Dear DOLLY, I have super oily skin and I get pimples and red spots on my back and chest and I'm really embarrassed to wear open dresses and tops because I don't want everyone seeing them. Please help!
A: Believe it or not, body acne (acne that occurs on your back, chest and shoulders etc ...) is quite a common problem amongst teens and adults, but don't stress, chips and chocolates aren't to blame! Usually, it's those obnoxious hormones that are responsible for upsetting your complexion and the build up of sweat and oil on the surface of your skin can also clog pores and cause blackheads and breakouts. Here are a few handy tips to help you win the war on acne:
First up, it's really important that you maintain a skincare regime, cleansing and moisturising morning and night to help removes excess dirt and oil from your skin. Try and keep the excess oil under control with a mild, gel-based cleanser like Cetaphil® Oily Skin Cleanser. It's tough on breaking down dirt and oil, without irritating your skin or leaving it feeling dry and itchy. After cleansing, finish with an oil-free moisturiser and whatever you do, don't squeeze or pick at pimples, it will only cause scarring!
Dear DOLLY, I cleanse and moisturise, but a few of my friends use creams and gels to help zap their zits. Can you recommend any that I can use on my acne that will tame my pimples without drying out my skin?
A: Sure can! There are gazillions of treatment gels and creams that you can incorporate into your skincare regime to help boost your pimple fighting prowess. Benzac AC have a treatment gel that you can use daily to unclog pores, kill pimple causing bacteria and banish breakouts on your body and face and best of all, it's available in a range of strengths to suit mild to moderate acne. The Benzac gel and face wash are available at all good pharmacies so drop into your local for more skin savvy information.
Dear DOLLY, My skin tone is very uneven so I always wear foundation during the day. What's a good option that doesn't cost too much that I can get away with wearing at school?
A: A tinted moisturiser is just what the doctor ordered! Why? These genius two-in-one's give your skin a boost of moisture and the light coverage helps to even out your skin and create a natural looking glow without looking too OTT — perfect or school! There are lots of great brands that you can pick up at your local supermarket or pharmacy that work wonders and won't break your piggy bank! Do your skin an extra favour and look out for one that contains SPF to help protect your skin from the sun.
Words by Eliza Ashe
