Many years ago I went for a professional consultation with a dermatologist to discuss different treatments and find out what she would recommend for my skin.

The first priority was, as she put it, “the state of my congestion”. I had no idea about things such as congestion at that point. My skin was young and I didn’t think it was that bad. But apparently it was, and all those little lumps and bumps under the surface meant that my pores were blocked and sebum could not escape. I had a constant battle with blackheads and was forever going to salons for extractions. My favourite type of therapist was one who loved to squeeze.

“Lets hit this hard,” said the dermatologist. “Okay,” I said brightly, secretly terrified by what this process would involve. I booked in for a 10-week course of glycolic peels. Each week a high concentration of glycolic acid was applied while the dermatologist blew a fan on my face to cool the stinging sensation. The mixture was only left on for a couple of minutes at a time.

For weeks my skin broke out. All that congestion came to the surface to be freed with a good squeeze and splat. I was spottier than I had ever been in my life. “Are we nearly done yet?” I would ask every week, in the manner of a child in the back of the car. I was miserable. I hated the process.

But it continued until suddenly my skin was clear. There was no more congestion, no more bumps and certainly no blackheads or spots. I keep it clear now with at-home glycolic treatments such as the ones in this week’s Tried and Tested. Salicylic acid has also become a true friend. If you want to improve your skin’s tone and texture, I would definitely recommend a course of professional peels.

• amcdermott@irishtimes.com
• Twitter: @aismcdermott