On skin: spot myths sorted...

Skin Myth: Putting toothpaste on a spot clears it up

FALSE, says Paul Tomlinson, Boots Skincare Technical Expert

\"While toothpaste does contain ingredients for abrasion and cleaning that may help absorb oil, I certainly wouldn\'t recommend using it on the skin. Toothpaste also contains ingredients that are NOT beneficial to skin like Sodium Lauryl Sulphate which can be irritating and cause slight burning. Instead of toothpaste, try a specially formulated spot gel, like Boots Skin Clear Quick Clearing Spot Gel (£3.99) that\'s been thoroughly tested on spots and blemishes. In fact it reduces their size and redness within four hours without over drying the skin. Alternatively try Freederm Treatment Gel (£8.95 for 25g) available from pharmacies. This acts as an anti-inflammatory spot treatment which contains nicotinamide - an ingredient that\'s been clinically proven to help reduce the inflammation of spots. Both will be far more effective than toothpaste and won\'t leave your face sticky and minty either!\"

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Skin Myth: Drinking lots of water leads to clearer skin

PARTLY TRUE, says skin therapist and expert for Nair Louise Thomas (.u-treatments.co.uk)

\"The amount of water you drink, that actually reaches your skin is fairly minimal. Yes, water can improve the hydration of your skin but it won\'t mean you\'ll see any significant difference if you suffer from acne because this tends to be a hormone problem rather than a problem with a lack of moisture. You can\'t actually flush skin follicles out with water, but what drinking it will do is help keep skin smooth and supple.\"

Skin Myth: The sun is good for clearing up skin problems

\"Some doctors recommend the sun, but it\'s a complete myth. Yes, if you go on holiday you may think your skin looks better when you get back but that\'s generally because a) a suntan helps conceal the problem and b) you tend to be less stressed when you get back. In fact the sun can stimulate sebum production and actually make acne worse - so you really can\'t tackle your boss for more holiday days on the proviso that it\'s good for your skin...!\"

Skin Myth: Squeezing a spot makes it worse

PARTLY FALSE says Jo Barlow, skincare brand md formulations\' (bareescentuals.co.uk) education specialist

\"It really depends how you squeeze it. When you get the urge to a few pointers will prevent spreading infection and scarring. Make sure the spot has a white or yellow head to it. If it\'s just a red spot you could cause more damage and scar the skin. It\'s easier to squeeze a spot when your skin is warm so after a shower or bath and use a tissue wrapped around your fingers as dirty nails can make the infection spread and can also cause scarring. When squeezing start by pulling the skin apart around the spot, push your fingers up and under the spot so you are squeezing right from the root. Gently wiggle upwards until the whitehead wiggles out. Never squeeze until you bleed! Bleeding means you have squeezed too deeply and may scar as a result.\"

Skin Myth: Chocolate and junk food causes spots

FALSE, says consultant dermatologist Dr Nick Lowe

\"Food like chocolate is really not going to make much difference to your skin if your acne is being caused by hormones - you\'ll get spots whatever you eat. But it is true that sugar can influence your hormone levels and stimulate your adrenal glands, causing sugar rushes. I guess to a small extent this could affect breakouts, but not that much. Some people do find that their acne is triggered by foods like dairy produce though. If you\'re a chocoholic try eating dark chocolate rather than milk and see if that makes a difference. And obviously a good diet in general is good for your body inside and out.\"