S2 Ep20: Nicolas Travis and Caroline Hirons Answer Your Questions

Summary

Podcast Summary: Glad We Had This Chat with Caroline Hirons Episode: S2 Ep20: Nicolas Travis and Caroline Hirons Answer Your Questions
Release Date: January 15, 2025
Host: Caroline Hirons
Guest: Nicolas Travis
Produced by: Wall to Wall Media

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Introduction to the Episode

In the 20th episode of Season 2 of Glad We Had This Chat, beauty guru Caroline Hirons is joined by skincare expert Nicolas Travis to address listener-submitted questions. The episode delves into a range of skincare topics, from the efficacy of affordable products to debunking popular TikTok skincare trends. The conversation is candid, humorous, and packed with expert insights aimed at both skincare novices and aficionados.

---

Affordable vs. High-End Skincare

Timestamp [02:37]

Caroline Hirons (C): "I think it depends on what you're really looking for. So if you're looking for straight up hydration, go for the cheaper option."
Nicolas Travis (B): "Yeah, you're fine."

Caroline and Nicolas discuss the viability of affordable skincare options available at retailers like Boots or Superdrug. They agree that budget-friendly products can effectively address basic skincare needs such as hydration and sun protection. However, for more specialized treatments like prescription tretinoin, higher-end or prescription products are recommended.

---

Relevance of Skin Type Classifications

Timestamp [03:33]

C: "Oh, I think it's a little, honestly, I think it's a little bit outdated..."
B: "...I think the best way to shop is essentially what your skincare goals are and what actives."

The duo contends that traditional skin type classifications (oily, dry, combination) are becoming obsolete. Instead, they advocate for a focus on individual skincare goals and the active ingredients that address specific concerns. This approach is particularly relevant as skin can change over time, rendering old classifications less applicable.

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Repairing a Damaged Skin Barrier

Timestamp [04:23]

C: "If this happened to an Alexis skin... simple is really great. So a simple cleanser."
B: "And you don't have to use album, you can use. Just use a thick moisturizer, seal it with an oil..."

When addressing a listener's concern about a compromised skin barrier due to overuse of retinol, Caroline and Nicolas recommend a minimalist approach. They suggest using a hydrating cleanser, a repair serum like copper tripeptide, a thick moisturizer, and a quality facial oil to reduce water loss and inflammation. Nicolas emphasizes the importance of using retinoids gradually to prevent irritation, stating, "Studies have shown that you could use a low strength one twice a week, three times a week. Over a period of time, you get the same results as using something really strong like every day." [05:29]

---

Debunking TikTok Skincare Trends

Timestamp [06:04] - [15:06]

The conversation shifts to popular but questionable TikTok skincare trends. Caroline and Nicolas thoroughly debunk several viral claims:

1. Natural Botox:

   • B: "There is no natural Botox. You need a needle." [07:03]
   • They ridicule DIY mixtures claiming to mimic Botox's effects, clarifying that only injected botulism can achieve muscle freezing.

2. Period Facials:

   • B: "Putting menstrual blood on your face is good for your skin..." [09:56]
   • Both guests express strong disapproval, highlighting the absurdity and potential hygiene issues of such practices.

3. Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for Acne:

   • B: "Using anti dandruff shampoo such as Head and Shoulders to treat fungal acne. No." [10:05]
   • They correct the misinformation, recommending medically formulated antifungal shampoos like Nizoral instead.

4. Rice Face Masks:

   • C: "It's too much effort because you have to buy the rice and boil the rice..." [12:01]
   • They suggest simpler alternatives like Manuka honey, emphasizing convenience and efficacy over cumbersome DIY methods.

5. Facial Flooding and Taping:

   • B: "Your skin is a sponge. It absorbs the products much better." [13:00]
     C: "Firstly, it does not rebuild collagen." [13:23]
   • They critique the misconceptions around facial flooding and the ineffectiveness of face taping, advocating for scientifically-backed skincare routines instead.

---

Skincare Myths and Misconceptions

Throughout the episode, Caroline and Nicolas tackle various skincare myths, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based practices over viral trends. They stress that quick-fix solutions often lack scientific support and can sometimes be detrimental to skin health.

---

Rapid Fire Q&A

Timestamp [15:12] - [17:19]

The episode concludes with a light-hearted rapid-fire segment where Caroline and Nicolas answer quick-fire questions:

• Dewy or Matte Skin:

  • C: "Dewy Dead. No, it'll do matte." [15:21]

• Brow Gel or Brow Pencil:

  • C: "I don't do anything." [15:29]

• AM Routine or PM Routine:

  • C: "Depends on which country." [15:48]

• Cream Cleanser or Gel Cleanser:

  • C: "Cream in the morning, gel at night." [15:58]

• Eye Cream or Face Oil:

  • C: "Face oil." [16:07]

• Favorite Sandwich:

  • C: "An ice cream sandwich." [17:09]

These responses showcase their personal preferences and add a personable touch to the episode.

