Answers to Your Beauty Problems

Hi. I am 42 years old, have always had slightly oily skin (ok - very oily in my teens!) yet now it seems to be misbehaving in a totally new way. The skin on my cheeks and forehead is flaky, and as I look more closely, this continues all the way into my hairline - it's almost as if my whole head has dandruff! I have tried exfoliators of various kids, followed by different age-appropriate moisturisers, but nothing seems to work. My hair too does not seem to respond to anti-dandruff shampoo (note to self: must revert to 'Head & Shoulders' or 'Vosene' next time round) and I keep conditioner well away from the roots as they need washing every 2^nd day as it is, and my hair is very long indeed! Oops - I missed out toner - I use a gentle one before I moisturise, but whether I do or don't it seems to make little odds. What do you suggest for a woman in the wilds of Scotland on a bit of a budget?
— Louise from Forfar

It sounds like the products you are using are too harsh for your skin which is why in some areas it is flaking and in some it is oily. Your skin produces too much oil when it is attacked by harsh products because it tries to compensate for the products stripping your skin. You say you are on a budget but sometimes you waste a lot more money on cheaper products as you need so much more than if bought one good product that may cost a little more but will definitely work. Most of the products you can buy in supermarkets don't actually have the ability to 'fix' your skin they just cover it up for a while so you think its working.

If it's the most expensive cream you ever buy and the only one you will use, I would recommend the Karin Herzog Vita-A-Apricot (you can buy from the website: www.karinherzog.co.uk). This is a fantastic cream which will do wonders for your skin. It's an anti wrinkle, collagen stimulant which penetrates your skin carrying with it oxygen, water and vitamins with the added benefits of apricot oil which gives extra nourishment and healing properties. It costs £43 but I lasts around 3-4 months as you only need a bean size for your whole face. Use morning and night and you'll soon notice a difference. For further information, go directly to the Karin Herzog website. I've researched lots of creams on the market and I believe this range is one of the best.

As for your hair, have you been to the doctors? He may be able to offer an explanation for your change in skin condition. I would say though that sometimes shampoos like Head and Shoulders are again sometimes too harsh and cause more trouble than good.

I hope I have been of some help. But I would certainly take a trip to your doctor first.

What are the correct skin care products for Afro-Caribbean skin?
— Sean from Birmingham

Afro-Caribbean skin is often plagued with overactive sebum production and this is what can lead to blocked/infected pores, skin discolouration and ingrowing hairs. There are lots of creams on the market that claim to sort all this out but I really do believe that Karin Herzog Skincare is the best on the market, and, it is the only cream that has the power to penetrate all skin types

Firstly, I would suggest using the Vita Kombi 2% as your basic skincare. Slightly stronger than the standard cream, it will bring nutrients directly to the skin cells, regulating sebum production to a healthy level. The Mild Scrub will gently unblock pores, and will also help the oxygen to penetrate your skin more quickly.

If you suffer from discolouration of your skin, which happens when melanocytes---the same melanin-producing cells that keep dark skin younger-looking---occasionally spin out of control and produce dark spots and uneven skin tones, Vita-A-Kombi 3 directly treats hyper-pigmentation. Aided by Karin Herzog Mild Scrub that lifts dead cells, natural radiance is restored to the skin. This will stop your skin feeling dull and rough. And lastly, if you do suffer from ingrowing hairs, then again the mild scrub will help to free the hairs while the Vita Kombi 3% will help to kill bacteria and treat any inflammation.

I hope all this helps!

I have an ingrowing hair, its very painful, how do i get rid of it please?
— Sharron from Essex

Where is your ingrowing hair? Ideally, you need to go to a beauty therapist and have it removed professionally as you may infect the area if you try yourself. But keep exfoliating regularly to ensure you don't get any more; when dead skin blocks the follicle, this is when ingrowing hairs develop.

I hope this helps!

