I have very sensitive skin and feel like I miss out on a lot of skincare that could make my skin look better. Especially as I get older. It looks like I don’t have to miss out anymore. Finally there is a Vitamin C serum which is gentle enough for me to use.
Dr Althea is What Your Sensitive Skin Has Been Waiting For
Vitamin C serums are everywhere, but if you’re finding it hard to bag one that actually works without wrecking your skin barrier? We’ve got you! Enter: Dr Althea’s Gentle Vitamin C Serum– the low-irritation, high-impact glow booster that’s winning over beauty fanatics, TikTokers, and sensitive skin warriors alike. This brightening MVP was made for skin that needs a little extra TLC. It’s feather-light, totally fragrance-free, and packed with a minimalist dream team of skin-loving ingredients:5% Niacinamide to fade spots + strengthen3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid for potent (but gentle!) radiance Hippophae Rhamnoides Water for a mega antioxidant boost Oh, and did we mention the genius oil capsule delivery system that keeps the vitamin C super fresh? At just £20, it’s the affordable skincare hero for anyone who’s ever said “Vitamin C breaks me out.”No irritation. No greasiness. Just glowy, even-toned skin.
Top grooming brand BarberBoss has two fantastic electrical launches; 2 innovative products designed to enhance your morning and evening ablutions, with minimal effort. First is the BarberBoss Cordless Water Flosser. The Water Flosser kit includes 4 tips: 2 x Standard, 1 x Orthodontic and 1 x Periodontal, and has an easy-to-use 360° multi-angle flossing and ‘gravity ball’ design, as well as the capacity to clean the whole mouth with no re-fills (unlike the competition!) These have become a TikTok viral sensation and rightly so. Next, complete your routine with the BarberBoss TriWave Sweep Toothbrush, a brush that does it all! including an adjustable angle brush head to facilitate the ‘bass brushing technique’, recommended by dentists. I We love these fantastic products which leave your oral hygiene in tip top shape. They are great, hi-tech products which take the faff out of your dental health.
BarberBoss is an established brand, setting high standards for electronic personal care and trimmer products in the UK and across Europe. Their original men’s grooming range (launched in 2020) has now expanded to include women’s personal care, pet care and oral care products too. The BarberBoss team are dedicated to innovation and excellence; helping customers to look and feel their best, from home. BarberBoss are also committed to giving back to the community, and proudly became the official shaving partner and sleeve sponsor of Birmingham City Football Club (BCFC) in 2023/24, and West Bromwich Albion (WBA) since 2023. By supporting local sports teams they foster community, and reinforce their dedication to making a positive impact.
Many members of my family have itchy skin. It is not fun at all and finding a solution can be hard. This book, Living Without Itch, is a great and comprehensive book that covers a range of skin conditions, and how to manage itching. It is an essential read for anyone living with this annoying skin condition.
Chronic itch (medical term pruritus) can be incredibly annoying and has numerous causes, from inflammatory skin conditions, autoimmune disease, insect bites, skin wounds such as burns or scars, as well as treatment, age or illness induced pruritus. In recent years significant advancements in our understanding of mechanisms of itch and new treatments have been developed. Living without Itch offers the millions of people suffering from itch an essential and updated guide on how to find relief from their suffering. Researcher and clinician Gil Yosipovitch, MD, draws from his decades of experience caring for patients to share a treasure trove of easy-to-understand information to educate you on how to manage your itchy conditions.
This book comprehensively covers both acute and chronic itchy conditions, from hives, psoriasis, and eczema, to systemic and neurologic diseases, as well as recommendations for treatment options. Patients share their lived experiences and advice, while contributions from multi-disciplinary experts in nursing, psychology, and alternative medicine provide unique approaches to managing itch. This new edition includes:
Updated information about the itch pathway—why it occurs and the cascade of events that result in itch
Newly available treatments
Special considerations for populations such as individuals undergoing immunotherapy for cancer
Recommendations for lifestyle interventions, including nutrition, psychotherapy, allergy medications, and behavioural changes.
Completely revised and updated to include important developments in the field since the last edition’s publication, this guide provides the information you need to understand, prevent, and manage itch.
April 2025 | Paperback 168 pages | ISBN 9781421450469 | Price £20.00
Beauty tech is a huge industry and rightly so. Luckily for us it doesn’t have to break the bank as MAGNITONE has some great tools that are affordable.
We’re talking skincare gadgets, LED masks, and glow-boosting tech without the high-end price tag. Whether you’re refreshing your routine or treating yourself just because (we support that), these beauty tools are great. I love the mask. It’s easy to use and has three different settings for all of your beauty woes. The tri colour LED face mask just fits onto your face as if they are a pair of glasses. Easy-to-use and works? Sign me up.
