Beauty Q & A with John Gustafson

Our make-up, skincare and beauty guru solves all your beauty dilemmas

Hi John,

Firstly, thanks for all your wonderful advice over the years - I've found results to several of my beauty problems through your answers! However, there's one beauty issue I'm currently struggling to resolve - a late onset of back acne. I'm 27 and have had pretty much flawless skin on my back and shoulders up until around a year ago, when I had to come off the contraceptive pill. Cue seriously troublesome skin for the next six months on my face, chest and back! The face and chest have since settled down, but my back continues to break out - a combination of blackheads, whiteheads and really large, painful lumps that won't shift for weeks.
I really, really want my ‘old back' back, and to feel confident wearing vests and strappy dresses this summer. Do you have any tips about how to deal with this problem? I try to clean the area daily in the shower with a Neutrogena spot-targeting face wash, which has reduced oiliness but hasn't stopped me getting the spots. Also, is there anything I can treat the area with to reduce the red marks and scars left behind by a year of breakouts? My budget can stretch a fair way for the right product(s).
Thank you in advance!
Jo

Jo,
Start out by going and having a regular body cleansing/exfoliating treatment. There are some areas that are just too difficult to reach by yourself! Bliss Oxygen and/or Herzog Oxygen body treatments are fantastic as they naturally kill spot-producing bacteria. Follow-on yourself can be with the Karin Herzog Oxygen Body Lotion. For obvious reasons! Clinique has a body wash and spray treatment in the Anti-Blemish Solutions Range and I would highly recommend the Spray for Chest and Backs. The multi-directional spray insures coverage and the product contains salicylic acid to unblock and treat spots. But if this problem started when you stopped the pill, this is a hormonal problem. You really should go and speak to your GP about whether it is best to either go back on some form of contraceptive, or if they can recommend something more systemic than topical. It may even be that a course of Roe Accutane would be in order. This is not a decision to take lightly as it has some serious side-effect in some people, but if you are getting painful cystic spots that leave marks...it may be worth looking into. Good luck in getting to the bottom of the problem and don't worry: this is not an uncommon problem and it can be sorted.And you are welcome - hope the advice I have given you helps,
John

 

Hi John,
I was wondering if you could recommend a firming body cream. I'm in the process of losing weight (hopefully over 4 stones!) and I am quite worried about having excess or loose skin due to this. Is there a good quality body cream that could help prevent sagging at all? I'm 25 and have generally dry/ sensitive skin and I have tried Palmer's cocoa butter and although it is conditioning I'd like to know if there is anything more sophisticated on the market that will target this problem.
Many thanks,
Samantha

Samantha,
Congratulations and good luck with the weight loss - I am sure it is difficult and you should be extremely proud of yourself! If I were choosing a great affordable product for you, I would choose Mama Mio Shrink to Fit. This is a lovely body lotion that will keep skin elastic and help it to tighten alongside your weight loss. The products are natural so they should be good for your skin and they are easy to get hold of from better department stores. If money were not an issue, another good one is Rodial Body Sculpture. Very moisturising and minus the parabens and other nasty ingredients everyone seems to be wanting to be clear of. I would also recommend a good body toning oil for in the bath or shower to help drain toxins and promote elasticity. Both Clarins Tonic Body Oil and Decleor Ton Elastil Oil are great choices. You are absolutely correct to do this in tandem with your weight loss. Leaving it until the weight is gone and the skin is hanging would be self-defeating. Keep up the good work and I wish you all the very best...
John

 

Hi John,
I have a large red birthmark just below my collarbone which looks unfortunately like a love bite! I always feel self-conscious when it is exposed and am looking for a concealer to cover it. In winter it's not a problem as I can hide it with clothing, but I'd like to be able to wear one-shouldered dresses and strappy tops in summer without feeling so self-conscious. Can you recommend a concealer to cover it?
Thanks,
Nicola

Nicola,
The product I carry in my own kit is Estée Lauder Maximum Cover. It is a full cover waterproof foundation for tattoos, birthmarks, and scarring. I have used it for years and can't imagine not having it. Readily available and a simple layering process will cover anything! If you have a difficult to match skin, you can try going to a theatrical makeup supply and getting Derma Blend, Derma Cover, or Covermark. All are extreme cover makeups that are used for film. The shade ranges are huge and you can generally buy pallets of sampling colours so you can test them out and choose which one you want to buy in full size. But with these you must use the waterproof setting powder. Don't cheat and try to get on without or you will be disappointed. But any of these will cover your mark and keep it covered. Promise! And are you sure it isn't a love bite?...LOL,
John

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