Q: I’m post-menopausal with oily skin, but I can only find dry-skin products for my age group. I’ve heard that Botox can tackle oiliness. Should I try it?
A: ‘Cloudless skin’ is a South Korean phenomenon that involves tiny, superficial injections of Botox all over the face, blocking the neurotransmitter that sets off oil production.
But, says reconstructive surgeon Dr Marko Lens (markolens.com), clinical trials show underwhelming results.
Plus, in the wrong hands (i.e. not a qualified doctor), skin damage could be significant, so I would steer clear.
An anonymous reader asked Inge van Lotringen for advice on tackling oily skin (file image)
Dermatologist Sam Bunting (drsambunting.com) prefers professional skincare.
‘The prescription retinoid tretinoin is the best thing for refining thicker, oily skin with enlarged pores,’ she says.
‘It also addresses the diminishing collagen supplies you get when oestrogen levels drop.
‘For older skin, I adopt a gentle approach. I might pre-treat with niacinamide, which is great for pore clarity, pigmentation and fine lines, but also boosts the production of protective natural mole- cules called ceramides in the epidermis.
‘This improves skin hydration and makes skin less prone to retinoid-related dryness.
‘Add daily broad-spectrum sunscreen and you have a winning formula.’
As for treatments, she rates microneedling (skin is punctured with a roller featuring 0.5-1mm needles, boosting collagen production) to strengthen skin further.
Inge van Lotringen (pictured) advised the reader to see a dermatologist such as Sam Bunting who recommends prescription retinoid tretinoin
Ingeborg van Lotringen is beauty director at Cosmopolitan. Email your questions to inge@dailymail.co.uk