After kids, hubby, parents, 12 clients and growing, Give and Makeup, B.I.T.E. and learning to drive (because I clearly don't have enough on my plate), I have Beauty Mouth.
I have such a vast array of products waiting to be blogged about - and treatments - and places etc etc that I got a little overwhelmed at Christmas and took down my 'Ask the Mouth' page because I couldn't get back to people in a reasonable time.
But two things happened:
1, I really missed answering all your questions - I love the feeling that something I'm saying might actually help someone with a skin-related problem that really gets them down/frustrates them.
2, It didn't stop the emails - or the questions from people when I bumped into them.. 'Ooh I meant to ask you.. what did you say was great for...' etc
So I thought I'd try this. Every Thursday I'll have an all-day Clinic. Just leave your question in the comments and I'll get back to you the same day/Friday at a push.
It may work, it may not, but it's worth a go yes?
It may be a quick product Q or an emergency skin Q - or something that you've always wondered about but were too embarrassed to ask (feel free to be anonymous).
Whichever...let's give it a go.
Ms Hirons, I am now suffering that problem that I'm sure most of us are, increased chill outside, heat indoors as we crank up the radiators.
ReplyDeleteMy skin is dry and tight and needs some TLC stat.
What do you recommend?
Up the ante on your moisturiser. If it's one you use all year round step it up a notch. Wash your face with an oil based cleanser as soon as you get home. Layer serum or treatment cream under moisturiser. Have a second hit when its absorbed and a final hit before bed. Moisturise/moisturise/moisturise.
DeleteMoisturiser all year round?
DeleteMwahahahahahahaha
Goes red.
Ok. Lesson learnt.
Morning Dr Mouth!
ReplyDeleteI've got a crack in the corner of my mouth that comes and goes throughout the year. It isn't a cold sore, just a split that irritates sometimes. Have you any suggestions for either sorting it out, or comforting it?
Love the idea of the Clinic,
Sam x
Angular Stomatitis. Posh word meaning one of 3 things.
DeleteOn one corner only and repeatedly? Herpes virus - a cold sore in the corner of the mouth splits - its still a cold sore. Treat accordingly.
Thrush. Really common in us girls. Been on any antibiotics? Treat accordingly.
Saliva. You could just be 'extra' saliva-y - especially at night. Keep it dry and apply wait for it - Vaseline - I know I know to keep the moisture OFF of it.
could be vitamin B deficiency?
Deletehttp://www.fitsugar.com/Cracked-Mouth-Could-Vitamin-Deficiency-964930
Yes possible also zinc. But if it keeps coming back to same place I'd try cold sore remedies first.
DeleteSorry its.taken ages to reply, but thanks so much. It happened a lot after each of my babies was born and doc said perhaps vitamin b deficiencies, but not much more than that! Will try vaseline next time it happens.
DeleteThanks so much for being so fabulous!
S xx
Amazing idea! I have one... I have been using low dose retin-a for about nine months (0.25mg) and it has cleared up my acne wonderfully, but the purging that came with it has left a lot of post inflammatory pigmentation marks on my face. They do fade slightly faster thanks to the retin-a, but it's still a bit of a mess. Is it worth bumping up to a higher concentration do you think, or should I just be more patient and wait it out?!
ReplyDeletexx
Be patient if its working. If it STOPS working, THEN consider bumping up.
DeleteIn the meantime use anti-pigmentation products and a HUGE spf.
Hi there:)
ReplyDeleteI have dry/ dehydrated areas on my cheeks yet a very oily t-zone...particularly my chin and forehead. I also get lots of breakouts on my chin. Any recommendations for balancing this 'mess' out!? Thank you, emxxx (@beautylove27)
I have tried loads of porduct but they only seem to help with one problem or the other!
Use a targeted oil for combination skin at night with a moisturiser on top of it over the dry areas only. Check you're washing your face with the right products. And using a flannel. No splashing.
DeleteThank you:) I might try the clarins oil for combination skin;) beautylove27 xx
DeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteWhat can I use to thoroughly clean out my pores? I have visible blackheads on my nose and cheeks that seem very resistant to the many over-the-counter products I have tried... thank you so much for your time and help :-)
Thorough double cleanse every night with a flannel and hot water. One to remove makeup, one to treat the areas. May need two different cleansers for the job. I do! Toner for comb skin on the area only. Do it for a couple of weeks. Also - omega 3 supplements - but you need them for 3 months or so before you get benefits so not a quick fix. Let me know.
DeleteThursday clinic is a brilliant idea :)
ReplyDeleteOn twitter, I saw that you recommended a moisturiser by Lush which was good for oily skin and also anti-ageing but I forgot the name... Was it gorgeous face cream by any chance? I got a sample and am quite enjoying it but its not quite moisturising enough for the little dry patches which crop up around my nose this time of year ( too much information I know!). Thank you!
Sorry wasn't me! I've never recommended Lush?