---

Conclusion

In this engaging episode of Glad We Had This Chat, Caroline Hirons and Nicolas Travis provide valuable insights into effective skincare practices while debunking prevalent myths propagated by social media trends. They advocate for a purposeful approach to skincare, focusing on active ingredients and individual skin needs rather than adhering to outdated classifications or unverified DIY remedies. The episode serves as a comprehensive guide for listeners seeking to enhance their skincare routines with expert-backed advice.

---

Notable Quotes:

• C: "If you're looking for straight up hydration, go for the cheaper option." [02:37]
• B: "Studies have shown that you could use a low strength one twice a week, three times a week. Over a period of time, you get the same results as using something really strong like every day." [05:29]
• C: "Firstly, it does not rebuild collagen." [13:23]
• B: "There is no natural Botox. You need a needle." [07:03]

---

For more insightful discussions on beauty and skincare, tune in to future episodes of Glad We Had This Chat with Caroline Hirons.

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

Strap yourselves in people. I'm going on tour for the first time ever and I am so here for it, bringing our wild and wonderful Glad we had this chat podcast to a venue near you, promising you an unforgettable night of unbridled honesty, unfiltered opinions, F bombs and fearlessness. Come join me and a stellar lineup of special guests as we talk all things skincare and beauty along with frank discussions about life's adventures. Check challenges, highlights and joys with exclusive on stage skincare demos, entertaining Q&As and a healthy dose of unscripted hilarity. This is Caroline Hirons Me live and apparently on steroids. It's happening. Get your tickets [e-mail] and secure your spot. Here we are folks. The most insanely efficacious, sensorial, luxurious cleansing balm in the world has landed. I don't need to tell you what it takes to put my name to a cleansing balm, and this one had one mother of a brief. The Skin Rocks Cleansing Balm is the best balm ever created and one I would choose every single time over anything I've ever used. Five rollercoaster years of fearless ambition, sky high expectation, tears, triumphs and F bombs. No pressure then, but what a result. Undoubtedly my most anticipated product. This was by far the hardest to make. The texture and crunch that took four years to perfect. Its ability to decimate literally everything on your face. The R in a jar scent, the the paperweight heavy hot pink glass. I mean literally everything I adore in a cleanser has been distilled into one glorious jar and it is absolutely spectacular. Transforming from a solid balm to a rich replenishing oil, this barrier nourishing balm is formulated with the same innovative lipid advanced complex as the support oil to deliver supreme skin barrier support and help improve skin firmness, elasticity and hydration. There is simply nothing like it. It's £55. It's ready and waiting and there is no dupe. Right? Welcome back to Glad we had this chat everybody. Listeners, questions of the pod. And I'm joined this week by Nicholas Travis and obviously we're going to be doing skincare specials. Are you ready?

[C]

I'm ready.

[B]

Let it rip. Pretend we're at dinner. I want that Nicholas to show up for this. You ready? Do you think that cheaper branded skincare that I can buy in Boots or Superdrug can really compete with high end brands or are we fooling ourselves with affordable options?

[C]

I think it depends on what you're really looking for. So if you're looking for straight up hydration, go for the cheaper option.

[B]

Yeah, you're fine.

[C]

If you're looking for an spf, it doesn't really matter. You just find one that you love and you reapply.

[B]

You're going to use the texture.

[C]

You like the texture. If you can get prescription tretinoin, amazing, please go buy that. So I think it really depends on what you're really looking for and what product.

[B]

And also your age, like I am. Because when you're postmenopausal, the skin is so much so more, less forgiving. And so I, I couldn't use a tret. My face would fall off. It just wouldn't happen.

[C]

Yeah, absolutely. But you can use your tread on your body, like.

[B]

Oh, yeah, elbows, Elbows, head, shoulders, knees and toes.

[C]

Yes.

[B]

Okay. Do you think skin type classifications like oily, dry, combination are outdated or can I still use this as a guide when buying product?

[C]

Oh, I think it's a little, honestly, I think it's a little bit outdated simply because if, let's say you're oily. Right. And I've had customers who come in and they're like 40s, late 40s and their 50s and they're like, oh, my skin is really oily. But I was like, babe, I think it's just dehydration.

[B]

Or your skin was oily when you were 15 and you've never gotten over it.

[C]

Yeah, exactly. So I think it's outdated. I think the best thing to the way to shop is essentially what your skincare goals are and what actives. So go for the actives, go for.

[B]

The what you're trying to treat rather than how your skin feels on the daily.

[C]

Exactly.

[B]

Because you can generally fix that with cleanser and moisturizer.

[C]

Exactly.

