World-renowned Aesthetic, Dr Marwa Ali, catches up with celebrity makeup artist, Kaniz Ali, whilst getting ready for her exclusive shoot with Grazia Pakistan
Creative Direction: Kaniz Ali
Photography: James Rudland
Styling/Wardrobe: Givenchy
Jewellery: Givenchy
MakeUp: Kaniz Ali
Shoes: Givenchy
Location: London
What’s the best way to avoid big pores?
Treatments to combat large pores focus on addressing the cause:
- Treatments to reduce pore congestion ….
- Chemical peels to exfoliate dead skin cells e.g 20% salicylic acid blue radiance peel.
- Avoid heavy/greasy make up
- Exfoliating cleanser (to clean skin and gently exfoliate off dead skin cells) , retinol/tretinoin (these vitamin a derivatives increase skin cellular turnover, shedding any layers of dead skin cells which may potentially clog the pores), salicylic acid face wash (clenziderm foaming cleanser) 2% salicyclic acid (prescription only)
- Gentle daily peel works as above
- 2% salicyclic acid toner (clenziderm pore therapy) (prescription only) – gentle daily peel works as above.
How best to control blackheads?
Treatments and skincare to reduce pore congestion:
- Chemical peels to exfoliate dead skin cells e.g 20% salicylic acid blue radiance peel.
- Avoid heavy/greasy make up.
- Exfoliating cleanser (to clean skin and gently exfoliate off dead skin cells).
- Retinol/tretinoin (these vitamin a derivatives increase skin cellular turnover, shedding any layers of dead skin cells which may potentially clog the pores)
- Salicylic acid fash wash (clenziderm foaming cleanser) 2% salicyclic acid (prescription only) – gentle daily peel works as above.
- 2% salicyclic acid toner (clenziderm pore therapy) (prescription only) – gentle daily peel works as above.
How do you treat dark skin patches after acne spots?
The darkening or discolouration of the skin that occurs more often in patients of colour, after having spots is known at post inflammatory response in the skin such as getting a cut or a rash and may take time to disappear, which can be disfiguring.
Prescription skincare can be very effective in combating this issue.
Options include the following:
- High strength vitamin c serum
- A vitamin a derivative such as retinol 0.5 or 1.0 (available on prescription only) or tretinoin (available on prescription only).
- Arbutinin containing products
- Hydroquinone (prescription only)
What strength retinol should you start on?
When starting a retinol for the first time, it’s important to introduce it slowly with a lower concentration e.g 0.5 to “retinize” the skin and build up vitamin a levels gradually as your skin is vitamin a naïve. This helps limit or reduce the typical unwanted side effects of skin redness, peeling and flaking as much as possible which can often cause patients to discontinue its use. If you preserve with retinol your skin will adapt and no longer react to it and you end up with clear, radiant and beautiful skin. People with oily skin tend to be able to tolerate higher concentrations of retinol compared to those with dry skin.
Book an appointment with Dr Marwa at The Wellness Clinic Harrod’s, Level 4, Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, SW1 7XL
