List of FAQ Sections

• Dental FAQs
• Deodorants FAQs
• Hair removal FAQs
• Haircare FAQs
• Men FAQs
• Mother & baby FAQs
• Skincare FAQs

• Dental FAQs

  • My teeth do look a bit stained sometimes but I don’t want to go as far as that American blinding white look – is that what whitening toothpaste will do?

    The blinding white look you mention is much more likely to be from cosmetic dentistry. Cleaning properly will make your teeth look nicely healthy and clean and by using a whitening programme or stick you can gradually whiten your teeth to a level you’re happy with rather than going for the blindingly white in one go.

  • Americans often use peroxide to whiten teeth but this sounds a bit serious – is it safe and is it available in the UK?

    In Europe – unlike the US - products containing more than 0.1% peroxide are not currently allowed for sale. Peroxide is a very effective whitening agent for teeth and, if used correctly and in a reputable kit with clear instructions, will give great results. The legislation regarding peroxide is currently under review, though, and we’ll be keeping an eye on it to see if this position changes. In the meantime, there are plenty of non-peroxide whitening kits on the market, which will also whiten teeth effectively.

  • When you have your teeth whitened by a dentist they look great. It’s not cheap, though, so how do you keep them looking white for as long as possible?

    Apart from avoiding foods that stain and not smoking, the single best thing to do is use good whitening toothpaste and mouthwash, and use them at least twice a day. And don’t forget to floss, too.

  • I’ve had one of my front teeth crowned and it’s not quite as white as my other teeth. Can I bleach it?

    I’m afraid that whitening products don’t work on caps, crowns or veneers. Your dentist should match your crown to your existing teeth to make sure it doesn’t stand out too much. I’d recommend going back to him or her and asking for help in resolving this.

  • How often should we clean our teeth and do we really need to floss?

    I’m always glad to be asked this question as in the UK about 60% of people have some form of gum disease, most of which could be prevented by proper, regular cleaning. When you bear in mind that 22% of people brush their teeth just once a day, it’s less surprising. Brushing teeth once a day is simply not enough. One in three adults floss and a quarter use mouthwash - which is an improvement, but there’s still a long way to go. Ideally, you should brush two or three times a day, making sure you don’t miss the line where teeth meet gums. Flossing cleans those inaccessible bits between teeth where bacteria can grow and cause serious tooth decay. You should floss thoroughly at least once a day – before going to bed would be a great start. Look after your teeth and gums and they’ll look good your whole life long.

  • What’s the point of mouthwash – surely just cleaning your teeth is enough to keep your breath fresh?

    If you clean your teeth properly at least twice a day and floss, too, you’ll probably have fresher breath than if you don’t, but the fact is that the bacteria that cause bad breath are better dealt with by using a specialist mouthwash that can get into all the nooks and crannies to see them off. Bad breath makes sufferers really miserable and judging by research recently commissioned by Boots, we’re not surprised. According to those surveyed bad breath is the second ‘deadly sin’ in the office, as well as being one of the biggest turn-offs on a date. Not very good news if you’re a sufferer. When you read stuff like that it doesn’t sound so bad having to remember to use a mouthwash.

  • My gums seem to be inflamed and bleed easily when I brush or floss. Can you help?

    You can do something about your inflammation and bleeding. It’s usually the result of not spending enough time brushing teeth properly or not cleaning between teeth. This leads to an increase in bacteria, which triggers a chemical reaction that inflames the gum and can make it bleed. Start with a good new brush (maybe try electric, they do a great job) and stock up on some floss. Flossing is a very good way to improve your gum health. Floss at least once a day, preferably twice, and you should start to see some improvement. Also, I’d recommend regular visits to your dentist. Long term you should expect your gums to make a full recovery.

  • When I clean my teeth my gums always seem to bleed. Why is this?

    The most common cause of bleeding is some degree of gum disease. If you stick to a good cleaning regime (don’t forget to floss!), this should decrease, but if the bleeding persists you should seek advice from your dentist or hygienist

  • Tongue cleaning is said to be the latest thing for bad breath. How do you do it? And does it work?

