Ruby Room

We all get one from time to time. A particularly nasty one or (heaven forbid!) a full-on breakout can send a grown woman into a state of teenage panic. What am I referring to? You guessed it - spots.

So what can you do if you're prone to the evil little erruptions? Fear not. The experts at The International Dermal Institute have generously agreed to share their 7 steps to spot-free skin.

Come out from under that jumper and be honest now - are you looking after your skin as you should be?

1. Prevention is better than cure, so begin by always keeping the skin clean. Have a good cleansing routine which incorporates a double cleanse (a pre-cleanse oil and antibacterial cleansing wash) both morning and night.

2. Use products that contain ingredients specifically for oily skin or breakouts such as Niacinamide, Horse Chestnut, Microsponges, Sarcosine and Zinc Gluconate.

3. Use an exfoliant at least 2 to 3 times per week. This will keep the skin follicles free of congestion. Use one that preferably contains Hydroxy Acids, in particular Salicylic acid as it's excellent at decongesting the follicles - avoid scrubs.

4. Apply a spot treatment that contains 5% Benzoyl Peroxide for more aggressive breakouts, and be sure to place the treatment directly on inflamed lesions only. Or use a product with Salicylic Acid, Tea Tree, Zinc Gluconate, Zinc Sulphate and Sulphur for a great anti microbial deep cleanse for the treatment of blackheads.

5. Apply a sebum clearing mask twice per week that contains deep cleansing clays, Spiraea Ulmaria and
Zinc Gluconate.

6. Use an oil free mattifying moisturiser that controls the skin's oil flow and at the same time assists in decongesting the skin and mopping up excess shine.

7. Lastly, never squeeze a spot, the chances are you will spread the infection and as a result you will have two spots instead of one and the scars to prove it. Squeezing spreads the infection due to the applied pressure bursting the contents of the follicle into the surrounding tissue and follicle.

The Don'ts:
Don't squeeze a spot.
Don't try and hide it with heavy make-up that will only make it worse.
Don't treat the skin with harsh, drying, irritating products in the hope to clear it up.
Don't forget your skin mirrors your internal well being; look after yourself from the inside out.

The Do's:
Use results targeted treatment products.
Seek professional advice in the first instance. If the breakouts are mild, visit your professional skin care therapist. However, if the condition is moderate to severe visit your GP to seek medical advice.

Know that there are effective treatments and products available.

Yes, but why me?
There are a several reasons people get spots:
Hereditary: It's great to be able to blame our parents for things and having spots can be one of them. If one parent had an incidence of acne then you have a 50% chance of getting it yourself. If both parents had acne, sorry, it's pretty likely you will too. This is especially prevalent at the time of puberty but may in some cases not emerge until later in life.

Hormones: During puberty our hormones go into a merry dance and for many, this causes moderate to severe acne. Once we pass puberty things such as pregnancy, stress, illness and medications also cause fluctuating hormones and can lead to the skin breaking out.

Environment and Lifestyle: Pollution, the weather (heat and humidity), poor diet and ill health can all have a negative influence on the body resulting in increased breakouts.

Skin Care: There is a condition termed "acne cosmetica", referring to the breakouts that occur from using products containing ingredients that 'clog' the skin. These include: acetylated lanolin, butyl stearate, flax oil, isopropyl myristate, myristyl myristate and cocoa butter and are often found in hair care products, skin care and the biggest culprit: make-up.

How exactly is a spot formed?
A spot is formed when a skin follicle (pore) becomes congested, then infected. The follicle becomes congested with dirt, dead skin cells and excess, sticky sebum (oil). This congestion causes an impaction (blockage) which is seen as a blackhead.

If the blackhead is not removed then the follicle can become infected by the bacteria that live in there. The bacteria enjoy digesting the fatty acids in the sebum which in turn, leads to inflammation resulting in a red, painful spot on the skin called a papule.

As the bacteria continue to digest the sebum and dead skin cells, and the inflammation increases, then the body's immune system kicks in and as a result of fighting the bacteria a spot is formed.