There are lots of (unhelpful) myths about acne. First up, nope – you can’t pass acne on to other people. And no, it’s not caused by dirty skin. The biological reactions that trigger acne occur beneath the skin, so washing your 
face more than twice a day won’t help; in fact, this could aggravate the condition. 
Use a mild product, such as Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser (473ml). And finally, it’s not linked to a poor diet. Research hasn’t pinpointed any specific foods that cause acne, although eating a healthy, balanced diet is always a smart idea. And here’s a good truth, by contrast: a study suggests the cells of those who have suffered from acne may be protected from the signs of ageing. Hurrah!

Three times more, in fact. Symptoms include persistent redness caused by dilated blood vessels, small bumps, and pus-filled spots similar to acne. Products to reach for? Choose an unperfumed moisturiser such as Bioderma Sensibio Anti Redness Cream (40ml). 
If you want to camouflage the redness, try IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream. And for protection, you need at least SPF30, even in winter and on cloudy days. Try Eucerin Anti-Pigment Day Cream SPF30 (50ml).

A study found that living 
in a hard-water area is associated with an up 
to 87% increased risk 
of eczema by the age of three months! If you live in the south of the UK, your household water will tend to be harder than that in the north. Consider adding Cetraben Cream (475ml) 
to baths to help moisturise eczema-prone skin. Other risk factors? It can run in families, and often develops alongside asthma and hayfever. And triggers include soaps, detergents, stress and 
the weather. Try these smart buys: La Roche-Posay Lipikar Stick AP+; and Boots Eczema Treatment Cream (30ml)^†, 
relieves itching, redness and dryness.

…instead consider gentler treatments. Here are a few other things from the blemish rulebook: If you get a spot, try not to fret. This could cause the body’s stress hormone, cortisol, to rise, and lead to 
an increase in oil production. And do stop squeezing and picking (however tempting) 
– it can aggravate spots 
and even cause scarring. For more help, Boots Acne Online Clinic offers potential access to a range of prescription-only medicines to help with mild to moderate acne, without having to see your GP*. Plus, the online consultation only takes about three minutes!

The estimated number of people who suffer from rosacea worldwide is 415 million. Who knew? And many of those 
also experience eye issues, 
such as redness, dryness, 
itching and excess tears.

^{†Available from 2 March 2020. *Subject to clinician approval and stock availability; charges apply.}