Pro In The Know: How Do I Keep My Skin Blemish-Free?

We caught up with the lovely Zoe Shaw, Murad's Brand Ambassador to discuss how to keep our skin clear and free from blemishes and spots.

The Bio

Zoe has worked in the beauty industry for almost 15 years, is a trained facialist and a skincare communications expert.

With a passion for serious skincare, she loves working with and learning from one of the world’s leading dermatologists, Dr. Howard Murad, and has done for the past 7 years. Being able to share his advice and skincare formulas, which have the power to transform people’s lives, making them happier, healthier and more confident in their own skin is the most rewarding work.

Zoe also works with the beauty press, bloggers and celebrities and counts Fearne Cotton, Lulu Guinness, Emily Blunt, Kim Cattrall and Lisa Snowdon among the many fans of Murad products.

How Do I Keep My Complexion Blemish-Free?

I recommend looking for products that contain Salicylic Acid, which gently exfoliates to keep pores clean and clear from oil, and Sulphur which works quickly to reduce blemishes. Murad products like Clarifying Cleanser, Blemish Clearing Solution and Blemish Spot Treatment are ideal.

Also remember, even a blemish/oily skin needs hydration to help it stay in the best shape possible to combat issues like blemishes. I like Murad's Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture to use at night, but if you prefer an oil-free moisturiser, then you may like to choose Skin Perfecting Lotion.

Did you know 80% of your skin health comes from withim? So you can eat your way to better skin too!

To combat blemishes, try adding Apricots, Sweet Potatoes, Mangoes and Shiitake Mushrooms to your diet because they contain high amounts of Vitamin A. Blemish-prone skin types love Vitamin A because it normalises the production and life cycle of skin cells.

In skin with blemishes, there is an overproduction of cells in the Stratum Corneum which is the outermost layer of the skin. It is composed of biologically "dead" cells. These excess dead cells combine with sebum (the skin's own natural oil) to form comedones - the pore plugs that are the defining element of blemishes.

You could also take Vitamin A in the form of a dietary supplement to help prevent the overproduction of these skin cells.

Make sure you also keep up your skincare regime! When you find products that work for you, stick with them.