During the early stages of my pregnancy (in August last year, I was 27), due to the hormonal imbalances, I started to suffer with very oily skin and would get acne like breakouts here and there. I'd never experienced anything like it before, and of course, my doctor couldn't prescribe anything for it.

So I went for a consultation with a Dermalogica advisor at my local beauty salon and she recommended that I try an overnight treatment, which you simply apply before bed, and remove in the morning. She suggested the Dermalogica Overnight Clearing Gel which cost £31 for 50ml (prices vary depending on retailer, it is also available online). This is more expensive than any other over the counter, high street chemist type spot treatment however I do rate Dermalogica as one of the leaders in skincare and on this occasion was happy to pay not for the name, but for the quality of the product I felt I would get.

The Clearing Gel is classed as Overnight because it is quite a thick and gloopy clear gel which goes on to your skin, dries and slightly tightens it, making it shiny. It also tends to flake at the edges meaning it's not suitable for daytime use on it's own or with make up over the top. You can of course use it during the day if you won't be going out!

The gel has some ingredients renowned for their spot fighting qualities - salicylic acid, used in acne treatments, lavender, tea tree oil and rosemary - all naturally occurring antibacterial ingredients, and zinc, also found in many spot treatments.

But it doesn't leave your skin dry. The added green tea soothes the skin so it isn't reddened by the treatment, and hyaluronic acid (also used in one of my other favourite products, Avon Anew Clinical Derma-Full x3 Facial Filling Serum), to plump up the skin. Caffeine revitalises the skin, and nordihydroguaiaretic acid along with yeast extract combat the oily pores from future over production. So, the more you use it, in theory, the better your skin will look.

I don't use this product every night, but I do use it when I have a breakout, tired looking, oily skin, or after a bath when my pores are open and my skin is fully cleansed. It is also good after a night out. I find that it does a great job at evening out my oily T Zone, minimising spots of all sizes, diminishing shine the following day, and making me look (as much as possible with a four month old baby) fresh and hydrated.

I know that some people might not want to justify the cost but trust me this works. And as you only really need to add a bit, it will last you ages - I've had mine ten months now and still have another month's use left in it. And will I be buying it again? Yes, I think so - it might last even longer if my husband stops pinching it :)

Overall - an excellent skincare product that doesn't skimp on the ingredients, isn't all hype, and is one of the rare ones worth every penny paid. Five out of five.