Under the influence

Does having Acne have a negative influence on your life?

Gradually remove this influence by not thinking and worrying about it so much. It's easier said than done, but I think it's worth a try.

Love Headbands!

If you don't have a perfect complexion, start wearing headbands or scarfs. They help to draw attention away from your skin, whilst looking boho and chic. They're perfect for pushing your bangs up into as well, keeping greasy strands off your face. Check out lots of cool headbands like this one from MixBaby Design.

Vintage Cure

Look at this vintage advertisement! It reminds me that we should be grateful for the acne related medical discoveries that we benefit from today.

Pole Results : Summer Skin

Does your skin improve in the summer?
60% NO
40% YES

Hate wearing a Bikini?

If you have acne on your back and chest, wearing a bikini top isn't fun. Especially if your friends with perfect skin prance around in Victoria's Secret swimwear. Rashguards from stores like Roxy or Rip Curl could be the answer. They're surfer-cool and look sporty and sexy with bikini bottoms in matching colors. Definitely a look guys dig!

My BBFL can't help

One of the most depressing things about Acne is that it's hard to talk about. It's not really something I like talking to my friends about. Most of them have clear skin and it's an icky subject anyway. How do you fit it in between hot guys and what's on at the movies? They wouldn't understand anyway.

I am the enemy

THE HARD TRUTH : One of my major reasons for a flare up of acne is ME! Scratching, picking and pinching only makes everything worse by spreading the infection to a larger area. It's hard, I know, but try and leave well alone. (Perhaps I'll handcuff myself and see if that helps...!)

Poor Britney

I feel bad for Britney Spears. With all that endless camera attention and a face full of acne. I hate having my photo taken...nevermind by the world's press and with the world's eyes looking at the pictures!

Doll Award No. 5

Angelina Jolie has been put forward to receive a Doll Award by scarlettredmaple who says : "She suffers from spots, moles, and she has a scar on her face. But she is so beautiful!"

Doll Award No. 4

Megan Fox was named the FHM 2008 Sexiest Woman in the World. Even with her Acne. No one is perfect...not even Megan.

MakeUp : Tip No. 9

Does MakeUp that claims to fight acne really work? Can we hide and heal at the same time? The answer is...not really. When small quantities of active ingredients are combined with other chemicals used to create MakeUp the resulting fighting power is greatly diminished. But I guess something is better than nothing. Look for creams containing salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide.

Doll Award No. 3

Johnny Depp gets a Doll Award for his performance as Edward Scissorhands! He reminds us that being different is OK. And scars can be sexy.

MakeUp : Tip No. 8

Whatever you cleansing regime in the morning, put your MakeUp on just before you leave the house. Let the medication in your facial wash and moisturizing creams have time to start working before plastering on the MakeUp.

MakeUp : Tip No. 7

Clean your MakeUp brushes and sponges frequently. Unfortunately they are bacteria magnets! And half of the fight against blemishes is reducing the amount of acne-causing bacteria on your skin. Generally, I just wash my applicators with the liquid wash from my skin care regime. But if you want to be really thorough - spray them with isopropyl alcohol after every application as well.

We are not alone

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, Acne is the most common skin disorder in the United States.

Burn Relief

I went out mountain biking with friends last week and got sunburnt on my cheeks and nose. Then spent hours in RiteAid trying to find an aftersun lotion that won't aggravate my acne. I chose an Aloe and Tee Tree Oil lotion by Ocean Potion. I've used it for 5 days now and it's healed my burn and my face even seems to have cleared up a bit more than usual. CLICK HERE to link to the Ocean Potion site to buy this product for $5.99.

Spirit Wars

Are girls who get easily fired up and passionate about life likely to get more acne than calm pragmatic ones? I think it's an interesting theory. It makes sense to me that an internal war of emotions could manifest itself externally. Besides, it's a nicer explanation than excessive oil production!

Doll Award No. 2

Rihanna gets a Doll Award today! Simply for having less than prefect skin and still being gorgeous!

Water Therapy

I know you've heard it a million times, but do try and drink 6-8 glasses of water a day. Water is alkaline (pH 7.3) and prevents dehydration which can produce oil from the sebaceous glands. But don't go crazy, as this can be harmful too. Too much water will leach the body of vital electrolytes.

Avoid Chocolate?

It's nonsense! Experts agree that there is no evidence to support this. However a good balanced diet and healthy lifestyle are bound to help. Reach for an apple or trail mix bar instead every once in a while. And these handmade Chocolate Truffle Pincushions by HAdesigns are a fun alternative!

