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CAROL'S
COLUMN |  | Views
& tips from your side of the counter........
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Despite eating far too many chocolates and trifle over the Christmas hols,
I've managed to keep the weight off by catching flu and bronchitis just in time
for New Years Eve! So whilst you were all more than likely making merry at midnight,
yours truly was tucked up in bed looking like Rudolph and feeling like a damp
dish cloth.
In fact, I fell asleep halfway through the day and when I
woke up it was January the 4th! Well that's how it seemed, anyway. I'm feeling
somewhat guilty, though, as I haven't taken my Echinacea religiously |  | this
year. In the frenzy before Christmas I somehow forgot about it and I'm sure that
it's had an impact.Whilst I don't think it can prevent an attack of flu, I certainly
think its severity and duration are minimised when taken properly.
Anyway,
that's all behind me and I'm determined to start this New Year as I mean to go
on. I may be starting it a bit later than everyone else this year, but I'm raring
to go. All the resolutions are in place - get to bed earlier, get up half an hour
earlier, eat more fruit etc., etc., Oh yes, and add to shopping list ECHINACEA!
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| I
just love the new baby range at Boots called 'Little Me' Baby Organics.
Intended for babies of course, these gorgeous products are ideal for people with
sensitive skin like mine.
The products are full of wonderful essential
oils such as rose, mandarin and neroli and I particularly love 'Sleepy Head' products
which contain lavender. In easy to use, no nonsense but cute packaging, this is
a lovely range for both baby and mum! |
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Retin-A-
Myth or Magic?
A common but controversial skin care ingredient, Retin-A- a derivative of
Vitamin A was originally developed as a prescription only treatment for acne.
|  | However,
it soon became apparent that its powerful exfoliating action could actually reduce
wrinkles and fine lines, and also brighten the skin. As Retin-A wasn't legally
available without prescription, a weaker alternative with the same benefits, called
Retinol, was soon developed and introduced into many anti-ageing ranges.
Retin~A
formulas are not generally available over the counter but many dermatologists
are happy to prescribe the cream as an anti-wrinkle treatment. Unfortunately,
as with most wonder products, Retin-A and Retinol both have their drawbacks. | | They
can cause extreme irritation, resulting in red, flaky and even burnt skin and
are best avoided if you have even the slightest sensitive skin. As they exfoliate
they thin out the top layer of skin, which makes the face extremely sun-sensitive.
For this reason, anyone using the product should also wear a daily sunscreen. |  |
It is also important to know that Retin~A is an on-going treatment, so unless
you plan on continuing treatment, results will only be temporary.
To
try - No 7 Time Defying Retinol Night Cream, at around £15 for 30ml.
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love with ....... Molton Brown
A big thank you to my lovely other half for a beautiful array of Molton Brown
products this Christmas. I absolutely love this range of products - they remind
me of the few, (very few) luxury hotels that I've stayed in. Beautifully packaged
and smelling divine the newest hand wash and hand crème 'Thai-Vert' was my favourite
item in this years set. The wonderful tangy lime fragrance really wakes you up,
and for sheer luxury, I adore ginger-lily bath and shower foam.
Not only great
fragrances though, with Molton Brown the products feel beautiful on the skin,
silky softness with no itching or irritation. I have particularly sensitive skin
but have no problem whatsoever with these bath formulas. With six more fragrances
yet to try, I can see I'm going to be spending longer in the bathroom in the mornings! |
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