    Actually, tongue cleaning’s been around for ages, and it does work. Bacteria don’t just lurk at your gum edge or between teeth – the tongue, with its many fissures, is also a great place for them to grow. Reduce bacteria by cleaning your tongue once a day – just use your toothbrush to give it a gentle scrub, or use one of the specialist tongue cleaners – and you’ll reduce bacteria and you should freshen your breath, too.

  • I read recently that cleaning your teeth can reduce the risk of heart disease. It sounds ridiculous to me – is it true?

    Well, it’s not quite as simple as that. While there’s a growing body of scientific information linking people with poor oral health and higher incidences of coronary heart disease (as well as diabetes, respiratory diseases), it’s not clear what the precise cause of this is. It may be that people that don’t look after themselves properly are more prone to a variety of diseases, including in their teeth and gums. I’ll keep this site posted when there is any more information. In the meantime, though, that’s no reason to neglect your teeth and gums, you should still brush at least twice a day and floss at least once!

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• Deodorants FAQs

  • Why do people sweat more under the arms than anywhere else?

    Everybody dreads excessive sweating and body odour (or BO), but perspiration itself is a simple fact of life and affects men and women alike. With 2-5 million sweat glands in the skin - the body’s largest organ – nobody’s immune, though some people definitely suffer more than others. As to why you sweat more under your arms – the truth is you don’t. It’s just that, being enclosed the sweat doesn’t evaporate so easily, so it’s more noticeable.

  • Why does sweat smell?

    The smell comes from a simple biological process - the body has bacteria specially designed to break down perspiration and it’s this process that makes it smell. To keep the whiffs to a minimum, make sure you shower every day and use a good anti-perspirant or deodorant. If this isn’t enough, you might need to look into more specialist products which work a little harder to keep you dry and sweeter smelling, too.

  • How do anti-perspirants and deodorants work?

    There are a lot of theories but the most commonly recognized is that they work by blocking the sweat ducts, thereby reducing the amount of sweat that reaches the skin’s surface. When they are applied to skin and come in contact with sweat, the actives precipitate out and form a plug over the sweat glands, but don’t worry the axilla (armpit) only houses a small percentage of the sweat glands on the human body, your body will still be able to cool down.

  • Do aerosols damage the ozone layer?

    No! Not any more. Aerosols have not contained CFCs since around 1989.

  • Do men sweat more than women?

    It’s not that simple as the number of active sweat glands varies from one person to another – as does the speed at which we respond to raised temperatures, stress, etc. So, I’ve yet to see any definitive evidence that men sweat more than women.

  • People sometimes say that spray is better than roll-ons and sticks, but no one seems sure. What’s true and why?

    This is an interesting one as, in theory, roll-ons and sticks should be better because the formulation allows you to use more effective active ingredients. Also, when you spray, some of the ingredients bounce off on contact with the skin. However, when we trialled spray, roll-on and stick anti-perspirants on 300 customers, we discovered that, in their opinion, the spray was just as effective as the roll-on and the stick.

  • Why does anti-perspirant leave white marks on black tops and dresses?

    It’s probably because you’re getting dressed too fast! Seriously, though, anti-perspirant actives are white and, while there are some tricks of the trade in keeping their appearance to a minimum, the best advice is not to over-apply and leave it a little longer before you put on that little black dress.

  • Does deodorant work just as well on everybody or are some people less sweaty than others?

    It’s very individual really – all products perform the same way, but there are two main reasons why people get different results. One is application – it makes a difference how carefully you apply a product as to how well it works. The other is about how much an individual sweats – some people are more sensitive to heat and others might suffer from psychological triggers like stress, which can increase sweating. My best advice is to find the format that suits you best – whether it be a roll-on, spray or solid stick – and stick to it.

  • Should people with asthma be using aerosol anti-perspirants?

    We’ve found no medical evidence that aerosol use causes asthma or increases an asthmatic’s sensitivity to allergens (i.e. the things that they are allergic to). However, some asthma sufferers do report that aerosols can trigger an attack, so they make sure they use them in a well-ventilated area or they use alternatives such as roll-ons or sticks.

