In conversation with Caroline Hirons

Caroline Hirons is a globally renowned skincare expert and best-selling author who has revolutionised the way people approach skincare. With decades of experience in the beauty industry, she is celebrated for her no-nonsense advice, deep understanding of skin health, and ability to simplify even the most complex skincare routines.

We sat down with her to discuss her mission, her skincare tips for different life stages and her favourite Ancient + Brave products.

1.⁠ ⁠Your mission has always been to make skincare ‘make sense’—cutting through the noise. What’s the most common misconception about beauty and skin health that you wish more people understood?

That you can bring the facial into your own home. We’re professionals and should be treated as such, the same as hairdressers, manicurists and waxers. 

2.⁠ ⁠What are your absolute must-haves for healthy skin?

Correct skin care, enough sleep, lay off the booze and obviously good nutrition which Ancient + Brave can help you with. 

3.⁠ ⁠There’s often lots of emphasis on topical treatments, but where do you see the role of nutrition and supplements in enhancing skin health from the inside out? What diet/lifestyle factors do you feel have the most effect on your skin?

I’ve noticed the biggest difference in my skin from making my protein shake in the morning using protein, True Collagen and True Creatine+. My nails are longer, my hair is thicker, and my skin is glowing.

4.⁠ ⁠Focusing on collagen through supplements and treatments is often celebrated as game-changing for skincare. From your expert perspective, what role does supplementing collagen play in achieving healthy, radiant skin?

I find True Collagen particularly helpful because I am post-menopausal, on HRT and I need as much protein that I can manage on a daily basis. We should think of collagen as scaffolding for your skin as you age and your collagen depletes so does your skin giving fine lines, wrinkles, dullness, textured skin and pigmentation issues.  

6.⁠ ⁠Like our nutrition and exercise, skincare needs often shift as we move through different life stages. How should our skincare routines adapt to meet the demands of age, lifestyle, or even hormonal changes?

Stay Flexible 

Skin is a complex, changeable, living organ, and skincare routines must adapt— potentially even daily —as we go through the myriad changes and stages of life. In your teens it’s mainly about balancing the effects of raging hormones, in your 20s the focus should be on preventative steps such as the introduction of vitamin C, antioxidants, and a dedicated eye cream if you are noticing the first signs of skin ageing. 

It goes without saying that daily SPF is non-negotiable at any age. Smoking is a complete skin no-no, and try to stay hydrated, well rested and limit alcohol and stress wherever possible.

Preventative Measures

There’ll be more signs of natural ageing post-30 — be that fine lines, laxity, dryness or increased sensitivity. A decline in our natural collagen and elastin will show up on the skin, so make best friends with retinoids. Changing hormones can also play havoc with your skin, with menopausal triggering unpredictable outcomes; one day you may need to calm hot, sensitised skin, and the next you may have unexpected breakouts. These are all completely normal responses – just listen to your skin and give it what it needs.

Resurface and Repair

After 50, you really start to notice skin texture changes, and it's really important to be fastidious about cleansing, exfoliation and barrier care. Build up your retinol strengths, and use a great antioxidant to shield skin from environmental damage and tackle dark spots. Hyperpigmentation and age spots are a common concern for the over 50s. Replenish skin with good barrier-strengthening lipids and support oils to keep the skin as supple and resilient as possible. They give a great glow.

7.⁠ ⁠Seasonal changes also must have an impact. Winter can be tough on our skin with

the harsh weather, indoor heating, and lack of sunlight. What changes do you recommend we make to our skincare routines or overall lifestyles during the colder months to keep our skin healthy and glowing?

Change your skincare when you change your coat. In autumn you might need another layer of hydrating serum. When you get your winter coat out, build up the moisturiser with a specialised serum. 

8.⁠ ⁠Do you see a trend toward more holistic approaches to skincare? If so, how do you think this is shaping the industry?

No. I think we’re coming out of the holistic approach. People want proven results whether that’s through clinical research or from trusted brands using proven ingredients. 

9.⁠ ⁠What advice would you give to someone feeling overwhelmed by the options and if you could recommend just three products for someone to start with, what would they be and why?

A decent cleanser, nothing too foaming or aggressive. Moisturiser and SPF. If you can stretch to it, everyone can do with a decent vitamin C or a retinoid depending on your main skin concerns. 

10.⁠ ⁠What are your Ancient + Brave hero products and why?

True Collagen: to help supplement and replace my own lack of collagen because I’m 55! It also helps to support my muscle mass, which is vital for me now I'm post-menopausal. 

True Creatine+: Perfect to help enhance my workouts and give me that extra boost of energy. 

True Hydration: Your skincare should change with the seasons, but staying hydrated is a great place to start. 

11.⁠ ⁠As a trusted voice in skincare, you’re constantly trying and testing products. What excites you most about the future of beauty—any trends or innovations we should keep an eye on?

Unlike a lot of my peers, I’m not interested in trends. I chase the science, not the marketing hype. However, what is exciting is that Skin Rocks is going pro. Extending our offering to treatments and elevating the awareness of our excellent qualified facialists who work so hard across the UK and Ireland.