Hi, I have a dilemma that I cant find any help with. In the underarm area I have a dark shadow all over & it looks like I don't wash in that area. I have a shower daily & do try to focus on this area by using exfoliators & scrubs but it doesn't seem to help. I do shave my underarms, could this be causing the problem? Its affecting me as i cant wear any clothes that expose the underarm region & it doesn't look pleasant. Your early reply would be most appreciated.
— Manjit from Southam

Hi Manjit, thank you for writing to us with your beauty dilemma.

Due to shaving, the growth of the hairs under your arms are being stimulated which means they are becoming thicker and stronger. Because the skin in this area is thinner than an area such as your legs, the shadow you can see is actually the roots of your hairs under the surface of the skin. The best way to combat this problem is to wax your underarms. It sounds painful but it will be so much better in the long run. With waxing, the hairs are pulled from the root. With continuous waxing, the hair will eventually become thinner and more scarce, and your shadow should disappear.

I am Afro-Caribbean and suffer badly with ingrowing hairs on my legs. I have tried lotions but they haven't worked. What treatment would you suggest to solve this problem?
— Annette from Oldbury

Hi Annette. I know you have tried many lotions that haven't worked, but you really must try the Karin Herzog Oxygen Body 3%. It really is a fantastic cream with many uses. I always use it for my ingrowing hairs. You put some on, let it penetrate then with slight pressure your ingrowing hairs will pop out. Regular use will ensure that the amount of ingrowing hairs you have will decrease dramatically.

This cream, containing 3% oxygen, will not only solve your ingrowing hair problem, but it also fully hydrates your skin, will kill any bacteria, get rid of infections due to its anti bacterial qualities, will soothe heavy, tired legs and stimulate circulation. It also performs a micro massage of your skin tissues and you can feel it tingle on contact with your skin. It really is amazing.

More information can be found on the Karin Herzog website. You can also buy the cream direct from Karin Herzog.

I've suddenly developed facial hair on my chin. Some are ingrowing hair which has caused a red, painful spot! Help!
— Tammy from West Yorkshire

Are you getting rid of your facial hair? Waxing/tweezing etc? What you definitely need to do is start exfoliating every day. We have a mild, yet effective Mild Scrub. This will get rid of the dead skin cells that are blocking the hairs coming through. The spot that has developed is due to a build up of bacteria within the hair shaft which again is blocked. The best thing for this is to use one of our oxygen creams. Without knowing about your skin type, I cannot recommend which one would suit you best, however you could go to your nearest Karin Herzog salon and ask them to advise you. The number to call is 0800 0562428 or visit the Karin Herzog website for more information on how the products work. Basically, they are the only creams that can deliver oxygen, water and vitamins directly into your skin and work from the inside out. Oxygen will kill any bacteria and regulate your sebum production. It also reduces ingrowing hairs. That's both your problems solved!

However, if your facial hair has only recently developed, I would recommend going to see your doctor to ascertain why this has come about. There may be an underlying medical reason that can be sorted out.

I currently use a wet shave and suffer from razor burn. Any advice on skincare you could give me would be much appreciated.
— Robert from Rhondda Cynon Taff

The range we use in our salon is Karin Herzog. They are the only creams on the market that can actually penetrate your skin, delivering oxygen, water and vitamins deep into your tissues and thus giving your skin back what age and nature takes out. As a man's skin is twice as thick as that of a woman, most creams cannot penetrate and so sit on the surface creating an incubator where bacteria can breed. The oxygen in the cream can eliminate razor burn, reduce scar tissue and in-growing hairs while at the same time sterilizing any shaving cuts and accelerating the healing process.

Unfortunately, we do not have any samples to send you. However, I would recommend you go directly to the Karin Herzog website. There may be a salon near you that offers Karin Herzog treatments so it may be worth having a facial before buying any products. Results are instant - you will be amazed. Try calling 0800 0562428 to find your nearest Karin Herzog Gold Salon, that offers treatments for men.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get back in contact. As a daily skincare routine, I would recommend from your description, the cleanser, toner, then the Vita-Kombi-2 oxygen cream. As an extra, the aftershave balm is lovely, which also contains oxygen. More details on all these products are on the Karin Herzog website, where you can purchase goods directly from them.