  • Getting the most out of your antiperspirant

    The effectiveness of anti-perspirants builds up over time and continues for a period after you stop using it. So if your trying a new product you should reserve judgement until you have used it regularly for at least a week and preferably two. Another tip is that its best to apply your anti-perspirant when you are cool and calm. Some find it better to apply their anti-perspirant in the evening rather than in the morning just after a hot shower and before you run for the bus. For the best performance apply morning and evening.

  • There was a rumour that anti-perspirants and deodorants could cause breast cancer. Is this true?

    This myth first appeared in the form of an e-mail circulated in the 1990’s. I would agree with the The European Commission’s scientific committee on consumer products (SCCP), the corresponding body in the USA, and the leading cancer charities that there is no proven link between breast cancer and the use of antiperspirants or deodorants or any reason to suspect.

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• Hair removal FAQs

  • Does waxing the hair on your upper lip risk damaging the skin?

    The simple answer to this is no. But nothing’s ever simple! The lip area is a really sensitive part of the body and some people simply don’t react so well to waxing. It could be to do with technique, so make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and I always recommend you perfect your technique on a less sensitive area first – legs are good – before moving to your face. Then test a small area of the lip. Waxing can irritate skin for a while – a good cooling moisturising lotion can help with that. If waxing’s really not for you, though, I’d suggest you try a gentle hair removal cream specially formulated for the face or use a bleaching product to lighten the hair.

  • Is it true that regular waxing stops hair from growing back? I’ve been waxing for years and it seems to grow back just the same, every time.

    Whether you’re waxing your face or your body, for many people hair will continue to grow back as before. However there are two factors that may reduce re-growth. The first, quite simply, is age. Hair thins a bit with age and this is as true of body hair as it is of the hair on your head. Secondly, traction alopecia (the name given to hair loss as a result of pulling) can occur as a result of waxing, though it’s not that common. The fact is the effects of waxing vary from person to person.

  • Is it better to remove wax strips in the opposite direction of your hair growth? If so, why?

    Yes, in a word. The reason’s quite simple, too. If you pull against the direction your hair grows, there’s more leverage on the hair, which means it comes out more cleanly.

  • When I shave I always seem to get in-growing hairs. Any idea why?

    The reason why you tend to get in-growing hair with shaving is because the razor leaves a sharp edge to the hair, which may penetrate the side of the hair shaft, causing it to become ingrowing. (This is also why re-growth after shaving feels thicker – an exfoliating mitt will lessen that ‘spiky’ feeling). Many find that if you first shave in the direction of hair growth to remove the bulk of your hair, you can get an even closer shave by then shaving against the direction of growth, while pulling the skin taut. The catch is that by doing this you increase the risk of nicking the rim of the hair follicle. You are also more likely to cut the hair just below the skin surface, rather than at the skin surface increasing the risk of in-growing hairs and razor bumps.

  • Hair always seems to grow back thicker and darker after shaving. Why is this?

    It doesn’t actually get darker – but hair can feel coarser after shaving. This is because when you shave the razor slices hair at an angle, leaving it with a sharp edge. When it first grows back and the hair is still too short to lie flat, it can feel a bit spiky. Use an exfoliating mitt to soften the edges of that first few days’ growth.

  • What’s your top tip for a perfect shave?

    I’ve a bit of a mantra for an ideal shave, it’s exfoliate, hydrate, and glide. Basically, exfoliation will clear blocked pores and remove any surface dead skin, giving you a smoother surface. If you shower or bath just before shaving you’ll plump and soften the hairs with water, making them easier to cut cleanly. Use a shaving mousse, too. This traps the moisture in and lubricates the blade so it doesn’t drag. Make sure your razor’s sharp and don’t use too much pressure – the razor should glide rather than pull – also, you need to shave with the direction your hair grows. Finish with a good rinse and a light layer of moisturising lotion.

  • Leg hair seems to grow quicker in summer than in winter. Is this true?

