Q I notice some red bumps on my skin every time I go out in the sun or when I'm in a dusty area. They don't look like regular zits and sometimes my skin does smart. What are they?

A Inflammation from heat or dust is the likely cause of your spotty problem.

When there is a flare-up, use a mild, soap-free cleanser like Cetaphil (you can pick it up from Guardian Pharmacy or Watsons). Products with surfactants - lathering agents found in soaps and some cleansers - will only irritate your skin and dry it up even more.

Look for products with anti-inflammatory agents like centenella asiatica or even the humble aloe vera.

The former is a plant that tigers in the wild roll around in as a natural treatment to salve their wounds. The latter is very hydrating and strengthens the skin's natural defence against irritants.

That way, your skin becomes less susceptible to climate fluctuations or pollution that can cause redness, itchiness and flaking.

Try Aloe Protective Serum (main picture - right), $32.90, and Aloe Protective Restoring Mask (main picture, left), $29.90, both from The Body Shop, B1-34 Ngee Ann City, to help minimise redness and inflammation bumps.

To use: Apply the daily serum before your moisturiser, morning and night. The creamy mask is a weekly product that helps to deeply hydrate and strengthen the skin's defences. Spread on a 50-cent amount of product all over face, leave on for 20 minutes, then massage it in.