Reader Question No. 2

Q : Why did you choose Doll with a Dirty Face?

A : Well...I guess that's what I've always felt like. It's a metaphor for a pretty girl with Acne.

My philosophy

Things started getting easier for me when I stopped thinking "When will my acne go away?" and I started thinking "How can I live with my acne?". Sadly, chances are many of us will have acne all our lives. I do not look back kindly at all those people who insisted I would grow out of it!

Doll Award No. 1

I've decided to start giving out Doll Awards to those celebs who deserve one. The stunning Cameron Diaz gets the first one. She is a long-time rosacea sufferer who was recently in the News again with the revelation that her every pockmark and pimple is now visible on HDTV. Let me know who you'd like to nominate...

Summer Dresses

Do you have summer dresses that you don't wear because you have acne on your back? I have a solution. Buy a cropped tie-front cardigan. I have one in a every color to throw on top of dresses, vest tops or anything with a low cut back. They are my summer must-have item!

Steamy advice

If you're lucky enough to have access to a health club or spa with a steam room - go and use it 2 to 3 times a week and notice the difference it makes to your skin! It cleans out body toxins too, thought to be an underlying cause of acne.

TIPS : Use a GIRLS ONLY steam room to make it easier to overcome fears of being seen in public without your makeup. And by the time you come out, you'll be so red all over the acne will look less visible anyway!

Sexy coverups

Acne on the body, usually the back and chest, is unsightly and it makes wearing revealing clothes a problem. But be creative. Fashion experts talk about dressing to emphasize the best parts of your body - and so dress to show off the best parts of your skin too. Choose high neck dresses, racerback tees and sheath style tops that show off your arms. There are a lot of great options out there if you look.

MakeUp : Tip No. 6

In the summer months we all sweat more and covering up acne can be a challenge - so don't try so hard. I suggest you forget foundations altogether and be liberal with the bronzing power! Surprise yourself and let your skin glow for a change. Use a medicated concealer stick, a sheer powder to absorb oil and embrace a more natural, beachy look. Leave you acne woes behind, have fun in the sun and make it a summer to remember.

MakeUp : Tip No. 5

The Touche Éclat by Yves Saint Laurent is wonderful for concealing acne scars. Especially older dark marks that leave a lasting stain. CLICK HERE to buy from Nordstrom for $40. Available in 4 shades.

Reader Question No. 1

A reader has just sent me a question, so i'm going to answer it here, anonymously of course. If anyone else has any questions, please just ask.

Q : Should I grow my bangs out? Do bangs make acne worse?

A : If you have greasy hair then yes, it could be contributing to the problem. Especially where the bangs hit the face along the eyebrow line. But if your hair is dry or normal it won't make much difference. I have bangs myself and I love to style my hair to hide the acne on my forehead.

Squeezing spots

We all know we shouldn't do it. But get real...squeezing is essential to improving the situation. Get the bad stuff out and let the healing begin. Just remember, use a clean tissue and be careful not to score you face with your nails. I've had some of my worst breakouts turn into armageddon from a nail cut!

Avoid scrubs!

Avoid scrubs like the Apricot Scrub from St Ives. The tiny particles will leave your skin surface abraded, raw, or at least irritated. This irritation leads to inflammation and then sets the stage for making acne worse and often becoming more bacteria-infested.

Charcoal Mask

If you want a quick fix to improve the look of your skin, my advice is this : Apply a mask called Clear Improvement by Origins. It contains an active Charcoal extract to act like a magnet to draw out pore-cloggers as well as White China Clay to absorb excess oil and toxins. It has worked miracles for me and I swear by it. Try it and tell me if it works for you too.

Acne models?

I watched a Janice Dickenson Modeling Agency TV show which featured models with acne for a SensiClear casting. I didn't realize there were so many models with acne! CLICK HERE to watch the episode and start at 3:20 on the timeline!

Feeling down?

When you feel really down, take a moment to remember the thousands of other girls out there with skin conditions much worse that yours. How would they feel to see you so depressed about what few problems you have?

Awkward compliments

Has anyone ever told you that you look great when you know you don't!? This happened to me when I had a particularly bad breakout and I just wanted to scream! My first thought was that she was making a cruel joke, but she was quite serious. Perhaps it's simply true that people just don't notice the details.

Skin you envy?

I suppose I'd have to say Reese Witherspoon. She looks just like a doll. What must it feel like to wake every morning with perfectly flawless skin? I can dream...

