skin analysis by your Guinot specialised therapist who can then assess your individual needs and recommend an appropriate treatment plan and homecare products.
We know that acne and other skin conditions can not only affect your appearance but also your self-confidence, so please feel free to visit us so our fully trained staff can help you find a way forward.
I hope that you feel slightly better knowing that this is not an uncommon problem. I prefer your chances of treating your teenage skin aged 38 than I do of my chances of regaining my teenage figured aged…
As the festive season draws closer, book your appointment at The Face and Body Shop now so you don’t miss out on looking your best.
And with some wonderful gifts from Clarins, Guinot, Nailtiques and Mavala as well as jewellery and make-up bags, the salon has something to offer for everyone this Christmas.
And with gift vouchers available from £10, helping your wife, partner or daughter pamper herself and relax could not be easier. Simply call 0161 627 1114 for more details.
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