OOH I'M STILL LOVING EVERYTHING NEW AND JANUARY. YOU?
- Do not foam. There are rare exceptions - but if in doubt, step away.
- Do not use soap. On your bum, absolutely. On your face? No.
- Do not scrub. There are very few exceptions. Pretty much step away. Especially if you have sensitivities, acne or rosacea. Absolutely not. No. Nada.
- DO acid. Daily. If you're new to it and a bit nervous, start in the evenings.
- Do not over-exfoliate. We all love a good acid, but you can go overboard. If your cheeks are going too red, if you have milia, scale it back to PM only.
- Do not go oil-free. There's really no need. You should absolutely go mineral-oil-free if you are especially acnaic, but there are good oils out there.
- Don't go overboard on sugar. If you over-indulged in the holidays, now is the time to pull back.
- DO take an antihistamine if you have an angry spot brewing. Or if something makes you flush. A red, flushed skin leads to breakouts and sensitivity. Nip it in the bud. Make sure you buy the ones for skin allergies, not pollen.
- DO aim to up your water intake, not for hydration levels in the skin, but for hydration levels in your brain. Avoiding brain fog makes you think clearer, gives you more energy and enable you to..
- Stay calm. Stress is a killer. Bad for your body, really bad for your well-being and horrible for your skin. Make like Madge. She doesn't strike me as a stresser. ;)
Great advice Caroline I am all the above (not like madge though, I'm stressed to the bloody hill tops!!) been using pixi glow tonic am and pm I am red though so will scale it once daily. Cheers xxx
ReplyDeleteHi Caroline I'm from Mexico and I have two doubts:
ReplyDeleteWhen using a flannel when I should shave? (I'm a guy)
Is it good idea to start using retinol when being 21? (I have some acne and dark spots)
Hope you could answer. Greetings from Mexico.
Hi Caroline, hope you had a lovely Christmas and new year. Was wondering if you could help me please. I'm 23 and I get married this year and really want to get my skin in its best condition. However it's broken out up my right cheek for the last 2 months (one spot goes another appears) here the horrible cystic spots. My skin is combination oily. Have started a gluten free diet as diagnosed with coeliac however this usually helps your skin. Was wondering if you had any suggestions? I just bought good genes hoping it might help. (Sorry for the essay)
ReplyDeleteHi Dawn,
DeleteI'm not Caroline, however if you don't mind I would like to share my advice as I was in a similar situation to you. I'm a 24 year old pharmacist who suffered from acne for years and has finally cleared her skin up thanks to Caroline's wonderful advice.
Number 1 - Anecdotally, I know that when your gut isn't happy, this is reflected in your skin. Cutting out gluten should definitely help you. I also noticed myself that dairy products can cause acne flare ups and have switched to almond milk and coconut yoghurt etc (not trying to advocate cutting out entire food groups as everyone is different, but for me I noticed a massive difference going dairy free). Eating as many fresh foods as possibly, healthy fats and foods that reduce inflammation such as oily fish will enhance the look of your skin. Drink water, take probiotics.
2) Have a very critical look at your skincare routine. Remove products containing alcohol/foaming agents. I personally find Clinique Take the Day Off cleansing balm to be excellent and I would say it's suitable for most skin types. Good Genes is amazing and you can use this at night time as a leave-on serum after cleansing. It will help to brighten up acne scars and reduce the congestion on your face. Oils such as the Clarins Lotus Oil are good for acneic/combination skin (Sunday Riley oils are supposed to be excellent but I haven't tried any yet) and I personally love the Vichy Spa De Nuit moisturiser for some good hydration, although it is quite fragranced. Also love Indeed Labs Retinol Reface. Check out Caroline's cheat sheets and get into a good routine. Make sure you are using a good sunscreen with the Good Genes - I find Dr Sam Bunting has some good recommendations about sunscreens which are well tolerated by acne-prone skin types. I absolutely love Heliocare sunscreen - it's never broken me out and it is very cosmetically elegant. Start reading ingredients lists on products. Avoid things like shea butter and mineral oil which can often provoke acne. Find a routine that works and follow it religiously - always cleanse before bedtime.
3)Sound silly, but stop touching your face (people often do it subconsciously throughout the day). You are just introducing bacteria unnecessarily to your face. If you need to touch your face, always wash your hands. Make sure you wash pillowcases regularly and wipe your phone with some antibacterial gel. Heavy haircare products getting in contact with the face can sometimes cause breakouts.
If you're serious enough about getting your face clear, perseverance will pay off in the end! A lot of it is about trial and error, but coming here for advice is a great idea. Dr Sam Bunting and Sali Hughes also have good tips. Acne is horrible!I hope some of my tips have helped.
Good luck
xx
Hi thank you so much for your reply! I've cut out gluten for around 2 months now and it's more since then that my skin has broken out, whether my body is just adapting to the change and showing this through my skin I'm not too sure.