Proactiv Jessica

Does anyone else find Jessica Simpson's Proactiv commercial annoying?

The pictures of her with acne are so mild. I just doubt she's been through what so many of us have. Or maybe she's a great example of a doll with a dirty face...what do you think?

Contraceptive pills

Anyone been prescribed a contraceptive pill as a cure?

It has always struck me as strange that a girl goes to a doctor for her acne and leaves the clinic with a drug to prevent pregnancy. Is this really the best option? Or is it just less expensive for the pharmaceuticals to prescribe a very common pill that happens to have a side effect of improving acne in some women. Anyone any thoughts on this subject?

Summertime is here!

Does your skin improve in the summer?
Sunbathing and salty sea water are fabulous for healing acne skin. They dry up the sore, active areas faster and a tan hides the scar tissue. Apply tons of high factor oil-free lotion and enjoy these summer months!

BUT BEWARE : Many acne creams and lotions make the skin super-sensitive to the sun. Wear a big rimmed hat and expose your face to the sun with caution. PROTECT YOUR FACE FROM BURNING!

Cave Dweller

Ever cancelled a party or date because of your acne?
I have and I hear your pain.

I sometimes sit in the dark on my own. Not even wanting to see my own face in the mirror. That acne scarred face is not the real me and I can't rely on other people to see that. Sound familiar?

Hate photos of you?

Learn basic retouching in Adobe Photoshop and use the Clone tool to erase your pimples. It's easy when you get the hang of it! And don't think of it as cheating - spots heal and go away over time - why should your photos be a lasting memory?

It's a shame there isn't a Clone tool in real life!

Witch Doctor

I'd like to introduce you to the Witch Stick. It works best for girls who have mild acne. The active ingredient is a plant called witch hazel noted for being both astringent and soothing.

It works by breaking down excess oils and fights the bacteria that cause spots. Simply dab on as often as you want, preferably as soon as blemishes start to appear. It stings a little on contact - great if you like to feel a product working!

However, I wouldn't recommend this product if you have moderate or severe acne. And MakeUp doesn't apply well after using this product either. Use it on MakeUp free days or overnight.

Currently only available in the UK from most chemists and drugstores.

MakeUp : Tip No. 4

Brush on an oil-free translucent powder to soak up excess oil. Carry a compact in your bag and reapply often. An oily face is unattractive and make spots and blemishes look worse as they catch the light.

Pizza Face!

I am a pretty girl. But get too close and I'm also marked and scarred by acne. When I wear my MakeUp the boys wolf whistle and the cars honk their horns. When I don't, this doesn't happen. In fact I've been called "spotty" and "pizza face" and many other things besides. People can be so cruel. Is it any wonder we girls get up each day and plaster on the concealer?

Shower Martyr

When I went to college, I got up at every morning at 6am to have a shower before everyone else woke up. I deemed this craziness was a better option than being seen in the corridor without my MakeUp.

Has anyone else ever punished themselves in this way?

Boys don't like me

Are you worried boys won't like you because you have acne? Well ask yourself this question - Would you go out with a really cute baseball player, who also plays guitar like a rockstar and happens to have acne? Of course you would. Get on with your life and fill it full of passions and hobbies that make you more than just a girl with acne.

Dianette?

Anyone else been on the treatment pill known as Dianette? It was recommended to me by a good friend who swears it changed her life. She claimed to have acne on her chin that was so bad that it changed the shape of her jawline. She took it for 7 years and has never looked back.

Angry skin!

My doctor often describes my face as irritated and angry looking. And he's right, it does. I quite like the dignosis...it sums up my mental state too!

Anyone else got angry skin?

MakeUp : Tip No. 3

Don't give in to the temptation of using cleansing wipes instead of a your usual evening regime. Nothing beats a medicated facial wash and water. I know it can be a pain in the ass after a night out or a long day - but your skin will show its gratitude in the morning! They may seem like a quick fix, but they'll just leave MakeUp particles behind impacting the problem. Trust me.

MakeUp : Tip No. 2

You should aim to conceal what you can without looking like a drag queen! Have you ever tried emphasizing you eyes or lips to take the focus away from your skin? Present your face to the world in the most natural looking way possible. Wear just enough concealer to make you feel good about yourself and your inner beauty will shine through. This philosophy has worked well for me and helped me come to terms with those spots that are just too sore or awkward to be covered up anyway.

FACT : Most people don't notice half of what you see in the mirror.