Dr JoAnn See, Dermatologist, has been running her own private practice for 14 years

Check out Dr JoAnn See's picks to splurge - and save - on skincare, and her words of wisdom below.



What can I do about my blackheads?
“This is difficult,” admits Dr See. “Everyone uses pore strips for blackheads, but the pores just fill up again. You can extract blackheads at the beautician, but to treat and prevent them, find a product with salicylic acid to unclog pores, like many of the Neutrogena face washes, or even glycolic acid, which helps exfoliate. For a more medical approach, try a topical retinoid on prescription every second night.”

Which is the right moisturiser for my skin?
“Moisturiser is like clothing – you need to wear a lighter one during summer when there’s more humidity in the air, so your skin is plumped up; during winter, when it’s cooler and drier, the top layer of your skin dries out, and air conditioning makes it worse so you need a heavier moisturiser to replenish your skin,” says Dr See. “You can usually get a great one at the chemist, and there’s no shame in buying a cheap moisturiser – use the money you save to buy a lipstick or mascara. When you’re trying something new, always buy the smallest size and try it on the back of your hand to test what it smells and feels like. We’re all individuals, and moisturiser is really up to personal preference.”

What can I do about red patches of broken blood vessels on my face?
“Redness on the face is usually either a skin condition, like eczema or psoriasis, or broken blood vessels. You can cover broken blood vessels with foundation or powder, but to reduce the redness, you’re really looking at having vascular laser treatment. It’s a few hundred dollars upfront, but you only need around two or three treatments and the effects last for two to five years,” says Dr See.

Is there anything I can do about the acne scars on my face?
“As long as the acne is no longer active, you can use an injectable filler for indented scars or a steroid injection for lumpy scars. You can also have them treated by laser. Look up www.acne.org.au for more information on acne and scarring solutions.”

How can I shrink visible pores?
“Pores are openings in the skin, so they’re always going to be there, and the dark part you see is oxidised sebum, not dirt,” Dr See says. “To minimise visible pores, use a moisturiser to plump up the skin – just like filling up a balloon. The other solution is to simply cover the pores with foundation or powder. A more expensive treatment is a non-ablative laser: the laser energy goes into the top layer of the skin and stimulates new healthy skin, making the pores shrink. It is a bit expensive, but four to six treatments may last a few years.”

Excerpt from Cosmopolitan Hair and Beauty issue 7 - on sale now! To purchase a copy, click here.

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Red Lips, Makeup Master, Neon Trend, Winged Eyeliner, Body Goddess, Sexy Curls, Big Night Out, Short Haircuts