DeleteI already follow all of the advice from Caroline's cheat sheets, have done for around 5 months now and I noticed a big improvement in the rest of my skin, it's just this one cheek that's problematic. Touch wood, I don't have a single spot elsewhere. Also my skin is more radiant and smooth than ever. One of my New Years resolutions was to cut down on fair and sugar, which shouldn't be too difficult considering gluten free foods are generally dairy free also. I actually bought the retinol reface the other day but haven't used it yet. My gastroenterologist recommended I get a referral to a dermatologist so will see how that goes down with the GP. Thank you again so much for your help! Xx
Since it's one area on your cheek I totally echo the thought that you sanitize your cell phone and any other phone you use regularly. Change your pillowcase as frequently as you can and try to see if you sleep with your hand under your head. One particular spot might be a contact issue. Have you started a new hand cream and are you resting your head on your hand, for example? Or are you talking on the phone more planning the wedding? Good luck figuring it out.
DeleteLove the tip about soap! Haha!
ReplyDeleteLove this, might need laminating 👀...can't help wondering if she was having this cuppa after "talking" to her wardrobe person re future Cape ideas.... 😂😂😂
ReplyDeleteThank you- too much sugar and too little water are my downfalls for sure. What would you recommend for someone with regular breakouts, early 30s? Since having my daughter 18 months ago my skin has been a nightmare- lack of sleep a major culprit I am sure. Any tips or product recommendations would be fab, thank you! I look like I have aged 10 years in less than 2 ��
ReplyDeleteIf it makes you feel better I have exactly the same problem. I've got a 21mth old I don't drink enough water or get enough sleep. Mega bags under the eyes and 3 massive wrinkles in my forehead. I feel a fringe coming this year!
DeleteCaroline, I want to thank you for being the most fantastic skin guru ever. In the year I've been following your skin tips, my skin has radically transformed from dry, blotchy, red and spotty to clear and dream like. Thank you x
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi Caroline,
ReplyDeleteHappy new year! I'm a relatively new reader and I don't current do oil or acid (sorry). I'm 25 and really need to get my skin in check, my main concern is blackheads. Any advice on these products would be much appreciated! Thanks for a great informative blog :)
What should I be looking for in terms of allergy tablets for skin? All the ones on the supermarket shelves seem to mention pollen so is there an ingredient I can look for? Thanks as always :)
ReplyDeletePiraton, you just have to ask for it at the pharmacy in boots or haylife which can be purchased from amazon
DeleteThey mention pollen because they're mainly aimed at hayfever sufferers, but antihistamine tablets can be used for other allergies. Also please be aware that Piriton can make you drowsy. There are non-drowsy alternatives (Zirtek, Clarityn) or the Boots own brands, which are much cheaper. Hope this helps.
DeleteIs is there a specific antihistamine I should take for skin allergies, and are they over the counter?
ReplyDeleteGreat suggestions. Any thoughts on what acids or acid products we should be using?
ReplyDeletewww.divaandthedivine.com
http://www.carolinehirons.com/search/label/acids
DeleteRecently I started using Pixi Glow Tonic based on your recommendation and love it! It makes my skin smooth and more luminous. Love it! Thank you Caroline.
ReplyDeleteThere are anti-histamines for skin allergies? I've never heard of this in the US. They're all aimed at seasonal hay fever here. I have an appointment coming up with my GP, I'll have to ask her about this one. Need to pull back on the sugar now, I must admit I've indulged in too many Christmas cookies this year. Thanks for the new year reminders.
ReplyDeleteHappy new year xxx do I take antihistamines after I acid as skin goes quite red for a hour or is that normal xxx
ReplyDeleteVery timely advice thank you :-)
ReplyDeleteI really have to work on the water and the stress this year both off the scale due to a job I loath ..maybe time for a bit of a life overhaul ..otherwise no amount of product is going to help !
Hi, I take an antihistamine daily as my skin is hyper sensitive and prone to allergies so I have been advised by my doctor to take one as precautionary. I have also recently been advised when having a Clinque skin consultation to avoid all oils. I have tried quite a few but find they do aggravate my face leaving it red and blotchy, and not moisturised at all. Are there any you would recommend, as I'm sure some are good but finding one that suits my skin is costing a small fortune! Also is there a product you would recommend after allergic reactions, I find my skin is left sore and anything I put on it is painful...but obvs doing the school run looking like I've had a chemical peel isn't a confidence builder! Any advise on hyper sensative (since having twins a few years ago), allergy prone skin would be gratefully received. I've vowed that 2016 is going to be the year to try and sort it out. X
ReplyDeleteI use the REN omega oil (Vita Mineral Omega Optimum Skin Oil) it was the first oil I bought after starting to read Caroline's blog and it made such a huge difference to my skin being moisturised, even now if I don't use it (or something similar) for a few days I can tell.