    There is some evidence to show that the number of hairs in the growing phase peaks in the spring and falls to a low in August, with the rate of growth of individual hairs peaking in the summer. So, it’s not just sod’s law.

  • Should pregnant women stop using hair removal creams and hair lighteners because of the chemicals they contain?

    There’s no reason to stop using them but always check the on-pack guidance as some suppliers add ingredients that they believe are not suitable for use by pregnant women. If you’re in any doubt seek medical advice.

  • Is it true that diabetic people shouldn’t wax their legs?

    Partly. The reason you should be cautious using waxing products is that diabetics can often suffer from peripheral vascular and nerve damage. So, if you’re using a hot wax, your nerves may not be able to register if it is too hot and you could burn yourself. Also, if you’re using waxing strips you may be more prone to bruising and skin damage.

  • Why are we told to apply talc before using waxing strips - doesn’t this just stop the wax from being sticky?

    For the wax strips to work effectively the hair must be dry and free from skincare products. Lightly applying talc helps with this and also helps prevent the strip sticking to the skin. It takes a bit of trial and error to get the right amount - if your hair is left too coated with talc it won’t stick to the strip.

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• Haircare FAQs

  • What causes dandruff?

    Dandruff is the word we use for any condition from flaky hair to a serious skin condition. As I said in my blog – it’s basically the result of normal skin shedding being accelerated. This can be caused by many things but the factors are usually stress-related or environmental.

  • What do anti-dandruff shampoos, scalp moisturisers and hot oils actually do?

    They soothe, hydrate and ease hypersensitivity to other products, regulating the sebum (oils) on the scalp and generally helping to calm it all down, making your hair look healthier and your scalp feel less irritable. These kinds of products also deliver essential nutrients such as vitamin B5 to the area around the hair follicles, helping to further improve hair health.

  • It’s said that diet can really affect your hair health. What should we eat to make a difference?

    Plenty of fresh fruit and veg are always good for you, and whole foods like oats, wheat germ and yeast extracts all contain vitamin B, essential for healthy hair.

  • Can perming and colouring hair damage your scalp?

    The answer’s yes, really. Any messing about with your hair – from excessive heat drying to perming and colouring, can irritate a sensitive scalp. So, if you’re prone to flakiness and itching, be careful what you do with your hair.

  • I’ve had dandruff on and off for years and I recently heard that as many as 30% of people are also sufferers. Is this true?

    Actually, the number’s even higher than that. At any one time at least 50% of people suffer from dandruff. But, like you, they won’t have dandruff all the time.

  • If your scalp sometimes feels itchy and sore does this mean you have dandruff?

    If you’ve not got visible white flakes, probably not. Most dandruff sufferers have those, along with itching and irritation. Hair can suffer, too, becoming excessively oily or dry. More likely, you’ve got a dry scalp, which can feel itchy, tight and a bit scaly. Although a dandruff shampoo will help both conditions, if you’ve a dry scalp the most effective solution is a moisturising scalp treatment which will help restore your natural scalp oils and relieve some of the tightness and itching.

  • It’s been said that your shampoo and conditioner get less effective over time and that hair benefits from rotating them. Should we do this with our dandruff shampoo, too?

    In a word, no! It’s actually a myth that shampoos and conditioners work less well after time - and I’d especially not recommend changing your anti-dandruff products if they work for you. If you’re not happy with them, that’s a different story and you need to find something that really works, then stick to it.

  • My hair’s a bit dry but I’ve got dandruff and a very dry scalp, so I’m not sure if I can use conditioner. What’s your advice?

    You can and should condition your dry hair and scalp but a normal conditioner won’t be moisturising or soothing enough. Try using a complete dry scalp regime with conditioning treatments specially designed for your condition.

  • Why does winter seem to aggravate dandruff?

    Winter’s a tough time for skin and your scalp’s no exception. Cold weather and increased heating at work and at home make your skin drier than usual, which definitely makes dandruff and an itchy scalp worse.

  • Is shampoo the only way to treat dandruff?

