Skin issues are often more than simply a little spot of bother. Your skin is your body's largest organ, so it's quite likely you'll be visiting a doctor with a 'skin sickness' at some point in your future.

According to Clinique almost everyone will be affected by at least one skin disease at some stage of their life, particularly after the age of 50.

With this 'cheery' news in mind, rather than stress about being plagued with some unidentified, scary skin disease, rather think common ingredients, materials and substances you're coming into contact with everyday.

I loved this quote from the American Academy of Dermatology that Clinique's scientific director, Dr Emmanuelle Moirand shared with us recently: "Fragrances cause more allergic contact dermatitis than any other ingredient." It sums up that something seemingly harmless, like scent, can actually cause a problem. And, what is a contact dermatitis you're wondering? Well, have you ever worn a piece of jewellery and suddenly your skin looks red, angry and starts to itch? That's contact dermatitis. It can be described as an inflammation of the skin caused by direct contact with an irritating substance – so ingredients, like fragrance, count too.

WH readers often ask me about the cause of their particular skin bugbear. Their symptoms are X, so are they suffering from Y? My answer (while I really try and think of possible causes) is mostly the same: see a dermatologist as soon as possible. And Clinique's research has really confirmed this for me.

Bottom Line: Finding the right derm for you, will not only mean proper diagnosis of your ongoing skin concerns but when that pesky skin nasty does raise its ugly head, you'll have an expert on call who knows your skin, your lifestyle and your worries.