Q&A on facial cleansing with Harley Street dermatologist Dr Sam Bunting - ANSWERS BACK

[LucilleMumsnet]

Are you overwhelmed by the influx of beauty gadgets and facial creams? Confused by what helps your skin versus what is stripping it? Look no further, we're running a Q&A this week all about facial cleansing, with Harley Street dermatologist Dr Sam Bunting.

As a cosmetic dermatologist with a busy private practice in Harley Street, Dr Sam Bunting is used to giving out advice on all skin types and will answer all your facial cleansing questions and will give you tips on how to keep your skin radiant and youthful-looking.

The Q&A is sponsored by Philips VisaPure, a gentle, easy-to-use electronic facial cleansing device that massages the skin to remove make-up, dirt and impurities. The VisaPure is ten times more effective than manual cleansing, giving women more radiant, youthful skin in 2 weeks*.

Post your questions to Sam before 9am on Monday 31st March and we'll send over a selection and post her answers on Monday 7th April.?

• 87% of consumers experienced more radiant, youthful skin in 2 weeks

@cakelover75

Which cleansers do you recommend for rosacea sufferers? I have the small bumpy red spot type of rosacea, in my late 30's and fair celtic skin.

Thank you!

I like La Roche-Posay Rosaliac cleanser. I also like Cetaphil's Gentle Cleanser which tends to be well tolerated by most patients with sensitive skin. I would avoid physical exfoliation in those who suffer from rosacea.

@FabULouse

What would your cleansing recommendations be for an 18yo with oily skin, prone to blackhead formation and 2-3 'proper' red spots at any one time? The typical 'teenage' products seem terribly harsh and definitely worsen oil production.

I am a big fan of the Obagi Clenziderm range – their foaming cleanser with 2% salicylic acid is an excellent choice and is less drying that most typical acne cleansers.

@mandalee

Hi, Dr. Sam! I'm mystified by my face at the moment - in the past month, I've suddenly (for the first time in my life) gotten small patches of little bumps on my chin, at the corner of my mouth, next to my nose and even (yuck!) inside my nostrils. They are not pimples - they never come to a head, and spot cream does nothing to them. They don't itch like eczema, either - if anything, they're tender. I've also had patches of eczema on my hands and inner elbows lately, though (also very uncharacteristic), so perhaps it's that? Have resorted to Betnovate .1% twice a day, which seems to help somewhat, but will it ruin my skin? Any help or advice appreciated!

Oh, and I'm 42, if that makes a difference. :-D

First thing to say is stop Betnovate topical product. From your description you sound like you could have a condition called perioral dermatitis. Topical steroids can make this condition worse. I'd advise that you stop using products that are not labelled non-comedogenic as this condition can arise from using poorly formulated skin care products. It would be worth getting an expert opinion as a doctor really needs to see a skin problem to make a diagnosis and you may need prescription medication to settle it down fully.

@lazypepper

What is your view on using Roaccutane for mild, but persistent acne.

I am 46 now, and have very oily skin still. I have had acne since being a young teen - and have kept it away using the combined pill, Dianette being the most successful. Am currently taking Trimethoprim - which keeps the spots to a minimum - but my face feels like an oil slick. This in itself feels horrible.

When taking no meds, I get some large spots on my face, neck, chest, shoulders and back. I wouldn't say it is cystic, but there are enough to upset and embarrass me.

I have been to see a dermatologist privately - and I am to return for a repeat visit to see how the Trimethoprim is working. however I can't keep taking it for ever, can I?

I am very sympathetic to your story – I see a lot of patients who suffer in the same way with chronic ongoing acne which destroys quality of life. In my opinion, it's important to consider Roaccutane in the context of patient's history and background medical condition. But yes, I feel it does have a place in cases such as yours where other treatments aren't working, assuming you are also using a topical retinoid at present. Spironolactone would also be an option. Here's a useful website discussing the various treatment options.

@Rosie29

Also my dd is starting puberty, she's 10, when should preteens start doing more than just washing face with a flannel in the bath!

Thanks

The key is to take action once oiliness in the T-zone and those first clogged pores appear. At this point a simple salicylic acid-based cleanser can help. Try Neutrogena Visibly Clear Oil-free Wash.

You can now see the answers from the Q&A archived here. Thanks again to all who took part.