    A good anti-dandruff shampoo is a must if you’ve got a flaky, itchy scalp. One thing you could do is leave the shampoo on for a little longer – up to five minutes – before rinsing very well, which will help clear the flakes you’ve loosened with shampooing. A dry scalp regime and massaging in soothing oils can also make a real difference.

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• Men FAQs

  • I like to wash my face in the morning but my skin seems to be really dry, tight and flaky.

    This sounds like classic dehydration. If you’re using soap, don’t, it can really strip the skin of vital oils and leave it dry and uncomfortable. You can still use water on your face in the morning but try using a mild wash instead. It may sound basic but… whatever product you use, make sure you wet your face first before spreading the cleanser onto your skin. This goes for your body too because sensitive skin doesn’t stop at your neck. And try and get into the habit of using a gentle moisturiser, it’ll only take a couple of extra minutes.

  • Does wet shaving (using a foam) followed by aftershave cause the redness and blotchiness on my skin? Am I doing something wrong?

    There’s no reason to change from wet shaving but choose a mild product, like a shaving oil instead of a foam - as they can help seal in moisture when your skin needs it most – after all scraping a razor across your face is quite severe when you think about it. Also, aftershaves contain lots of alcohol, which can really dry and sting the skin (and cause redness) especially when freshly shaved. So, finish with a balm instead to soothe and protect.

  • My husband has finally started using a moisturiser every day and even he’s really noticed the difference but over Christmas his skin became really dry and flaky again.

    Our skin is like the rest of our body; it changes from season to season. Just as we don’t want the same food every meal skin will need more moisture in winter when the cold and wind can really dry it out. Maybe a slightly richer moisturiser for these few months will help. Also it’s worth considering that over Christmas we all drink a bit more than usual and alcohol can really dry out the skin too, so maybe as you get back into your normal routine (or with a new year’s resolution) this will help make improvements.

  • I’ve always got red bumps on my chin and cheeks no matter how close a shave I seem to get – and I use hypoallergenic products, too.

    Razor bumps are a telltale sign of ingrown hairs and it could be because you are trying to get too close a shave, although using mild hypoallergenic products is a good thing. What you may need is a scrub but these need not be harsh. Find a gently exfoliating scrub and it will slough off dead skin and help new bristles grow through cleanly, use a couple of times a week and you’ll notice the difference in no time.

  • Why should men moisturise? My dad and his friends wouldn’t have been seen dead with a face cream and they all look fine.

    The fact is every time you wash your face, you degrade your skin’s natural protective barrier, losing essential protection from the elements, as well as exposing your skin to the ageing effects of the sun. A simple moisturiser will help your skin renew itself better, giving you healthier, younger-looking skin that won’t feel tight or flaky. Use a moisturiser every day, and you’ll look (and feel) better than if you don’t.

  • Is it OK to use my girlfriend’s moisturiser?

    Apart from any arguments about whose is whose, there is no real reason why men should not use products for women. However you may find that you have a different skin type - men’s skin is usually oilier than women’s - and men’s products tend to target these needs.

  • It’s not clear whether I should use skin products before electric shaving. What do you suggest?

    Cleansers and exfoliators will prepare the skin for any type of shaving and it’s good to use them first so your shaver doesn’t have to work against any debris or (god forbid) last night’s products. However, if you’re using an electric razor, make sure your skin is completely dry before shaving.

  • What can be done about blemishes?

    Prevention is always better than cure – so if we are talking about blemishes common in spot-prone skin, keeping skin clean and in good condition is half the battle. Part of the problem with blemishes is their darker colour, which makes them so visible - soothing the irritation will help reduce the colour to some degree as well as make them feel more comfortable.

  • My skin always seems to look tired and dull. Any ideas why?

    Dry skin does not reflect light as well as hydrated skin – the most common cause for dull, tired skin is dehydration or dryness. There are a number of causes of dry skin – environmental factors such as heating, wind, air con, etc, stress, is a big one – so anything you can do to prevent or protect your skin here is good. The other possible cause may be if the blood vessels are not working well under the skin’s surface, then that can also give you a dry, drained look. Whatever the cause, a bit of massage and moisturiser should help sort the problem.

  • What’s the secret to a really good shave?

