Health and beauty: If your skin's looking a little less than perfect, start the fightback now

With the heat, UV rays and environmental pollutants of the last few months - not to mention weeks of late nights courtesy of the festival season - our skin may be looking a little congested. Think dull, dry patches and unsightly blemishes.

Kick-start the recovery process by taking action now. Start with a deep cleanser to clean the skin, removing deep down impurities and dead skin cells.

Origins Zero Oil (15) contains saw palmetto and mint to inhibit excess oil production, and salicylic acid to stimulate exfoliation. Also try Oy! Anti-bac Foaming Face Wash (10.99). This soap-free wash is both mild and certified organic, effectively drawing out impurities and bacteria which helps reduce the risk of breakouts.

Twice weekly scrubs will also help remove lingering impurities and slough away those dead cells. Try OXY Maximum Face Scrub (4.49), Garnier Fresh Essentials Scrub (3.99), Simple Spotless Skin Blackhead Eliminating Scrub (3.99) or Botanics Purifying Face Scrub (3.99).

Next, lather on a face pack such as Simple Kind to Skin Deep Cleansing Face Mask (3.79) or Origins Mega-Mushroom Skin Calming Mask (31) to repair environmental damage and soothe the skin.

After that, moisturise, even if your skin feels like it doesn't need it. Lightweight lotions for combination skins are the way to go.

Warm the lotion in your hands before applying it to ensure you don't use too much, and massage it in to get maximum benefit.

Lastly, drink lots of water. Your skin and its defences will thank you for it.

Why waste precious time faffing about with highlighter lotions, when you can create the same effect with Bobbi Brown's compact Highlighter Pen (24). Lightweight and luminescent, the pen formula creates an all-day glow that doesn't settle in pores.

Forget streaks and blotches, the biggest tell tale sign of a self tan is that unforgettable lingering biscuit smell. So hurray for Bannatyne's in Queen Street that has launched its very own exclusive Odourless Spray tan which couldn't be simpler - or cheaper. Donning a pair of disposable pants and shower cap, the therapist moisturises feet, knees and elbows before carefully spraying every inch of skin - twice - in under five minutes. And it dries almost instantly, allowing you to dress and leave. Simply wait at least eight hours before showering to reveal faultless bronzed skin to rival any summer holiday. All this for a bargain 15. To book telephone [phone], www.bannatyne.co.uk