Can’t I just spot treat my pimples?

You sure can, but that’s only a temporary solution. For longer-lasting results, target your full face. The best way to address acne is to get rid of pimples that you have and prevent new ones from popping up. If you have a pimple on your skin, it’s normal to want to target that one blemish, but unfortunately that doesn’t mean other areas of your skin won’t break out in pimples. Your face is made of thousands of pipes, connecting your oil glands to the surface of the skin. Each of those pipes is somewhat clogged. We cannot predict which of those pipes will become blocked enough to result in pimple.

I have oily skin. Do I really need to moisturise?

We talk about this a lot and for good reason: oily skin really does need moisturiser. Did you know? The very best way to combat oily skin is to moisturise! Without moisturiser, the skin produces even more oil, leading to more shine and, for some, more acne. Remember: people with oily skin need oil-free, light moisturisers that hydrate without being greasy.

After I cleanse and moisturise my skin, it’s always super shiny but not oily. Could shiny-ness be a sign of over-exfoliation? I currently use a light exfoliator and an exfoliating pad every day, and my serum contains AHAs and BHAs, so basically my issue boils down to having shiny skin right after I wash my face and then oily skin later for the rest of the day. What should I add to my routine?

That glow is one of exfoliated skin, and while that looks great, your routine may actually be over-doing it. We would choose either a chemical exfoliator or physical exfoliator and only a few times a week at most. In the summer, please be aware that AHAs and BHAs make the skin much more sensitive to the sun. If we were choosing, we would do an exfoliator pad two times a week. Make sure you are using a good sunscreen and an antioxidant daily to maximise your routine.

What is the one product that people use that you don’t think is helpful at all?

Apple cider vinegar. People use it for all kinds of things and it often ends up just causing irritation and more skin problems. It is probably the ingredient that is used most incorrectly in DIY remedies.