For bumps on the forehead and an oily T-zone...

I'm a 25 year-old guy and have an oily T-zone but normal everywhere else. I also have bumps on my forehead. At the moment I'm using Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish - this was working to start with but now I'm not seeing any results. What skincare range would be best for me to start to use?

Alison: Try Elemis Tri-Enzyme skincare range - this sounds perfect for you. This system is specifically for those bumps that develop from a poor conditioned skin. So they should help to buff away the dead skin cells, while leaving you with a smoother finish.

Don't worry if you feel a mild tingle when you first use these products as that is the enzymes working. You'll find it reassuring as it's just a sign that it's actually working. The cool tingle should disappear after a while. I'm a huge fan of the products as they leave my skin looking nice and smooth. I even use the Facial Wash every single day.

For skin drying out from swimming...

I'm a woman of 45 and I go swimming 2/3 times a week. I find that it's really drying out my skin, especially around the eyes, cheeks and mouth area, which in turn is causing more fine wrinkles to form. I've very sensitive and fine skin, but it has always looked youthful until I took up swimming. I presently use the Gatineau Melatogenine range, but this does not seem to be enough.
 
Is there an intense treatment you can recommend to rehydrate my skin initially and keep it rehydrated and protected in the future, especially when I'm swimming?

Alison: Your skincare routine sounds excellent to me! So keep this routine at home and take a few products to the swimming pool with you, such as the Decleor Angelique Balm or Angelique Oil. Put either of these on before you actually get into the pool and see which works best.

These won't be removed in the pool like an emulsion would, which is why the moisturisers that you're currently using aren't protecting your skin before you go into the swimming pool. So, the Oil or Balm will work well as a pre-swim treatment.

When you get out of the pool, you can also add a couple of drops on the skin underneath your favourite Gatineau products, if you want to. For the perfect combination, put a little bit of the oil on first and then a little bit of the balm on top. Plus, you will need to apply more than you would at home because you want it to act like a barrier.

Don't worry, it shouldn't be that visible!

For covering and helping to clear up breakouts...

I'm 25 with PCOS, so as you can imagine my skin never looks healthy and glowing. I always have breakouts on my chin (and can’t remember the last time I didn’t have to use concealer.) I've now started getting breakouts occasionally on my forehead and cheeks. Please can you advise the best beauty regime for me. 

Also because I'm 25, should I be thinking of anti ageing products? If possible could you also recommend the best concealer to cover blemishes?

Alison: The best concealer to cover blemishes would be the Amazing Cosmetics Concealer. Apply over a primer, such as Smashbox Photo Finish, if you need it to go on smoothly. Also, the best way to cover spots is to layer. So, you should finish with a powder make-up that you then use all over the face, such as from Laura Geller or Bare Escentuals. This will help it to look more natural without showing the concealer underneath.

The good news is that you have been diagnosed. As you progress through treatment the skin will calm down. In the meantime make sure that you avoid exfoliating - you don't want to make your skin any more active than it already is.

Your skin is being driven to be overactive by a hormonal imbalance. So, don't do a lot of masks or a lot of steaming. If you do want to exfoliate or use a mask, I'd limit it to once a month, or twice maximum. Don't use dermabrasion, go for a gentle exfoliant instead.

For dry, sensitive hands with nails breaking constantly...

I'm 36 and over the last 12 months my hands are getting very dry and sensitive, especially the fingers. The nails keep breaking and I have hard dry skin around the nail which becomes very sore and hurts. Is there anything that you could recommend?

Alison: Firstly it would be good to try to find out what is causing this. You haven't mentioned what your job is or if your hands are in and out of a lot of chemicals or irritants.

So, I'd recommend you use something really gentle, such as an A'kin Handwash as they don't contain ingredients that a lot of people can be allergic to. Then when your skin becomes irritated as you've described use L'Occitane 100% Shea Butter as this only contains one ingredient. That way we're lowering the amount of potential allergens that are on the skin.

Do bare in mind, however, that this skin irritation could have been triggered off by something. If you are really concerned about it then you must consult your doctor and he may be able to prescribe something for you that you can use alongside your beauty routine.

For chicken pock-like marks on the face and chest area...

I'm 37 and use either Decleor or Elemis products. Recently during the sunny weather, I've developed chicken pock-like spots on my face and chest area as well as on my arms, but they seem to be "inverted". Don't know what they are or what to use. Can you help?