Target wrinkles, blemishes and dull skin in just 15 minutes with the GetLit® Tri Colour LED Face Mask. This lightweight, portable and super comfortable LED treatment will take your home facials up a level, leaving skin feeling radiant.
Get cutting edge clinical technology from the comfort of your own home, with FaceRocket® – the ultimate facial firming and toning device that’s clinically proven to improve skin firmness by 29%, dermal density by 35% and reduce wrinkles by 10%. Follow our step-by-step 28 Day Face Programme and, in just 4 weeks, your skin will look out of this world!
I live in London and I worry about the effect pollution can have on my skin. Some filters and creams I have used can be too harsh. I also worry about indoor pollution. But what to do?
Pollution can significantly affect the skin, leading to both short-term and long-term damage. Pollution can derive from vehicle emissions, urban pollution (cities), factory emissions (when we order new items for the home), cigarette smoke, household chemicals and UV radiation.
Exposure to pollutants like particulate matter (PM) and UV radiation can accelerate skin aging due to increased oxidative stress, which damages collagen and elastin in the skin, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging.
Pollution can trigger inflammation, leading to conditions like eczema, acne, or rosacea. Pollutants can also irritate sensitive skin, leading to redness and itching. Pollutants such as car exhaust or industrial smoke can increase the production of melanin in the skin, resulting in dark spots or uneven skin tone. The accumulation of dirt and pollutants on the skin’s surface can clog pores and hinder cell turnover, making the skin appear dull, tired, or lackluster. Pollutants like dirt, dust, and chemicals can clog pores and trigger the production of excess sebum (oil), leading to acne and breakouts. Pollution can strip the skin of its natural moisture, leading to dehydration, dry patches, and overall lack of skin vitality.
A moisturing balm that hydrates and soothes damaged and delicate skin. Teoxane Deep Repair Balm contains resilient hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin and arnica to soothe and calm redness. The intensive treatment may also reduce inflammation or irritation caused by weather conditions. The hydrating formula helps to heal damaged cells and repair the natural barrier of the skin, leaving you feeling more comfortable with a balanced, even complexion. Deep Repair Balm is best suited to dry, sensitive, or irritated skin types and will also help to support skin recovery following a procedure.
Sensitive skin can be a huge issue. Redness. Tingling. Dry patches. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. According to Google Trends data, searches for “skin barrier repair” have increased by +230% over the past year in the UK and a recent study found that 71% of adults identify as having sensitive skin, which is a 55% increase in the last 2 decades.
“More people than ever are experiencing sensitised skin due to a perfect storm of modern skincare habits, environmental stressors, and lifestyle choices that compromise the skin barrier,” explains Bruce Green, Chartered Chemist and Founder of SOS Serum Skincare. “What we’re seeing is less about skin that is genetically sensitive, and more about skin that’s become sensitised, reactive, unpredictable, and inflamed because it’s under constant pressure.”
Bruce says the trend can largely be traced to the following contributing factors:
Modern Lifestyles – Work pressures and constant digital connectivity contribute to heightened stress levels. The World Health Organisation (WHO) labelled it ‘Occupational Burnout’ with global impact. Increased awareness and reduced stigma to mental health issues and reports of sensory issues. And let’s not forget stress, which Bruce believes is often underestimated in skin health. “There’s a real mind-skin connection. Stress hormones like cortisol can affect oil production, weaken the barrier, and make skin more reactive. In today’s always-on world, the skin is constantly on high alert.”
Generational Shifts – Gen Z & Millennials, report higher levels of anxiety and sensory sensitivity possibly due to digital immersion and economic instability.
Countries with the highest reports:
United States
United Kingdom
Japan & South Korea
Pollution, poor diet and lack of sleep affecting neurological and emotional resilience – Urban living isn’t helping, either. “Pollution particles are microscopic and can penetrate the skin, triggering inflammation and oxidative stress. Combine that with hard water, temperature swings, and central heating or air con, and it’s no wonder skin is struggling.”
Over Complicated Skincare Routines – “A lot of people are using too many actives – retinols, AHAs, BHAs, vitamin C – often in the same routine, without giving the skin time to recover. This strips away its natural defences and leaves it vulnerable,”says Bruce. “Think of your skin barrier like a protective roof. If it’s damaged or worn down, irritants get in and moisture gets out. That’s when the tingling, redness, and flaking begins.”
While sensitive skin was once considered a niche dermatological concern, it’s now mainstream and can strike anyone, at any time. “It’s a misconception that sensitive skin is something you’re born with. For many, it’s acquired through lifestyle,” says Bruce. “Skin sensitivity is essentially your body waving a white flag. It’s telling you it’s overwhelmed, dehydrated, or inflamed. What it needs is simplicity, support, and time to heal.”
So, what’s the solution?
