While it is an urban myth that eating a lot of oily food causes an increase in sebum-excretion, 'the lack of sleep (thanks to late-night partying or card playing) and the stress that comes from visiting and hosting can play a part in a potential breakout,' explains Calvin Chan of Calvin Chan Aesthetic & Laser Clinic.
Oil control
Hence, if you find that the new year partying has led to a sudden increase in oiliness in your skin, La Roche-Posay's Effaclar Purifying Gel Wash (RSP: $33.90 from National Skin Centre and major pharmacies) is a good place to start.
A cleansing gel wash that purifies oily skin, it is also alcohol free, colorant free, soap free and paraben free, making it suitable for those with acne-prone sensitive skin.
To keep skin clean and matt while out and about, you can try Chanel's Ideale Purete Serum ($90), an everyday oil-control formulation that includes a sebum-normalising complex made up of amino acids, peptides and zinc to regulate sebum excretion.
However, if clogged pores (whiteheads/blackheads which lead to pimples) are the problem, then go for Derma-Rx's Comedone Formula ($66 from The DRx Clinic and The DRx Medispa), a natural formulation which not only dissolves and soften comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), but also prevents new comedone formation.
Spots and blemishes
As for those stubborn spots, during the day time, try Jane Iredale's Zap&Hide Blemish Stick ($51.30 from Calvin Chan Aesthetic & Laser Clinic), a two-sided treatment stick with one side enhanced with beneficial anti-septic and anti-inflammatory ingredients like organic green tea and lavender extracts and the other a coverup with algae extracts to mattify skin and to mask pimples while they heal.
Another good bet would be Clinelle's Blemish Conceal & Clear Stick ($16.95 from major department stores and pharmacies).
Containing Salicylic Acid and Ricinus Communis (Castor Seed Oil), this is a handy two-in-one product that provides coverage while treating spots, pimples and blemishes although do use it sparingly on spots as it appears to be quite strong.
For overnight spot treatments, The Sloane Clinic's Clarifying Gel ($75 before GST from The Sloane Clinic outlets) works really well as an emergency quick fix for those unsightly zits as it helps to reduce inflammation and redness overnight.
