Beauty Q & A with John Gustafson

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

Hi John

 I was wondering if you could help me or give me some tips on how to cover a keloid. I did have a corticosteroid injection and it does seem to be flattening the keloid. But at some point I may end up going out for dinner and I do have a dress with a slightly low cut to it which shows the keloid and it does cause to me to be quite self conscious at times. I did go into my local Boots store and asked for some help but the assistant only pointed me in the general direction of the concealers. Now being a person who relies on a natural look (no make up), this didn't help at all. If you could give me any advice or some pointers as to what and how I should apply, I would be unbelievably grateful, as I've never used concealers or foundations! Any help will be greatly appreciated

Thank you,

Kirsty

 

Kirsty,

As you don't like the makeup end of the spectrum, I am going to tell you about the product that has made a world of difference on the scar on the back of MY hand. I had a minor plastic surgery because of a lump and the doc that removed the stitches opened the wound back up. (You can read about the entire repressed episode in the archive...). Anyway, there is a product called Dermatix that you can buy straight out from the chemist (£35) or that you can get a prescription for - which is a much better deal. You apply the finest layer of the gel a couple of times a day and I swear, the colour fades and the keloid smoothes out. I was so incredibly impressed. If you can get the raised bit to smoothes out, then you can use an ordinary concealer if the scar deepens in colour due to cold, etc. If you look at any of the recent clips on handbag TV: you can barely see my mark and I haven't bothered to cover it at all. It is on the back of my hand between the thumb and forefinger. Plus I tell people I got it saving a little old lady being mugged by a gang of skinheads! Give that a go and you should find you can skin the camouflage makeup altogether.

Warmest regards,

John

 

Hi John

At the beginning of the year I discovered the Origins Nude & Improved foundation with SPF 15. It has been the best foundation that I have ever used and I have been really pleased with it. Unfortunately, I recently went to Origins to get a replacement only to be told that they no longer sell any cosmetics. Can you recommend an alternative foundation that I could try - ideally I want one that is similar in terms of lack of chemicals, light coverage and SPF included?

Thanks,

Rachel

 

Rachel,

Nuisance, huh? LOL. Well, anyone that was using the Origins Nude and Improved I have been steering to either the Becca Skin Tint or the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturisers. This fills the entire brief you have laid out and gives you a vast selection of colours too. Have a look at both and decide which one will give you the best shade.

Later,

John

 

Dear John

Please can you recommend a moisturiser and eye cream, which are good for the first signs of aging? I am 27 and starting to face the fact that I need to start some line prevention! I have combination skin, which can get dry at times and would like something with an SPF too. Keep up the good work - your beauty Q&A is fab and really enjoy reading your answers each week!

Many thanks,

Katherine

 

Katherine,

Lancôme has always done a range of products that addressed the first signs. Right now they are the Primordial line. You have SPF day products, night products, and eye as well. I really like the ProFerm Day and Night, but you would have to add your own sunscreen as the SPF breaks down the formula. Mind you, most foundations provide daily protection anyway. Another great product is the new range from Bakel. These contain zero useless substances and are applied everywhere including the eye area. Again you would have to add the sunscreen. But the latter two are very high-tech and amazing. Don't get too hung up unless you are really seeing the loss of elasticity. Address the protection aspect and keep an eye on the current condition of your skin.

All the best to you,

John

 

 

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