Spots

Often appearing at the worst times; spots are unsightly and can be uncomfortable. They occur when oil called sebum comes into contact with blocked pores.

To reduce the risk of spots you should prevent excess oil build up by keeping your hair clean and off your face. You should also avoid the use of irritants like greasy make-up and certain sunscreens. Daily washing with a gentle cleanser is recommended and wash your towels regularly because dirty ones spread bacteria.

If you do get a spot you can try products which contain benzoyl peroxide, salicyclic acid and alpha hydroxy acids, as these help to unblock pores, prevent oiliness, kill bacteria and speed up the growth of new skin cells. You should avoid squeezing spots as this can cause infection and scarring. Exfoliation can improve the effectiveness of topical treatments and improve the appearance of skin.