Of course just as the season is about to begin here, I have spots. OK, just one spot, but it's a biggie and it seems to have settled in for life, right on my chin. "Don't worry about it," my husband tells me. "Spots make you look very young." No they don't. They make you look like an old person with spots.
At my age, it's not like you can just go out and buy some Clearasil, because that would be far too harsh on my now-so-very-pampered-and-more-used-to-exquisite-products-skin. Cleansing with Clearasil would feel a bit like cleansing with nail-varnish remover. So what to do?
Well, the first thing is to buy an excellent concealer (see Beauty Spy from September 17). That should shut the little blighter up for a bit. This is for use when in public. In private, of course, you can torture the spot as much as you like. One of the most evil instruments of spot torture is the Origins Super Spot Remover from Boots, which contains salicylic acid, and also algae that calm the redness caused by said acid. This is an effective and brutal treatment that will get rid of even the most stubborn blemishes. But if you're not quite ready for medieval levels of torture, then try a gentler option such as the Kate Somerville Purifying Exfoliating Cleanser, a pricey little number and it takes more time, but, as I say, is gentler on the skin, and the spot.
If you are an acne sufferer, then invest in the MD Formulations Adult Anti-Blemish Kit, which you can order from lookfantastic.com. It contains five products for acne and treats your skin without dehydrating it. This is the key when treating spots, you don't want to dry out your skin. Dry equals wrinkles, and they're even worse than zits.
If your budget is larger than mine (not to mention your spot) then go for the magical no!no! Skin, which is not a cream but a device that pulses your pimples away. Or you could opt for the overnight option. There are posh products such as the CosMedical Overnight Spot Treatment. Some even swear that toothpaste works a treat: just pop a bit on a cotton bud and dab it over the offending blemish. I would be willing to try that in an emergency, for example if I were suddenly overcome with spots while appearing in I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! but if you have the choice then save the toothpaste for your teeth and invest in some Sudocrem (yes, the nappy rash stuff) or even honey. Both are great remedies that will banish your blemish as you sleep. And if they don't, there's always the torture chamber...
3 of the best
Shades to keep you on-trend this autumn
CHANEL LE VERNIS ROUGE, DH118 Dark red always complements a wintry outfit and this top-quality enamel stays put too.
REVLON CORE NAIL ENAMEL IN FACETS OF FUCHSIA, DH30 Brighten up your nails with a touch of fuchsia. It's a deeper, darker shade of pink but still girly enough.
NSTYLE IN KNEE HIGH BOOTS DH45, Just one of a fabulous range of new-season shades from Nstyle. This autumnal brown hue provides beautifully smooth, streak-free colour.
M Loves
LANCÔME HYDRA ZEN
Hideously dry skin is a fact of life for all of us in the UAE climate, but we have found a cure. Lancôme's Hydra Zen is our moisturiser of choice for the hottest months. It is part cream, part gel, so it's lighter than your usual moisturiser and can be applied several times a day to give your AC-exposed face a much-needed drink. We adore the little pink pot, the smell of the cream and the texture. A real winner.
Lancôme Hydra Zen Extreme Soothing Moisturising Cream-Gel, Dh260, available at all major beauty counters across the UAE