Alison: I would like you to check these with the doctor because if you were on holiday, there are some skin infections that can be picked up from the sand, lilos, public baths, towels etc. It shouldn't be anything to worry about but if it is this, then you doctor should be able to sort it out for you very quickly.

In the meantime in your beauty routine, you should keep using the skincare products that you've been happy with. However, I’d add ABC Skinwash and use this daily in the shower on your face and body.

For breakouts and dryness on the face...

I'm a 38-year-old who experiences pimples, blackheads and breakouts on my chin and forehead. I've tried all products and the latest is Philosophy which works only for a few months but after that I have oily skin and breakouts again. Please advise me on what to use. I have a combination of oily and sensitive skin.

Alison: When I suffer from this problem I follow a balancing routine. This is as follows: Decleor Cleanser & Toner, Decleor Aromessence Neroli Oil and the Decleor Hydra Floral Moisturiser.

To this, I also add a few other products to help target the breakout areas. So, I'd add Philosophy On a Clear Day Serum underneath the Aromessence and Moisturiser. This should help to fight the spotty areas whilst keeping the skin hydrated.

For a sore and flaky scalp...

I've used several shampoos and conditioners from QVC for a flaky itchy scalp, and Ojon too, and none of these help my sore scalp with hard scabs. What can I use please as I'm unable to afford things that are expensive and don't work?
 
Alison: You've already tried one of our most effective formulas, which is the Philip Kingsley Flaky Itchy Scalp. However, there is one thing that you could do before you may need to consult your doctor.

It is possible to soften actual flakes or increased areas of coarse or thickened skin. Before shampooing, soak the scalp in oil. This could be a pure almond, olive or jojoba oil that you can buy from your chemist or supermarket. The trick would be to massage this into the scalp area, particularly where it's driest, and then try one of the shampoos, such as the Philip Kingsley afterwards.

If this doesn't work then you should show your doctor next time you have an appointment.

For breakouts and enlarged pores on the face...

I work outside in the elements all year round. I'm 38, have enlarged pores on my nose and I get breakouts on my chin, forehead, including hairline, and sometimes on my cheeks.

The majority of the time I'm left with scarring/pigmentation, which is making me very self-conscious. Please help as this is really getting me down.

Alison: I have helped someone recently who suffered from the same skin complaints as you, and found Prai to be the answer. She also told me to recommend it to anyone with the same dilemmas as her, because she found it instantly improved the look of her skin - it was a real wow result!

So, I think you will get a quick and flattering result with this range, making it look and feel younger. Try this Prai four-piece collection and let me know how you get on.

For lightening and concealing dark areas on the neck...

I'm a fair skin-toned Asian girl, aged 25. My neck seems to be much darker than my face and when I put foundation on my neck to match my face, it just doesnt go! I always cleanse and exfoliate my neck too. I'm getting married soon. What products are best used to lighten this area?

Alison: This can be a common problem and is often caused by dryness and a lack of oil glands on the neck area. The skin does appear darker, therefore, on facial areas. So, you need to follow an intense exfoliation and moisturising system that almost belies your age.

To step up your routine in this area, I'd recommend using Alpha-H Liquid Gold, which should help to exfoliate this area as well as lightening any dark patches. It's crucial that you use this with a rich moisturis, so follow morning and night with Alpha-H Rejuvenating Cream. However, I wouldn't necessarily apply this to the face - I'd keep this routine just for the neck area.

Also in the morning after applying Liquid Gold, I'd recommend wearing a high SPF, such as Ultrasun SPF 30, which is a once-a-day application.

For melasma on the top lip...

I'm 30 and have good skin, just a bit sensitive, but since having my children I've suffered with melasma on my top lip - it looks like a moustache. I've been told that treatments of an enerpeel will help but its going to cost £600. In your experience, what would you recommend?

Alison: Melasma is an increase in pigmentation that can often occur during pregnancy. It may fade naturally but I'm not sure how long ago you had your children.

Sometimes, it naturally fades and disappears maybe a year or two after giving birth, as it can take this long for the hormones to re-adjust. So, check with your doctor to see if he thinks it will be a natural fader.

Even if it's only short term, you must wear sun block over this area. Any form of the sun, even on a cloudy day, can make it darken in colour, as it’s so hypersensitive. So, I'd recommend the UltraSun SPF 50 for all-day protection on the upper lip area.

To help reduce the look of the melasma, I’d recommend wiping Alpha-H White Gold on to the skin, three times a week. I’d also suggest wearing make-up over this area to physically cover up this area and even it up with rest of the skin - try Amazing Cosmetics Concealer.