Hello Fashion Monthly - March 2019

hfm BEAUTY

WORDS: ELLE SIXSMITH PHOTOS: GORUNWAY

Blemish busters

Effaclar Duo[+],

£16, La Roche-Posay

This popular spot-

fighting treatment has

been souped-up with the

addition of a prebiotic

that helps prevent future

breakouts, including

hormonal ones.

Blemish Reducer,

£58, Dr Dennis Gross

This device is powered

by medical grade LED

blue and red light

to zap acne-causing

bacteria and reduce

inflammation.

Normaderm

Purifying Cleansing

Gel, £12, Vichy

Salicylic acid and

glycolic acid purge

pores without stripping

skin. It’s soap-free

but you still get a

generous lather.

Blemishes are bad news whatever your

age. But if you’re contending with fine lines

alongside breakouts and even dryness – you’re

not alone. “I’m seeing more and more women

with persistent adult acne in my clinic,” says

Dr Nick Lowe, leading dermatologist at the

Cranley Clinic on London’s Harley Street.

“Recent studies have shown that 25 per cent

of acne starts in adulthood and over a third of

women in their 30s suffer from it.”

There are several reasons for the

development of acne, but the main trigger

is hormones. “The male hormone androgen

(present in men and women) overstimulates

oil glands, which blocks pores, causing

bacteria to multiply and produce inflamed

spots,” says Dr Lowe.

“Your body makes more androgen

hormones under stress, before menstruation,

during and after pregnancy and with certain

contraceptives. Fluctuating hormone levels are

normal in women which is why adult acne

occurs more often in women than men,” says Dr

Lowe. Cosmetic dermatologist and founder of

skin clinic Eudelo, Dr Stefanie Williams believes

our obsession with looking young is partly

to blame. “The majority of acne sufferers don’t

use the right skincare. They might be noticing

wrinkles or feel they have dry skin, so they

apply rich anti-ageing creams, which then

aggravate their acne.” How to deal with it?

Start by finding the right regime.

“Avoid overloading your skin – oils, cream

cleansers and silicone-rich make-up primers will

clog pores,” says Dr Williams. Harsh cleansers

and overzealous exfoliating are also no-gos.

“It’s a complete myth that you should dry out

acne-prone skin because you end up stripping

the protective oils, which can cause irritation

and sensitivity,” says Dr Lowe.

Instead, switch to a gentle soap-free cleanser,

a lightweight moisturiser and serums with key

acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid,

niacinamide and retinoids. Acne calls for

a tailored approach so if you don’t see an

improvement, seek expert advice from your GP

or a dermatologist who can prescribe topical

solutions in higher strengths and oral antibiotics.

The low down

Outsmart Blemish

Clarifying Treatment,

£35, Murad

Five powerful acids

in this serum keep skin

glass clear, while

soothing honey and

rice extracts counteract

dryness and irritation.

APPLIED

BEAUTY

Follow these spot-swerving solutions

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Tackle Adult Acne

MICHAEL KORS

MICHAEL KORS

HELLOFASHION.COM 103

Acclenz Oil Control

Day Cream, £42,

Dr Nick Lowe

Anti-inflammatory

ingredient niacinamide

calms your complexion

while reducing

surface shine.