Skin is astoundingly good at absorbing things. Hence a moisturiser can soak right in and give us a lovely peach-soft face. However there’s a downside – any harmful ingredients can pass through the skin and into our blood stream, so we need to be very aware of hidden nasties in our beauty products.

Parabens are used in many skin and hair products, because they prevent harmful bugs growing and so extend the shelf-life. However, if absorbed, they can act as ‘hormone disrupters’ by mimicking our natural oestrogens. Although more research is needed to understand the extent of this possible danger, there’s a theoretical concern that they could promote breast cancer in women and cause sex hormone problems in both teenage girls and boys. Both FDA and European regulators have restrictions on paraben use in beauty products– however if we use several products, each containing parabens, we may be absorbing more than we realise.

Some beauty companies have made a real effort to eliminate potentially harmful chemicals from their merchandise, however these are often designed for women. Teenage boys are using skin and hair products more and more, but what’s available for them?

Not much according to Stephanie Capuano, mother of two teenage boys, which is why she’s created her own range and, as a Californian, she’s called it 31^st State. It includes cleansers, anti-blemish and hair styling products and I’ve been reviewing the Foaming Face Wash and Easy Hold Styling Gel.

Visually, the packaging is attractive and understated. Both products had a pleasant but subtle perfume – nothing to cause embarrassment for even the youngest teen. All 31^st State products are free of parabens and other suspect chemicals, and are suitable for vegans. They use natural ingredients wherever possible.

As we know, teenage boys frequently suffer with acne and spots, and of course this causes as much embarrassment and confidence-issues as for girls. The Foaming Face Wash, which is formulated to gently cleanse and keep skin soft and clear, was very light, smooth and pleasant to use. It contains Tea Tree, which apparently works over a 12-hour period, decreasing chances of skin irritation and redness. Antibacterial Manuka fights spots, and Magnesium, Copper and Zinc work to prevent further breakouts.

The Easy Hold Styling Gel was clear and light to the touch and non-greasy. It contains naturally-derived ingredients, such as Tamanu Oil which provides UV protection and makes hair shiny, and hydrating Shea Butter for extra conditioning.

So if you’re looking for extra surprises for your son’s stocking, why not try the Christmas box, which includes the awarding winning Face Wash, Body Wash and Hair Putty and costs £25.

Stockists include ASOS, Amazon, Flannels, Ocado, Next and Liberty London, or you can buy direct from the 31^st State website.

By Dr K Thompson, award-winning author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast

cancer by a doctor who knows.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q

http://faitobooks.co.uk

[slide 3 my book]

Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.

It’s Dover, in 1939, and the big question of the day is – could there be another war brewing? Though dreaded, it seems inevitable. If so, Nellie Castle’s husband suffered enough in the 1^st World War, and perhaps it is best that he is not alive to see the start of another.

So, is Nellie all alone to face what is to come?

Certainly not, for within the circumference of the Dover Cafe is formidable Nellie Castle’s six off spring, who help to run the cafe – for now. On the whole, the Market Square community is supportive of the widow and her family, and use the cafe, but there are some who turn their noses up at Marianne, Nellie’s eldest daughter, and mother of an illegitimate son, Donny.

While Marianne in her turn is thankful that she has the cafe kitchen in which to hide from the gossips, though ten year old Donny her ten year old son, has to on occasions run the gauntlet of his friend’s father, intolerant of the fact that Marianne is, in his opinion, a woman of easy virtue..

Though staunch in defence of any of her family Nellie’s tongue lashes her own children too. She is rescued as a character by her strength in adversity and the humour she brings to the story.

But who is Donny’s father? Or was his father, for he is dead – isn’t he?

And who is this mystery man wooing Evie, Marianne’s younger sister.

Then there are the brothers. What about Jimmy whose love for someone is about to prove dangerous? And Rodney, working at the castle, but on what. And as the war clouds gather and drift into the phoney war, and then Dunkirk, will Jasper ever take Nellie into his arms, and give her a smacker?

So many questions and hopefully a raft of more books in the Dover Cafe series to provide answers, though probably a great many more questions too, as the family storm through life.

This novel has a great cast of characters, and somehow new author Ginny Bell keeps all the balls in the air, never faltering, never missing even one of them as she powers through the lives and loves of the Dover Cafe offspring in this beguiling panorama of a family facing the well researched trauma and challenges of war, not to mention the razzmatazz of their own lives and loves.

A triumph. Just wish I could take a trip to Dover, and sit in the cafe, and chew the cud with the cast. It should be a film. Bagsy me the part of Nellie. Bravo.

The Dover Cafe at War by Ginny Bell – the first in the series: available in pb, audio and eBook.