DeleteGood morning! Me and my mum are looking for some good firming products for her face and eyes. I was thinking Premier Cru for the eyes by Caudalie but it's so hard to choose a product for the face! There's too many serums and day/night creams. Do you have any recommendations? She is 47, has rather oily skin and a budget of around 50pounds per product. Thanks! (Excellent idea to do a Thursday Clinic)
ReplyDeleteHi Caroline,
ReplyDeleteQuick question about Clinique Clarifying Lotion - I LOVE it - it's the only thing that sorts my skin out when I'm in blemish city due to not enough sleep, hormones etc... and my skin doesn't feel like it's screaming for moisturiser afterwards. However, when I told a facialist that's what I use, she shot me such a disgusted look, I may as well have been sick on her white shoes. "But that's full of alcohol which is HORRENDOUS for the skin!" she proclaimed rather smugly. So I wondered what you thought of it? It's served me well over the years and I'm loathe to bin it. Yay or nay?
Thanks, V x
I think you should listen to the facialist. She's clearly an intelligent woman. ;) Move to Alpha-H Liquid Gold.
DeleteThanks Caroline - will switch over - although sad to bin a product that's become like an old friend...! x
DeleteBrilliant Brilliant Brilliant! Ms Hirons, you are a lovely genius!
ReplyDeleteI have two places which always get blackheads. One always fills up with black black matter- one is a large pore which (despite best efforts) always seems to fill up over a few months! Using Alpha H liquid golds- any other recommendations? They arent too noticeable but I know they are there!! xx
If you have large ones that are permanently there - they'll always be there. Think prevention rather than cure. Keep using the Alpha and try something like Aesop's Control gel (new) to keep it under control. But you need to prepare yourself for a few years yet of extraction. It should dry up when your hormones change as you get older.
DeleteThanks Hirons- will look into the gel.. and possibly a good extrationist... xx Loving reading all these answers xx
DeleteOooh this is a fab idea, as you know I LOVE picking your brains! I'm still on stage one, what's stage 2 and when do I start...! hehe! Love ya Mrs H x
ReplyDeleteYou need to remind me what I put you on! :)
DeleteI'm on the cleansing balm, water toner and moisturiser, from using nothing but wipes...!
DeleteAnd how are you finding them?
DeleteThis is a genius idea. I hope you don't mind me adding to the list of questions.
ReplyDeleteI have combination skin, dry on cheeks and oily in t-zone but only get a spot each month when I ovulate. But if I ever try to exfoliate with anything, scrubs, Alpha H liquid gold etc I have huge breakouts and red patches of irritated skin. Whenever I go to a beauty counter they tell me I must, but I really can't. Any recommendations for something that would gently exfoliate and not irritate my skin? I'm really gentle with any scrubs but seemingly even thats not enough.
xxx
Use a flannel when cleansing. Proper old fashioned, white face flannel. One a day, use AM and PM. What cleanser are you using?
DeleteI'm just finishing Elemis Meling Cleanser, that I take off with a hot muslin. I can try flannels though. D'you reckon a different cleanser might be better - I've tried Liz Earle in the past and it's a nice stable one for me but has never been wondrous.
DeleteNo. Try a balm cleanser. Boots Organics make one - and obviously Emma Hardie. And a flannel!
DeleteThank you, I've been dithering over the Emma Hardie for a while now. You have just cemented my decision. And flannels. Next trip to Sainsos. Thank you :)
DeleteYes!!
ReplyDeleteI have never been for a facial, but would really like to. However, I am a little reluctant as it's my face and I don't want a disastrous ordeal like I have had in the past with various waxing treatments :-S
How does one know where to get a facial? Or, can you recommend anywhere in the Birmingham area?
thank you
x.x.x
Always go word of mouth if possible. Otherwise check the salon's website for reviews/recommendations - genuine ones are easy to spot. If you need to start fresh use BABTAC's service - if they care enough to join babtac you at least know they respect the industry. http://www.babtac.com/locate-a-salon-specialist/
DeleteBrilliant idea! Had a self induced skin trauma earlier in the week and wanted to ask your advice but was aware that you are very busy and much in demand, so I managed it myself and learnt the hard way that overdosing skin with essential oils is not a great idea!!
ReplyDeleteYeah don't do that!
DeleteI read your article on mineral oil, and wondered if you could recommend a good product for babies with bad dribble rash on their chins, as I have 7 month old twins which doesn't allow me the time to research myself! Something soothing and mineral oil free.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
And can I cheekily ask you to do a blog sometime on treating teenage acne? my nephew is really suffering at the moment.
Waitrose baby products are sublime. Organic, cheap and free from crap! Baby Butter is notorious! And available online if you don't have one near you. Also Earth Friendly range is lovely.
Deletehttp://www.ocado.com/webshop/getSearchProducts.do?clearTabs=yes&isFreshSearch=true&entry=baby+butter
Madame Mouth,
ReplyDeleteYou are a God of all things skincare, what a great idea... although I see you already have a million questions. If you get time, could I add blackheads to the list, I get a lot on my nose, a serious amount. I think I am fairly good to my skin, cleanse, tone, moisturise twice a day and NEVER sleep in makeup is there anything specific i can do to get rid of them? Thank you my lovely
Steph
Missmathful :D x
See answers above and consider taking a high dose of either flax or fish oil depending on veggie or not....