DeleteMaybe trying coconut oil as a first cleanser in the evenings would be okay? And then if your skin hates it, at least you could use it for hair conditioning, or cooking :)
Hi, I take a daily antihistamine as I have allergy prone hyper sensative skin since having twins a few years ago. I have recently been advised to avoid all oils, by a Clinique skincare consultant, but wonder if there are some that are good what they are. I've used Pai Rosehip oil but find it leaves my skin itchy...as do a lot of oils. Also what products would you recommend for after allergic flare ups, I find using anything painful and aggravating but leaving the house looking like I've had a chemical peel isn't a great confidence builder. thank you X
ReplyDeleteHi Caroline is there a specific anti-histamine brand you trust and could recommend?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the timely reminder Caroline looking forward to all your fabulous reviews and vlogs in 2016! *steps away from Haribo*
ReplyDeleteThis was super helpful! Thanks :)
ReplyDeletemoremindfulyou.blogspot.com
Hi, I was wondering which acids etc I could use as I suffer from horrific rosacea. I often struggle product wise but think I've now got most things sussed, though I have to live on antibiotics as I look like I've been hit with a cheese grater within 72 hours. Many thanks :)
ReplyDeleteLove it. Very helpful. I follow all your advice but still get pesky black heads over my chin and nose, I really don't know where I'm going wrong, any ideas would be appreciated. Happy new year. Xx
ReplyDeleteLoved nr 2!!!! Thanks for starting 2016 with such amusing (and informative, obvs) posts!
ReplyDeleteYou always have the best advice! I'm just about to get into acid exfoliants and am looking at the First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads - now going to search your blog for any info on them :) x
ReplyDeletewww.madeleineslittleblog.blogspot.co.uk
Now these are resolutions I could get on board with. I really need to be a bit more Madge!
ReplyDeleteLinda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking
Love this advice. I really need to stress less
ReplyDeleteLauren x | www.laurenapowers.blogspot.com
Love you Hirons! Happy new year! Mwah!
ReplyDeleteHi Caroline,
ReplyDeleteI wonder if you can help.
I have been using sunbeds once a week for many years to treat my acne and psoriasis with great success. After reading your blog i'm interested in introducing some acid into my routine, do you think it's safe?
I have dark skin and i never burn.
Thank you x
After all the chocolate, late nights & alcohol over Christmas my skin is like STOP. STEP AWAY. New year skincare must have is to find the right acid for me. Happy New year everyone! Xx
ReplyDeleteWords to live by! Happy new year to you and yours x
ReplyDeleteThe Beauty Bloss
Antihistamine. No kidding. That little gem right there was news to me! As always thanks for your spot on skincare advice with a sense of humor.
ReplyDeleteWhat is this about acids and milia??!! I've been using acids AM and PM for a long time now, I'm 25 and have milia on my cheeks and sometimes eyelids. Please help Caroline!
ReplyDeleteI suffer from milia too!! Even under my eyes!! I had never heard about acids causing milia. I hope someone can shed light on this!!
DeleteI started getting milia after having some pretty intense acid facials, when I stopped having them, they pretty much went away after moisturising them to death. I use acid morning and night, either the Clinique Mild or Pixi and I don't have milia now. Obviously whatever was in the facial was far too strong for me personally to be using regularly.
DeleteOh lord.... I have a lot of milia, had no idea it involved over exfoliating....thank you, thank you Caroline.
ReplyDeleteHello Caroline. Thank you for transforming my skin. I am also wondering which antihistamines are available in the UK for skin allergies rather than pollen. Are they prescription only? Thanks
ReplyDeleteHi Aoife,
DeleteOral antihistamines have essentially the same mechanism of action. You can use the same ones to treat skin reactions as you can to treat hayfever. They might be marketed a little bit differently, but they are essentially the same! So, I would recommend cetirizine (available over the counter in the UK), as it is one of the newer antihistamines and less likely to cause drowsiness and side effects than the older ones. Do check with your local pharmacist if you're pregnant/breastfeeding, taking other medicines or have any other medical conditions. Antihistamines in general, however, are fairly safe, affordable and widely available. Thanks for the great tips Caroline!
Sincerely, a pharmacist :)
Thank you xxx
DeleteHello Caroline. Thank you for transforming my skin. I am also wondering which antihistamines are available in the UK for skin allergies rather than pollen. Are they prescription only? Thanks
ReplyDeleteMy addiction to acid toning is becoming a problem.. my bank balance hates me haha! Great advice. So much love for you Hirons! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteZoe Newlove Beauty Blogger & MUA
Thanks so much for the best and most hilarious skin tips I have ever read, Caroline, you are my star!I discovered your blog in 2015 and spend a lot of time reading your previous articles (a lot of work going back to 2010!) but I assure you I enjoy every bit of it. I wish you a wonderful year for you and family abnd friends and I wish your readers a lot of such super useful and entertaining articles!...A big thank you from France
ReplyDeleteNicely said Chantal, I'm the same and echo your good wishes to Caroline & other readers. Really enjoy looking after my skin now (with bonus added well-being).
DeleteI am a bit dense, I can't manage to sign with my name which is Chantal and not "unknown", there is an indication about a verification I don't understand...
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tips!
ReplyDeleteWhy can't you use soap on your face? Is it too harsh?
Love this Caroline - out of all the waffle out there, so clear advice that is doable! Are you going to be doing Vlogs again? x
ReplyDeleteIn cities with a high level of air pollution can a simple milk/toner do the job? I feel like the cleaning process is not complete.
ReplyDelete