    Six simple steps… 1. Exfoliate the skin occasionally to help clear blocked pores and remove dead skin – this’ll give a smoother surface to shave in the first place.

    2. Swell and soften the hair by hydrating it before shaving to make it easier to cut. The best time to shave is immediately after showering or bathing.

    3. Use a shaving gel, foam, cream or oil to trap the moisture in and lubricate the blade so it doesn’t drag.

    4. Use a sharp razor to cut the hair cleanly without pulling.

    5. Don’t apply too much pressure to the razor (let it do the work) and don’t shave against the direction of hair growth (hair being pushed back against the hair follicle can cause the blade to also cut the skin surface).

    6. Rinse the skin well after shaving and apply a good light moisturising lotion. 

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• Mother & baby FAQs

  • My first baby had really bad skin rashes for the first few months but then they seemed to settle down. Do you think it’s a natural process that will affect my second baby (due in two months)?

    When a baby is born, his or her skin, just like the rest of the body has to get used to living in a completely new environment and this can take some adjusting. In fact studies have shown that for the first 90 days or so of life, a baby’s skin is particularly sensitive and reactive, so rashes can be more common at this time. Whilst it’s mainly the nappy area that needs keeping clean, you won’t need lots of detergent. You don’t say what products you used on your first baby but this time round look for really mild products, hypoallergenic and fragrance-free and hopefully you’ll avoid some of the common triggers for early irritants. And being too harsh cleaning the nappy area can make the skin around there more susceptible to irritation from the wee and poo.

  • My midwife suggested just washing my baby in water, but is this really enough to keep them clean?

    The main thing is not to worry. Newborn babies don’t get dirty at all and water does the job just fine. But, for a particularly mucky poo, or if you’re worried about it a very small amount of a gentle body wash or lotion specially formulated for baby’s skin won’t hurt. Don’t overdo it, though, save the bubble bath for toddlers.

  • Many children seem to get dreadful nappy rash and I’d like to do everything I can to stop the same thing happening to my little boy. What do you suggest?

    A few obvious things – like make sure you change your baby’s nappy regularly and try lying him down with a bare bum from time to time to get some air to it (make sure you keep the room nice and warm when you do this). A good barrier cream really does help. Also, make sure you only use the gentlest products on your baby’s skin – everything should be specially formulated and, ideally, unscented. Your baby will probably still get a little bit of nappy rash from time to time – particularly when he’s teething – just be extra careful when you see it coming on.

  • My midwife suggested just washing my baby in water, but is this really enough to keep them clean?

    The main thing is not to worry. Newborn babies don’t get dirty at all and water does the job just fine. But, for a particularly mucky poo, or if you’re worried about it a very small amount of a gentle body wash or lotion specially formulated for baby’s skin won’t hurt. Don’t overdo it, though, save the bubble bath for toddlers.

  • My first baby had really bad skin rashes for the first few months but then they seemed to settle down. Do you think it’s a natural process that will affect my second baby (due in two months)?

    When a baby is born, his or her skin, just like the rest of the body has to get used to living in a completely new environment and this can take some adjusting. In fact studies have shown that for the first 90 days or so of life, a baby’s skin is particularly sensitive and reactive, so rashes can be more common at this time. Whilst it’s mainly the nappy area that needs keeping clean, you won’t need lots of detergent. You don’t say what products you used on your first baby but this time round look for really mild products, hypoallergenic and fragrance-free and hopefully you’ll avoid some of the common triggers for early irritants. And being too harsh cleaning the nappy area can make the skin around there more susceptible to irritation from the wee and poo.

  • My midwife suggested just washing my baby in water, but is this really enough to keep them clean?

    The main thing is not to worry. Newborn babies don’t get dirty at all and water does the job just fine. But, for a particularly mucky poo, or if you’re worried about it a very small amount of a gentle body wash or lotion specially formulated for baby’s skin won’t hurt. Don’t overdo it, though, save the bubble bath for toddlers.

  • Many children seem to get dreadful nappy rash and I’d like to do everything I can to stop the same thing happening to my little boy. What do you suggest?

