Not easy to resist squeezing these little (or sometimes big) blighters but picking at them will only make matters worse. Alexandra Soveral, facialist extraordinaire, advises that you “change your pillowcase every three days and always use a clean face flannel to dry your skin”, which should help to keep bacteria to a minimum. If you have to squeeze spots, attempt only those with a white head. Her advice is: “Wash hands and cleanse the area well. Apply some toner to a cotton pad and wipe any grease from the cleanser . Pour some hot water in a bowl, add three drops of lavender essential oil and steam the area for a few minutes. Apply a drop of neat lavender to the spot. With a tissue, apply gentle pressure on each side of it. Squeeze gently and be patient! Once the white puss is out, apply another drop of oil. Leave to dry and don’t touch.”
If you can’t face the thought of doing all this yourself or you have a (very) special or important event, you could also try the emergency spot treatment at Skin Oasis where one of their medically trained aesthetic practioners will inject a small dose of hydrocortisone directly on to the spot, making it virtually disappear in 24 hours.
Skin Oasis, £30 (020-7486 5134)
Spots . . . between the eyebrows This zone is related to the liver. Congestion here indicates consuming too much rich foods, alcohol and possibly having a food allergy.
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Spots . . . on your cheeks Smokers or anyone suffering from allergies may experience fine, broken capillaries or congestion. This could also be stress-related.
Spots ... around your mouth This corresponds to your genital area and reproductive organs.
Spots . . . on your chin This can indicate hormonal imbalance, possibly caused by stress. Pre-menstrual breakouts are also common here.
Out, damned spot
Darphin’s Purifying Balm, £38 (0870 0342566) A bit of this on a cleansed face prevents a break-out completely or delays it by a few days.
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SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Masque, £40 (020-8997 8541) Great for decongesting clogged pores.
Alexandra Soveral Spotless Treatment Gel, £20; www.alexandra- soveral.co.uk. Gentle and effective.