Get more rest – Look at meditation
Improve your diet – plenty of water and fresh fruit & vegetables
Look at your skincare routines – Use formulations designed to reduce stress and boost the skin’s natural defence mechanisms
Bruce recommends a simplified, science-backed skincare approach that works with your skin, not against it. Enter our top picks to help calm and restore sensitive skin:
SOS Serum
SOS Serum works to cool, heal and repair problematic skin. The soothing effect of Wasabi & Burdock Leaf Extracts combined with the cooling sensation from the refined extract of Peppermint, deliver comfort, moisturisation and protection.
Harsh soaps and lotions should be avoided, whereas simple, pure & alcohol-free products will be less irritating. Our recommendation is SOS Cleanse; It is formulated to calm and instantly soothe and cool the skins outermost layer.
Formulated without fragrance, the Embryolisse Lait Sensitive Crème is gentle enough for even the most reactive skin types. Enriched with skin-loving vitamins and fatty acids, it soothes and hydrates without irritation, making it a go-to multitasker for sensitive skin.
Sun protection is non-negotiable, daily use of a broad-spectrum SPF 50 prevents UV damage and pigmentation. Strengthen the skin’s barrier with high activity emulsion formulations – creams and serums over lotions.
WONDERBALM is your go-to solution for a myriad of skin needs. It’s a versatile gem that slips into your skincare routine to banish dryness, provide deep hydration and restore damaged skin.
If your bedtime routine still involves a heavy night cream, it might be time to rethink. Night creams may be comforting, but they often sit on the skin’s surface, struggling to fully absorb which means they’re not working as hard as they could. I can find creams too heavy and feel like they are suffocating my skin. It helps to let skin breathe. Something lighter is also better in the summer months.
Why the switch? Concentrates sink deeper into the skin, targeting specific concerns more effectively than traditional creams. Whether you’re battling fine lines, blemishes, or visible pores, a serum-like formula delivers potent ingredients where they’re needed most.
Formulated with effective yet gentle ingredients for a clear, radiant and flawless looking skin. Best suited to normal, oily and combination skin types.
This treatment helps:
Reduce the look of large, open pores
Clean pores of dirt, sebum, oil, makeup and debris
Smooth out the look of fine liens and wrinkles
Target the look of blemishes and blackheads
Other fantastic buys from Elizabeth Grant. I love both of these.
The name says it all. This lightweight yet powerful treatment delivers deep hydration while helping to plump, tighten and strengthen the skin for visibly fuller, more resilient skin texture. It leaves skin looking plump and gorgeous.
Vitamin C Gold C Dark Spot Corrector | £55.
A dark spot corrector with Torricelumn™, and the Dark Spot Complex, our skin brightening treatment to help reduce the appearance of dark spots, discoloration and uneven skin tone.
Scent: Unscented
Really works to brighten up skin. I also love the face it has no scent.
As Mad Beauty celebrates their 25th birthday, they have launched an exciting new SS25 collections. Featuring magical collaborations with Disney and Warner Bros, alongside their exclusive own-label range, these collections are designed to surprise and delight. They are fun and super cute. The designs are brilliant. I love them.
These products are gorgeous products of joy. When you get one they add to your day. We all deserve gorgeous things in our life that brighten up the day. Get shopping now. Now available to shop online at madbeauty.com, here’s an exclusive first look at the must-have products from each collection:
Lady and The Tramp
A romantic rendezvous of delicate florals and indulgent treats, this collection celebrates the classic love story’s 70th anniversary. Perfect for Disney lovers and dog enthusiasts alike, this collection reimagines the film’s most iconic moments into innovative beauty products.
Transform bath time with this charming bath spaghetti, fragranced with wildflower for a luxurious soak that’s as indulgent as the film’s famous candlelit dinner scene.
With Moana’s popularity soaring ahead of the upcoming live-action movie in 2026, this collection is a tropical celebration of inner strength and independence. Expect fresh scents, vibrant designs, and products that help you look and feel your best.
Enriched with shea butter and algae extract, this hydrating mask deeply nourishes hair, leaving it silky smooth. Use Moana’s iconic paddle scoop to apply the perfect dose and let the tropical coconut fragrance transport you to island paradise.
Bringing beloved Disney Princesses into the modern era, this collection is filled with fun, contemporary beauty essentials. Expect new formats like lip oils, face masks, and scrunchie sets, ideal for gifting when choosing just one princess is impossible!
A four-piece collection of hydrating, high-gloss lip oils in delicious fragrances including apple, cherry, vanilla, and strawberry, to keep lips soft and radiant all day.
Shop the Disney Princess Express Yourself collection here
Powerpuff Girls
Inspired by the fearless energy of Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup, this vibrant collection features beauty must-haves designed to empower and uplift.
With travel booming, Mad Beauty celebrates its hometown with a collection of iconic London-inspired beauty gifts, making for the perfect souvenirs and keepsakes.
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