    A few obvious things – like make sure you change your baby’s nappy regularly and try lying him down with a bare bum from time to time to get some air to it (make sure you keep the room nice and warm when you do this). A good barrier cream really does help. Also, make sure you only use the gentlest products on your baby’s skin – everything should be specially formulated and, ideally, unscented. Your baby will probably still get a little bit of nappy rash from time to time – particularly when he’s teething – just be extra careful when you see it coming on.

  • My little girl has awful cradle cap. Everyone’s got a theory of how to deal with it – from combing it off to leaving it be. What’s your advice?

    Cradle cap is a build up of dead skin cells and oils from the hair follicles on the soft part of your baby’s head. It doesn’t do your baby any harm at all, but it doesn’t look very nice, so most mums are pretty keen to get rid of it. One thing I would say – never pick or scratch at it, it won’t get rid of it and could make it worse. We find mums get best results from simply softening the skin with olive oil before gently washing with a specially formulated, mild baby shampoo. Good luck!

  • Mild baby shampoo, despite being formulated for babies, has a warning on the bottle saying avoid the eye area. My baby loves to splash and must get loads of shampoo in his eyes. Should I worry?

    The warning on the bottle refers to neat shampoo (this could sting a bit, but should not do serious damage). Once diluted with water, in use, proper, mild baby shampoo will not really do any harm – if it runs in your baby’s eyes, they’ll water a bit and clean it out, naturally. Clean tepid water, though, will help, so if he’s obviously got the product in his eyes, give them a gentle rinse and he’ll be fine.

  • Do I need to moisturise my baby’s skin in winter? Sometimes her cheeks can get so red in the wind they look chapped.

    My best advice is to keep your baby’s delicate skin out of the wind as much as you can. Newborn skin is 30% thinner than adult skin and is therefore more delicate and less effective at retaining moisture. I’m not keen on slathering cream all over infants but, if the cold air is unavoidable, I’d suggest smoothing on some good moisturiser suitable for babies on his cheeks.

  • Everybody recommends mild and hypoallergenic baby products, but what does this actually mean?

    Hypo-allergenic products are specially formulated to lower the risk of allergic reaction (compared to normal, well formulated cosmetic products). Companies use different ways of ensuring that products are hypo-allergenic; there is not standard. For Boots this means that strict rules are applied to ingredients permitted in hypoallergenic formulations and these formulations are reviewed by a Consultant Dermatologist specialising in contact allergy. The permitted ingredients are kept under continuous review to ensure that our products remain hypoallergenic. Also, hypoallergenic formulations are tested on human volunteers. Hypoallergenic baby products will probably have been tested on adults and children to demonstrate their mildness and, finally, they’re reviewed by an independent Consultant Dermatologist. All of which helps to minimise risk to your baby’s skin.

  • When should pregnant women start moisturising the bump and should we use anything special on it?

    First, many congratulations! As far as your bump goes, ideally you should already be moisturising your body regularly, including your tummy. If not, do start now. When you’re pregnant, you should pay close attention to every bit that’s expanding – that’s always your bump and breasts, as well as, for most women, hips and thighs. Moisturising will keep the skin more flexible while it expands and I’d suggest using a nice rich cream, massaging it gently wherever you need it at least once a day.

  • I’ve just had a baby and was wondering what I can do to help prevent cracked nipples? Please don’t say cabbages.

    Well, thousands of women swear by the Savoy cabbage leaf and its soothing properties but I don’t know if it really works. The main cause of cracked and sore nipples is simply positioning – check with your health visitor whether you baby is feeding correctly. To soothe already sore and cracked nipples, your best bet is a good cream or spray, specially formulated for that sensitive area.

  • My mum has terrible stretch marks. I’m having a baby in 11 weeks and I’m worried I’ll go the same way. What can I do to help?