DeleteBack-ne. Or however you say it. I get really large, painful red lumps on my upper back, usually around that special time of the month so I'm guessing it's hormonal. They take absolutely ages to clear up. I try to exfoliate using a body scrub but I can't always reach them.
ReplyDeleteI used to use a spray by Clinique but don't know if that still exists or if there's a better option.
Any advice much appreciated. x
Back-ne is a bastard. Painful and long-lasting! Liquid Gold direct on the spots. Treat as you would on the face. And bear in mind your shampoo may aggravate them if its cheap and full of sulfates.
DeleteI had that exact same problem for years, tried every topical solution I could find (and ruined my mum's best bath towels - thanks Oxy 10) to no avail. Went on the pill (Yasmine) and it cleared them up in an instant. Might be worth considering if that's an option?
Deleteits usually caused by hormones if the pill can vanquish them. I suggest finding out through a endocrinologist whether you are oestrogen dominant and with a higher androgen levels, i.e testosterone.
DeleteHello Ms C.,
ReplyDeleteI have no questions for now, but a suggestion - if peeps asking those wonderful questions could express their consent, would you care to actuallly publish your answers in one post? I'd love to read that!
PS. Because of you, I'm pondering buying that Kate Somerville stuff. I need to use up some other things first though ;(
Doing them all as replies for speed! :)
Deleteyay, thank you for doing this. superb idea!!
ReplyDeleteliloo/@tsunimee xx
I though I left a question in the morning but it didn't come up. So: Any suggestions for good firming products (for face and eyes) that don't cost more than 50pounds? I just started reading you blog yesterday thanks to a tweet by Ruth Crilly. I'm obsessed with skincare and finding a blog like this is really exciting. Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteClarins Extra-Firming range is lovely. Also consider Liquid Gold once/twice a week and a really good facial oil at nights. Take supplements high in amino acids.
DeleteThanks so much! I already had my eye on that Clarins range but didn't know if it was good or not. I was actually asking on behalf of my mum and I think it will be hard to convience her to use a facial oil (she's got oily skin already). Do you think that the ones by Darphin are any good?
DeleteThanks you so much for your time! You made our research so much easier!
Depriving an oily skin of oil can make it produce more. Tell her to use Clarins Lotus Oil. Darphin are brilliant products also - but get her to try the Clarins first.
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteLike this idea! I've got a similar question to those above really. I have oily skin with lots of blackheads and breakouts along the chin, but I think my cheeks are dehydrated and I have crepey fine lines under my eyes which are annoying me! The oiliness seems easiest to treat, but as for the rest I don't really seem to be getting anywhere. I'm trying Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish with REN ClearCalm serum at night and Clarins Hydraquench during the day. My skin feels more hydrated but is pretty blotchy and blackheads are not shifting. Is there anything you can recommend?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated,
Sarah x
You need an oil based cleanser like an Emma Hardie or Boots Organics Balm. Buy the Clarins Hydra Quench Mask and use 2/3 times a week on the areas affected. And an eye cream - you don't say how old you are but I suspect 20's?
DeleteWish I was in my 20s! I'm 35. I'm using a Clarins eyecream and I'm also using some samples of the Clarins oils (Lotus and Blue Orchid I think). I'll have a look for the Emma Hardie Cleanser, should Iuse this morning and night instead of Liz Earle? Thanks for your help .
DeleteHi! I've been lurker so far, but I have a general question regarding tossing mascara after three months. Is it three months after cracking the tube open or three months of daily wear? I don't wear mascara every day. Thanks! :-)
ReplyDeleteIf it's only you using it and you haven't had an eye infection I wouldn't toss it until it's gone dry.
DeleteEnd of.
thank you! :-)
Deletethank you! :-)
DeleteHi, my q is very similar to anonymous at 11.47. Have found alpha h helps with most blocked pore issues, but there are some stubborn black head and my biggest issue is the starting of crows feet, can you suggest an eye cream?
ReplyDeleteI posted about eye cream here. http://www.beautymouth.com/2011/12/eye-creams-reviews-and-recommendations.html
DeleteTry the Monu if it's the first one you're buying.
I have a mixture of dry and dehydrated according to your cheat sheet. I have dry patches, yellow spots around my nose, red chin, cheeks and forehead. I also react severely to things sometimes, for example a Neals Yard Moisturiser made my skin bright red and burn for hours. I am not sure what to do.
ReplyDeleteThanks in advance
Stacey
I need more info and if poss a photo. But you read like you have an inflamed skin and a possible intolerance to essential oils. Avoid spf and mineral makeup if you use until you find out source. Cut down sugar drastically, have hot water and lemon 3 x day to alkaline your system.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteHope its not too late to ask one more quick q.. What would you recommend for treating the little whiteheads that I get on my tzone ?
ReplyDeleteWash your face properly, look at what moisturiser you're using, stop sugar and pop them as soon as they appear. Blot with cotton wool and toner afterwards to keep clean.
DeleteIVE JUST TOLD ALL MY FRIENDS ABOUT THIS!! YOU ARE A BEAUTY SAVIOUR x
ReplyDeleteThanks Everyone - Until next week....
ReplyDelete