John,

I ate loads of chocolate over the holidays and my skin is a terrible spotty mess. I was talking to a girl at one of the cosmetic counters and she told me that chocolate doesn't give you spots. I am not sure I believe her. Can you set the record straight?

Ta, Siobhan

Siobhan,

Well, guess what? She is right. Chocolate does not - contrary to popular belief - give you spots. It is more likely that all of the other excesses of the holiday season have left your skin tired and depleted. Try and do a good old-fashioned detox. Cut back on the alcohol, get as much water into your system as you can, cut down on greasy/fatty foods, and see if you can get yourself 8 hours of sleep a night for a month or so. I promise your skin will be clearer, brighter, fresher, and more radiant. Not only that; you will feel more alert and have more energy to really enjoy your evenings and weekends. Practice moderation when you go out and let your skin have a little time to recover. If when the month is done you don't see a measured improvement - write me again and we will see if there is another tack we can take.

Warm regards,

John

 
John,

What is your view on facial oils? I am not even really sure what they are for. My skin is quite normal, but I sort of fancy trying one. Any recommendations?

Thanks in advance, Tamar

 
Tamar,

Some I like and some I don't. But if I am being truthful, it is more likely to do with the smell than the actual feel of the oil. Most facial oils are used as "carriers". You apply a few drops under your day and/or night moisturiser and they enable the moisturiser to penetrate the skin much more deeply and effectively. Some of the newer oils can also have treatment effects such as calming, anti-redness, oil control, balancing, etc. If your skin is pretty normal, you might even find something like the This Works Face Oil to be a replacement for using a moisturiser.

Other beautiful oils that would be suitable for a normal skin that wants to experience the extra nourishment and aromatheraputic effects of a facial oil are Ila Facial Oil For Glowing Radiance (absolutely gorgeous Damascan Rose Otto, Argan Oil, and Sandalwood), Decleor Neroli, Amanda Lacy Camomile Face Oil, or Darphin 8-Flower Nectar Aromatic Dry Oil. A few drops are plenty and try to avoid the eye area. Try the oil in the evening only and then introduce it in the day and make sure you like the way it works with your makeup.

 
Most of all take the time to enjoy the smell and aromatheraputic effects. Blend the oil between your hands and cup them like you were going to scoop water onto your face. Inhale deeply several times. Then using broad strokes, blend the oil and massage the face. The massage will also help to stimulate circulation and detox the skin. Follow with whatever cream you like.

Enjoy, John

John,

I have really been enjoying the handbag.tv items! Any chance of doing something with a slightly older model for us wrinklies?

Hint hint, Josephine

Josephine,

Your wish is my command. I am meeting with the powers at Handbag Towers to discuss some more clips. I think it would be fantastic to do some for any, every, and all of our readers.  Thanks for the suggestion and if there are any of you reading this that have not yet checked out handbag.tv...what are you waiting for?

Here's a clippet, enjoy!

Best, John

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