Skincare Questions

Many visitors write to us and ask their skin related queries or questions. Our personal skin care team experts try to answer them in the best possible way. If you have any queries or want any information on skincare write us.

Question : My dry skin needs night cream, but I seem to lose most of it onto my pillow. Any solutions?

Put a little night cream into the palm of your hand, then gently rub your hands together. The heat created will help liquefy the cream and make it more easily absorbed. Gentaly massage it into your skin and you will find it sinks in better.

Question : I spend a fortune on skincare products, but resent paying for an exfoliator. Are there any alternatives?

Yes, here is a good, cheap alternative to facial scrubs. After washing your skin, gently massage with a soft facecloth or natural sponge to ease away the dead surface skin cells that can give your complexion a muddy look. If you have dry skin, massage a little cream cleanser onto the damp skin, then rub over the top with your flannel. Rinse afterwards, then apply moisturizer in the normal way.

Question : How can I stop my lips from getting so chapped and flaky in winter?

This three step action plan will help -

massage dry lips with a generous dollop of petroleum jelly. Allow it to work for a couple of minutes to soften your skin. Then, gently rub your lips with a warm, damp facecloth. As the petroleum jelly is removed, the flakes of skin will come with it.
smooth your lips morning and night with a lip balm.
swtich to a moisturizing lipstick to prevent your lips from drying out during the daytime.

Question : It is so embarrassing! My nose looks really red in the winter. What is the best way to cover it?

Try smoothing a little green foundation or concealer over the red area before applying your normal foundation and powder. Although it sounds strange, the green works by cancelling out the redness - leaving your skin looking a normal shade again.

Question : Someone told me you should still wear a sunscreen in winter. Is this true?

Yes, if you want to guard against the signs of ageing. Expose to sunlight is thought to be the main cause of wrinkling and the ultraviolet rays that are responsible for this process are around every single day of teh year.

Question : My skin feels as though it needs a richer cream in the winter months, but I find most of them too heavy. What can you suggest?

Choose the level of moisturizer that feels right for you. Just because moisturizer is heavier, it does not necessarily mean it is more effective. You can help seal in extra moisture to your skin by spritzing your complexion with water before applying it.

Question : I like the feeling of water on my face, but I find soap too drying. Should I switch to a cream cleanser instead?

If you have dry skin, it is gently better to use a creamy cleanser. However, normal and oily skins can still happily use water - but cleanser instead. They are specially formulated to be non-drying while still getting your face clean - and you can splash with water as much as you like.

Question : Why does my skin feel more sensitive in winter than summer?

Eighty percent of women claim to have sensative skin - which tingles, itches and is prone to dryness. It can be aggravated by harsh winter weather, such as the winds and cold, because this breaks down the natural oily layer which protects your skin. Milder summer weather doest not tend to be so hard on the skin. The best way to cope is to moisturize your skin regularly with a hypoallergic cream that is specially formulated for sensitive skin.

Question : I am pregnant and have developed patches of darker colour on my face, particularly under my eyes and around my mouth. What causes this?

This is called chloasma or the mask of pregnancy. It is triggered by a change in hormones at this time and is made very obvious by sunbathing. Cover up under the sun and wear a sunblock to prevent teh patches from becoming denser. It usually fades within a few months of having your baby.

Question : I suffer from oily skin, but find blemish creams too drying. What can you suggest?

Many women have skin that has dry patches as well as blemished. The solution is to choose an antibacterial cream that will kill off the cause of your blemishes, while soothing the skin around them. This means you won't be left with dry patched of skin as well as blemishes.

Question : The skin on my neck looks grey and dull. Are there any special treatments I can use?

Necks can quickly shown the signs of ageing. This is mainly due to the fact that they have a lack of sebaceous glands. Using a creamy cleanser can help. Massage in, leave to dissolve dirt, and then remove with cotton wool pads. Dull grey skin will benefit from regular exfoliation.

Question : How can I get rid of the pimples on my back and bottom?

Because backs are covered up and hard to reach, they are prone to breakouts. Keep yours blemish free by exfoliating daily with a loofah or body brush to remove dry, flaking skin and superficial blemished. You can use a clay mask also.

Question : I understand you need to keep and eye on moles on your skin to guard against the risk of skin cancer. But whar exactly should I be looking for ?

Moles are clumps of clustered pigment cells that are nearly always darker than freckes. All changes in exixting moles should be checked by your doctor. Any that cause concern will be removed and sent off for analysis. You should also check moles yourself once a month.

Question : I exercise a lot and find body odour a problem. How can I prevent it?

Sweating is your body's natural cooling device. Sweat itself has no odour, but it begings to smell when ir comes into contact with bacteria on the skin's surface. Keeping underarms hair-free can help prevent sweat from being trapped. Opt for a an antiperspirant deodorant rather than just an ordinary deodorant alone.

Question : I had a facial massage in a beauty salon. Is there a way I can give myself one at home?

Yes, just like every other part of your bosy, your face will look better after a bit of exercise and a massage is the ideal way to give your complexion a workout. Pour few drops of vegetable oil into the palms of your hands and smooth it onto your face and neck. Make sure your skin is damp, as this makes the oil go on more easily.

Question : Is there anything I can do to get rid of the stretch marks that have appeared on my tummy, breasts and thighs?

There is little you can do once you have got them, except wait until they start to fade. However, keeping your skin well moisturized can help guard against getting them in first place.