Louise McSharry: How to soothe lumps, bumps and rashes for smooth skin all year round

From bumpy skin via keratosis pilaris, to bum acne, or the sexily named boils, these things simply happen. They’re not much fun though, and as such, you may feel totally alone with them. Today, let’s face some of them head on.

Keratosis pilaris is an incredibly common condition which causes small bumps to appear on the upper arms, legs or bum. They’re harmless, but annoying if you want the smooth, silky skin of a baby seal, as I do. Fortunately, they can be minimised with acid exfoliants like salicylic acid.

CeraVe’s SA Smoothing Cleanser (€15 via millies.ie) can be used on the face or body, and fortunately is competitively priced so you can keep it in the shower and use it all over. The range also includes an SA Smoothing cream (€14.25 via cobhpharmacy.ie), and these two products combined can make a real difference when it comes to bumpy skin.

Bum acne is an affliction many experience, so if you do too, do not feel ashamed! This issue is usually caused by the inflammation of hair follicles, also known as folliculitis. The products mentioned above can help with this, as can similar products which contain physical exfoliants like First Aid Beauty’s KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub (€11.95 via cloud10beauty.com).

Dermalogica’s Clear Start Clarifying Body Spray (€27 via boots.ie) was originally designed with back acne in mind, but it’s suitable for any hard to reach area and contains acne-fighting salicylic acid which is effective in keeping the pores unclogged.

Using an antibacterial soap a couple of times a week can help too. Nilaqua Skin Cleansing Foam with Antibacterial Properties (€8.99 via boots.ie) is used in many hospitals to ward off bacteria and viruses, and can be used outside the shower to make sure any area is clean and fresh. You simply massage it into the skin and then wipe off after 30 seconds to a minute.

Another issue people sometimes feel uncomfortable talking about is managing folds of skin which sometimes occur on the body. These can become irritated and sometimes result in a condition called intertrigo. Basically the fold creates an environment which is ideal for the growth of yeast and bacteria which can lead to pain and discomfort.

Keeping the area clean and dry is the best way to avoid these situations, so again, antibacterial soap is really helpful. Powders like Megababe’s Body Dust Top-to-Toe Powder (from €9.25 via beautybay.com) or Boots Medicated Powder (€4.49 via boots.ie) can assist in reducing moisture in the area too. If you do get chafing or irritation, nappy rash cream with zinc can be incredibly effective in speeding up the healing process. Caldease Zinc Oxide Ointment (€4.55 via rocheschemist.ie), for example.

Whatever it is that’s going on with your body, take comfort in the fact that you are almost certainly not the only person to experience it. Don’t be afraid to seek out help and solutions from health or medical professionals. You don’t need to suffer alone because you’re embarrassed. Bodies are just bodies, and the experts are there to help.

Lost in translation

It’s hard to keep up with all the treatments available today, so let’s get clear on at least one of them. Mesotherapy places micro-injections of enzymes, vitamins, plant extracts and hormones into the middle layer (mesoderm) of the skin. Using very fine needles, this technique stimulates collagen and elastin production which can restore plumpness to the surface of the skin. This is a cumulative treatment, meaning it’s recommended you do a series of treatments over an extended time period. Results are subtle but noticeable.

Something old...

Ultrasun is a Swiss sun protection brand founded 30 years ago by a chemist whose brother had experienced skin cancer. After learning from that experience, he became determined to develop a range of products which would ensure that the right sun protection was available for everyone, no matter their skin type, age or tone. Ultrasun products are hypo-allergenic, meaning they’re suitable for children and babies and people with sensitive skin.

They are also non-comedogenic which mean they prevent the onset of sun allergies or prickly heat (relevant to some as we head into holiday season), and highly water-resistant. I’m a fan, in general, but today I want to focus on Ultrasun’s Face Sun Protection SPF 50 Face and Scalp Mist (€23 via boots.ie). This is ideal for topping up protection throughout the day, and works on top or under makeup. Pop it in your handbag and you’ll never be without sun protection.

​... Something new

I originally came to know Image Skincare thanks to countless Irish women telling me their SPF was their holy grail. Once I tried it, I could see why. It was great. When I heard that they’d revamped and renamed the product as well as expanding the range, I was excited and a little bit scared. Now that I’ve tried them, I know there was nothing to be afraid of because the products are great. The new name for the range is Daily Prevention as Image emphasise the need for SPF every single day, even if the sun isn’t out.

Aside from the anti-aging impact of using SPF every day, it also protects you from skin cancer, which is a very real risk. Yes, even in Ireland. One of the new products is Daily Prevention Protect and Refresh Mist SPF 30 (€53.50 via imageskincare.ie). The price is a little intense, but this dry-oil spray is a dream for topping up your protection, even over makeup. It also contains an antioxidant-rich blend of vitamins A, C and E, meaning your skin will also get a boost of moisture.