Caroline Hirons is the no-nonsense skincare guru with over 20 years experience in the beauty industry, a regular gig on This Morning and a legion of loyal fans who love her honest advice.
She’s just revised and re-released her bestselling book, Skincare, just in time to add straight to the top of our Christmas list. OK! caught up with Caroline to discuss skincare bugbears, social media and seasonal plans…
Your book, Skincare,was a huge success. What’s the reason for this revised version now?
One of my conditions when I agreed to write the book was that I’d be allowed to update it regularly. Lots has happened in the skincare world since I first wrote it two years ago. It’s important for me to keep it as up to date as I possibly can, otherwise it becomes irrelevant – and God knows I never want to become irrelevant. I imagine I’ll do another version again in a couple of years.
What new information does Skincare: The New Edit cover?
One of the things I’ve rejigged is the SPF content – that changes almost annually with government regulations. We also expanded on the When Life Happens chapter – now there are new sections on everything from puberty through to the menopause and how these times might affect your skin.
What has excited you in the skincare world since you first wrote the book?
Not a lot, to be honest! It’s not that I’m jaded, I’m just comfortably cynical. I just can’t hear another brand founder say, “This didn’t exist before so I created it.” Everything exists!
Have you discovered any new absolute favourite products during this time?
Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm, which I love. And Allies of Skin is a really nice, exciting new brand.
What are your skincare wishes for 2022?
I’d like to see the demise of “the trend”. Realistically I know that’s never going to happen, but I love it when people buy for the ingredients or formulas, rather than the brand that can afford the fanciest marketing campaign.
Social media is such a huge part of your job, but do you ever get sick of it?
I’ve got four kids so I can’t ever turn my phone off, but when Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp went down recently, I’m not going to lie, it was very pleasurable. I was like, “Fantastic, no one can expect anything from me.”
You’ve got such a loyal fanbase. What are your favourite comments from followers?
The best ones are, “I can’t believe how much my skin has changed” or “You’ve really helped me” – anything that involves people feeling better about their skin. THAT’S why I do it. That’s why I’m knackered every weekend. Ultimately, skincare is self-care.
What are your thoughts on the rise of TikTok “skinfluencers”?
I’ve managed to avoid TikTok so far – the miming and dancing is not for me. I feel slightly mortified when I see really qualified dermatologists just dressing up and pointing at things. However, we do need professionals on there because some of the advice that’s come from TikTok is horrific.
What are some of the most ridiculous skincare trends you’ve ever heard?
Oh my God, where to start?! Skincare fridges are one. If you like the feel of your products cold, knock yourself out, but you don’t need to put your skincare in a fridge. I also used to rant about the Clarisonic, but they’re gone now (thank God). I was not a fan of using a scrubbing brush to wash your face.
You’ve spoken openly about your personal experience with the menopause. What still stops women receiving the right advice and treatment?
Ultimately, women over a certain age are just dismissed. It’s very hard to say to your doctor, “No, this is bulls**t, I still don’t feel well – I need something else.” It was always something women felt they just had to suffer through, when you don’t need to. You replace hormones if you have a dodgy thyroid or type 1 diabetes, so why aren’t we doing this for women as standard? When you do your medical training in the UK, menopause is a half-day optional extra. Why is the care of over 50% of the population an optional extra?
What advice would you give for anyone struggling?
Download the Balance Menopause Support app, which lists the symptoms and explains how you can arm yourself with information to take to your GP. And don’t take no for an answer.
How does the menopause affect the skin?
Menopausal skin isn’t a skin type, it’s a skin condition, and that generally means running a bit hot and being more prone to sensitivity.
What skincare products and ingredients can help?
Look for calming, soothing products rich in ceramides or other skin barrier-repairing ingredients. And something marketed as a “menopause cream” doesn’t have to cost £300. Beauty brands shouldn’t be making money off a medical condition. It’s not “the moneypause”.
What’s the latest with your campaign for support for the beauty industry, Beauty Backed?
We’ve launched our grant scheme where beauty businesses can apply for up to £5,000 if they’re struggling. We also arrange free courses on how to manage your money. We’ve had to turn down a lot of applications from people doing injections when they’re not properly qualified, though. I believe that unless you have medical training you shouldn’t be performing injections, and Beauty Backed won’t be endorsing that.
What are your Christmas plans this year?
We’re giving everyone a couple of weeks off because my team has worked so hard over the last two years. I just want everyone to have a break, sit at home and watch a Christmas special with their chocolate and not have to worry about work.
What’s on your Christmas wish list?
I’m not particularly materialistic. For me it’s just about having time to spend time with my 14-month-old granddaughter, hang out in my kitchen and just relax.
Skincare: The New Edit is out now priced £20 (HQ, HarperCollins). For more on Beauty Backed, click here.
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