    Don’t worry! Some people do seem more prone to stretch marks than others. There is no one thing that will result in you getting stretch marks. Though it can run in families there are many other factors like age of first pregnancy and other changes in size due to dieting that can influence your response to an expanding bump. Stretch marks are a form of scarring and they can be minimised with a number of precautions. Make sure you keep skin well moisturised before and during pregnancy, giving your skin a bit of extra help. After you’ve had the baby, massaging your skin regularly with good quality specialist oils and creams should reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Remember, the longer you leave it, the harder it is to improve your stretch marks.

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• Skincare FAQs

  • Why do so many people, like my mum, develop sensitive skin as they get older, and what can they do about it?

    As we grow older the quality of our skin naturally becomes thinner, drier and less supple. Also our skin’s natural oil glands become less efficient. All this results in drier skin that’s more easily damaged and can easily deteriorate. Your mum needs to change her skin routine as her needs have changed. See if you can find her creams that hydrate, replenish and soften – look out for proven ingredients like evening Primrose Oil, Vitamin E and lanolin that all help older skin stay healthy.

  • I have sensitive skin so does this mean my children will also have it?

    It depends what kind of sensitive skin you have. Although 40% of the UK population believe they have it, this can mean different things for different people. If you have a skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis a tendency to these conditions can be inherited. Other than that, diet, stress, hormones, the environment and allergies (such as to nickel or some foods) can all contribute to sensitive skin. If you can recognise any of these as the cause of your sensitive skin, take action and try to avoid these triggers for your children – although there’s no automatic guarantee that your children will inherit sensitive skin.

  • I’ve developed dry patches on my body that don’t seem to be going away?

    It always surprises me about the care and attention we pay to the skin on our faces but we rarely do the same with the skin on our body. Although we often use milder washes on our body in the shower or bath than we might use on our hands, moisturising is still key because washing will always tend to remove the skin’s natural protection and make it prone to dryness. Try using a moisturiser or oil, all over your body after every shower, this will help soothe damaged skin and create a temporary protective barrier while your skin rebuilds its natural lipids.

  • Everyone talks about environmental factors stressing out your skin but what does this actually mean?

    Environmental factors covers all kinds of everyday things like the water you wash in, sunlight, wind, heating, aircon – that kind of thing. All of these can bring about subtle changes in the composition of your skin – affecting its flexibility, as well as making it drier or oilier than it would be naturally.

  • Do we need to change our skincare regime in winter or doesn’t it make any difference?

    The simple answer is yes, but it doesn’t just apply to winter – you should adjust your skin care regime all year round according to the season. In summer, lighter products and added sunscreen are a must, while in autumn and spring, when your skin is more prone to spots, you’ll need to keep it really clear. In winter, skin can get tired and dehydrated – again, adjust your routine to add moisture, without weighing skin down. Whatever the season, you should still exfoliate – gently – or your skin will get clogged and dull.

  • What’s the best way to deal with dry skin?

    Dry skin tends to cope less well with environmental factors (wind, cold, heating, aircon etc.). Skin prone to dryness tends not to renew itself properly, leaving a layer of dead cells on the surface, which literally pile up, leaving a duller, less flexible surface. To help sort it out, use products that are specially created for dry skin, and make sure you exfoliate your face gently and regularly.

  • My skin’s got both dry and oily patches – why?

    The most likely reason is over-cleansing. If you wash your face regularly, I’d suggest substituting that with a gentle cleansing cream instead. If you use a toner, you might want to find a milder one, too. Overall, I’d recommend taking a look at your regime and make sure you’re using products that suit you. Do keep exfoliating, though. Use the mildest one you can find.

  • I’m worried about absorbing all the stuff I put on my skin – should I be?

    I’ve seen loads of scares on the Internet over the years but, really, there’s very little to worry about as most of the quoted research is taken out of context. For instance, at one time lanolin was said to cause allergies to flare up, but this was only true in patients already with severe skin complaints. Everything you can buy in Europe is rigorously tested anyway before it goes on shelf, so you should be fine.

  • Does eating chocolate bring you out in spots?

    It’s good news – the answer’s no! And, in fact, there are many reports out there suggesting benefits from eating chocolate. Like everything else, it’s all about moderation, and a balanced diet is better than a high fat diet for every aspect of your health, including your skin.

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