The skin you're in

Q Is it important to use skincare products for a specific skin type?

A Since many products are designed for normal, oily, combination, dry or sensitive skin, it makes sense to use the right one for you -  of course that means knowing what your skin type is:

Normal: Smooth, even texture with medium pores and healthy colour, no particular problems

Oily: May look and feel greasy with large pores, prone to blackheads and spots

Combination: Feels greasy across your forehead, nose and chin (t-zone) but normal on cheeks

Dry: Feels tight, especially after cleansing, may have an uneven, rough surface with some flaky patches. Prone to fine wrinkles and may look dull

Sensitive: Looks thin and delicate with fine pores, flushes easily, prone to red blotches and uneven skin texture

Q Is it bad to wash your face with soap?

A If you use soap to wash your face and it doesn't make your skin feel tight or uncomfortable, then go ahead. As you get older, however, using soap may make your skin feel dry -  in which case, you may need a different product, such as a cream-based cleanser.

Meanwhile if you suffer from eczema, soap can be very drying. Get around the problem by using a pH-balanced soap or cleanser that has been dermatologically tested -  ask your pharmacist to recommend one that's suitable for your skin type.

Q What causes dark circles under the eyes?

A There can be many things -  lack of sleep, for instance, or poor circulation, not drinking enough water or even a poor diet. Get plenty of sleep, eat a healthy, balanced diet and you should see some improvement.

Dark circles under the eyes can, however, also be caused by anaemia (lack of iron in the blood). So if you also feel tired all the time, ask your GP or pharmacist about getting your iron levels tested. In the meantime, make sure your diet includes plenty of iron-rich foods such as red meat, tinned sardines, dried apricots and pumpkin seeds.

Q Why do spots often appear during certain times of the month or when you're stressed?

A The answer is all down to fluctuating hormone levels, specifically hormones called androgens that stimulate glands in your skin to produce oil. If you're prone to spots at certain times, ask your pharmacist to recommend a deep cleansing treatment that you can use before you get a breakout, which could help keep the spots at bay.

And if stress is the main culprit, fight the problem head on by indulging your favourite form of relaxation whenever you feel tense.

Q If you do get spots, what's the best way to conceal them?

A Make-up artists swear by using concealers with a yellowish tone for covering up nasty, red, swollen spots. First, apply your usual foundation. Then, using a clean brush apply the concealer where it's needed, or press it into your skin gently using clean fingers. Finally, dust your skin with some transluscent powder to fix the concealer in place.

Q Is it ever okay to squeeze blackheads?

A As long as they are black, yes you can squeeze. Here's how to do it. Wash your hands thoroughly then, using the side of your thumb and the end of your finger, squeeze gently. Once the blackhead pops, finish off with a dab of antiseptic lotion or a suitable skincare produce (one that contains tea tree oil, for instance). Then wash your hands again.

You could also steam your pores to open them before squeezing. Plus there are products available at pharmacies that are designed to make the process easier, including devices called blackhead extractors or blackhead strip removers.

Alternatively, avoid getting blackheads in the first place by using a gentle exfoliating treatment -  such as a face scrub -  on a regular basis.

Q What's the best way to exfoliate?

A Less is more -  that's the secret of effective exfoliation. It's easy to think that the more you scrub, the more your skin will glow. But use an exfoliating product -  such as a cream or a scrub -  too often and your skin could turn red, dry and even break out into spots.

Whatever type of product you use, don't overdo it -  just once or twice a week is all you need. And remember, when you're using an exfoliating product, be very gentle.

Q At what age should you start wearing eye cream?

A Most beauty therapists agree the earlier the better, since the skin around your eyes is very delicate and more sensitive than the skin on your cheeks and the rest of your face. Using a normal moisturiser around your eyes could make them look puffy, since most moisturisers may be far too rich for the delicate eye contour area. For the best results, look for a product that's designed to gently hydrate the skin around your eyes.

Q What causes skin chafing and how can you treat it?

A When your clothes rub against your skin (or even when your skin rubs against another part of your skin), the friction makes you sore -  in other words, it causes chafing. It's common to experience chafing when you do sports or other activities, and it also tends to get worse when the weather's hot. However if you don't do something about it, you could end up with a skin infection. As soon as chafing becomes a problem, treat it with a specially formulated skin preparation that protects your skin from further irritation. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a product that will help.

Q Can you harm your skin if you forget to take your make-up off at night every now and then?

A Going to bed with your make-up still on could result in clogged pores -  which isn't particularly useful if you tend to get spots. But these days there are so many great products available that make it easy to remove make-up -  even if you're really tired. Try make-up remover wipes, for instance -  one swipe and your make-up is gone. Check out the range of make-up removers at your local pharmacy and choose one that you can get into the habit of using every night. Your skin will thank you for it.

Q What's the deal with daytime moisturisers and night time moisturisers -  do you really have to use a different product in the morning and at night?

A There are several reasons why you might want to use one moisturiser at the start of the day and another one at the end. Skin that's susceptible to acne, for instance, may need a special night cream that reduces the oil levels in your skin during the night -  which is when the glands in your skin that produce oil are the most active. So by using a specially formulated night cream for oily skin, it can help keep your pores clear and blemish-free.

And if your skin is showing signs of ageing, such as dryness and fine lines, an anti-ageing night cream can help stimulate your skin's natural processes such as collagen production -  this, for instance, tends to slow down as you get older and results in less plump, less elastic skin.

Q What's the best way to avoid getting wrinkles?

Most skincare experts agree the number one strategy for keeping your skin as wrinkle-free for as long as possible is to protect it from the sun. Damaging UV rays can cause premature ageing, so during the summer months avoid the sun when it's at its hottest (that is, between 11am and 3pm), and always wear a sunscreen with a high SPF (30 or over) when you are exposed to the sun's rays.

If you already have a few wrinkles, don't try to cover them up with make-up -  the more you try to disguise them, the more obvious they become. Try a really sheer, moisturising foundation that's designed for older skin and avoid using powder, as it can accentuate any existing wrinkles and fine lines.