Guide to Looking Good
1. Wash and glow.
Forget all those old wives tales about chocolate and chips giving you spots - it's more likely to be a combination of male hormones and your current grooming routine that's to blame. I can't help you with the hormones bit (testosterone increases oil production) but your routine can be sorted.
Crucial to the battle against blemishes is keeping skin clean and free of pore-blocking debris because it's when a pore becomes blocked that a spot rears it ugly little head. Cleansing with Liquid Face Wash Extra Strength - which is specially formulated for oily skin - will help remove the grease and grime, whilst exfoliating regularly with some Face Scrub will help keep pores cear of dead skin cells. If oiliness is a real problem try wiping the skin with a little Scruffing Lotion after washing to remove any remaining debris.
Tip: Both heat and friction are known to stimulate oil production so try to avoid using excessively hot water and never rub the skin with a towel - gently pat it dry instead.
2. Take the battle to your blemishes!
Anyone who's suffered from acne will know all too well how stubborn pimples can be so if you do find yourself in a spot of bother, it's worth having a few other weapons up your sleeve. To help reduce the appearance of existing blemishes and to minimise any further outbreaks use Anti-Blemish Solutions Oil-Control Cleansing Mask, which only needs five minutes on your mush to work a miracle. And if a mini Mount Etna pops up just before an important meeting or hot date make sure you have Anti-Blemish Solutions Clear Blemish Gel to hand. A targeted treatment gel that helps reduce redness and promote healing, it's practically a 'smart weapon' for spots.
3. Mop up and moisturise.
In the same way that it's not so pretty to find grease on your plate it's not great to see it all over your face either. And remember where's there's oil there's spots. So keep skin shine-free by applying a little Oil Control Hydrator daily (and throughout the day if necessary), focusing on the infamous T-zone (the forehead, nose and chin) which is especially prone to oiliness.
Did you know...
It's a myth that sunlight is good for spots. In fact, the immediate effect of exposing the skin sunlight is to cause it to develop a thick surface layer which can be more prone to clogged pores.
Tip of the month:
If you want to prevent spotty shoulder blades ditch the over-the-shoulder man bag! Friction is known to stimulate oil production and trigger zits (it's why American footballers often get spots where their padding rubs).
For last month's Grooming Guide click here
Q. I suffer from terrible spots on my back. Can I prevent them?
A. A spotty back is a common problem with men and for good reason - combine a concentration of oil-producing glands with an environment that's sweaty, difficult to clean and enclosed in clothing most of the day and you're asking for trouble. To banish the 'bacne' start by removing dead skin cells with the help of a little Exfoliating Body Wash (you might have to rope in a willing accomplice to do this effectively). Then follow up with Anti-Blemish Solutions Body Spray which contains a host of blemish-busting ingredients to help keep your back spot-free. It even had a special nozzle that works upside down so you can reach those really tricky bits!
