TREATMENTS: INFORMATION & RESOURCES

EMLA & LMX4 NUMBING CREAMS

Emla and LMX4 are numbing creams available (they may need to be ordered in advance) from pharmacies such as Boots, Chemist Direct or Express Chemist in 5g and 30g tubes.

LMX4 is more powerful than Emla, but a prescription is not necessary for either although they should be used sensibly: numbing certain areas of the face of limited areas of the body is fine but applying a thick layer over an entire leg is strongly advised against, both in terms of medication and in terms of cost!

If electrolysis is painful, ask your electrologist to turn the setting down.

However for areas such as the upper lip, jawline and eyebrows, Emla or LMX4 is very useful for those who find even low settings painful. Apply a thick layer of cream to a limited area and cover with a piece of plastic, ideally for an hour. The plastic strips should be clear polythene (e.g. Ziplok bags cut into smaller pieces) rather than cling film

MOISTURISERS

A moisturiser should only be used for dry skin or when in a particularly harsh environment (extreme cold or heat).

For normal to oily skin, moisturisers are not necessary, particularly the oil-free types which clog up the pores.

For combination skin, only use a moisturiser on the dry areas.

Never use moisturisers containing dimethicone or any ingredient ending in      ‘-cone’.

Simple moisturisers such as Astral Cream or the original Nivea Creme, along with other small-label brands, should be fine.

If you suffer from frequent redness, irritation or a general dullness in your complexion, it is most likely to be your moisturiser. Switch to a basic moisturiser and see the difference – but the primary rule is: the less you put on your skin, the better.

For extreme dry skin, dermatitis, eczema or razor burn, Lansinoh (Nipple) Cream is highly recommended. As a purified lanolin cream even those who believe they may be allergic to wool or lanolin should be able to use it. Apply a pea-sized amount, rub in well and wait for 1 minute. Repeat if more is required, but a little goes a long way. Lansinoh Cream can be found in the Mother & Baby sections of Boots, Waitrose and Chemist Direct.

CLEANSERS

Mass-produced facial cleansers tend to contain detergents such as SLS (Sodium Laureth Sulphate) which remove too much of the skin’s natural oils. Facial skin is not a carpet with a curry stain requiring deep cleaning: it is only necessary to remove makeup, dirt and excess oil when washing. Our natural oils contain steroids to maintain healthy skin, so mild soap can be far more effective than foaming or cream cleansers. Solid or liquid African Black Soap from SheabyNature, or Pears soap, are both recommended

MAKEUP

Long Wear or All Day foundations and concealers can have a very disruptive effect on skin. Makeup settles into creases during the day causing congestion and spots. If possible, it is advisable to remove makeup and reapply at lunchtime if a polished look is required throughout the day.

Be wary of foundations which claim to contain sunscreen: they are unlikely to be as effective as a proper sunscreen worn under the makeup

Mineral makeup applied with a brush and buffed into the required coverage is the best choice as it gradually absorbs some of the natural skin oil without clogging the pores – but ensure proper mineral makeup is purchased rather than High Street imitations.

Mineral makeup is a particularly good option for those suffering from acne