[B]

I think I've completely ruined my skin barrier. I've been using a new higher strength retinol every evening and my skin has become red, extremely irritated and I'm starting to break out. I have no idea what to do to get my skin back to normal. Please help.

[C]

Yeah. So if this happened to an Alexis skin or somebody who wants to buy Alexis skin, I would say simple is really great. So a simple cleanser. So a hydrating cleanser. I would do the copper tripeptide repair serum because that repairs and rebuilds the barrier and reduces inflammation. Then I'll use a recovery cream balm, a thick moisturizer. You don't have to use album, you can use. Just use a thick moisturizer, seal it with an oil and oil is really, really great. It's so I underrated. I feel people don't use oils enough. But use a great oil to just reduce trans epidermal water loss and follow up with this zig oxide cream. Not, not the ones that you can put on your face. So like triple paste.

[B]

What he means is don't use nappy cream.

[C]

Don't use nappy cream. Yeah.

[B]

And also don't use too strong a vitamin A too often.

[C]

Yeah. And you know the thing with vitamin A or retinoids, it's. It's not the concentration. It's really slow and steady. It's like a marathon. Right. Like studies have shown that you could use a low strength one twice a week, three times a week. Over the, over a period of time, you get the same results as using something really strong like every day.

[B]

Yeah, that's what I keep trying to say with, like with our retinoid too, because it's a strong one. I keep saying to people, you don't need to use it every day. Yeah, use it every other day and every second day. You'll show you'll get the same results and you'll save money because you're not using as much product.

[C]

Right.

[B]

Okay. You ready for TikTok Trends?

[C]

Yes.

[B]

Okay. Natural Botox. I'm already laughing. Fill half a bottle with castor oil and half with jojoba oil. Add 20 drops of frankincense. This can't be real. I can't shake the bottle. And apply to your skin twice daily. In just two weeks time, your wrinkles will be less visible and your skin will be tightened. No, it won't.

[C]

Also, also, also Botox means you freeze your muscles. You stop moving.

[B]

So how is that you're not gonna do. There is no natural Botox.

[C]

No, there's no.

[B]

You need a needle.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

And something like a botox.

[C]

Botulism.

[B]

Yeah, Literally. I mean, that's why it's called Botox.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

This is why I can't do tick tock on the whole thing about natural Botox though. Getting past the whole, I think it's just a judgment thing. I don't think it is a financial thing. I think a lot of people, especially women, are just like, oh, no, I can't have Botox because I only. I only use skincare. I don't have Boto. If it's like a hierarchical thing, the whole obsession with castor oil, where does it come from? I don't understand.

[C]

I think it comes from hair growth. So people apply on their lashes, their brows, and I think their hairline, because I'm sure, you know that people do like oil pulling on the hair, whether or not it's been shown to work.

[B]

I mean, there is something that says castor oil work if you can use it and not have a reaction to it.

[C]

Yeah. So I know some of. Some of the people on the team, I think they. They try applying on their lashes and they. They see it growing.

[B]

But it doesn't mean it's a Botox.

[C]

No, it's not a Botox Jumps over tread. And I don't know why. Frankincense, I mean, it's a.

[B]

Save that for your Christmas candle babes. And also, 20 drops of it is a lot.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

So half a bottle, like, I mean, jojoba is a nice oil, but it's not gonna, like, change the structure of your skin.

[C]

Nothing in there will freeze your face.

[B]

Nothing.

[C]

That's what Botox does.

[B]

Nothing will freeze your face except an injected botulism.

[C]

Yeah, exactly.

[B]

The end.

[C]

Exactly.

[B]

Face taping won't do it. Castor oil won't do it.

[C]

And I don't get it. Just get Botox. That's a big deal. Just get BO and not tell anybody. Right, Done. Don't talk about it.

[B]

No, done. You don't have to go like, I got Botox. Just do it if you want to. Who cares? No one's judging. No one cares. I think the other thing, the thing we don't really get in beauty is I find on social media, ultimately, no one cares. No one cares about your problems. No one cares what you're doing. Everyone's just doing their own thing. Yeah, just do your own thing.

[C]

I agree. It's only like, you call attention to it.

[B]

Stop trying to follow a trend.

[C]

Yeah, I don't get it.

[B]

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[C]

Huh?

[B]

Putting menstrual blood on your face is good for your skin, as the stem cells in the blood can help to regenerate skin cells and have a positive impact.

[C]

Ew.

[B]

Okay, this is just up there with me for sperm facials.

[C]

Yeah, but it's seven sperm.

[B]

No, I'm talking about man sperm.

[C]

Who does that?

[B]

Freaks. Lunatics. It is on. It is out there. I highly suggest you don't google it because it's not something you want to see.

[C]

How do they get it, though? That's fine.

[B]

I mean, just. Do you see what I mean? Like, forget it. But also, period blood, something that your body is ejecting, whether it's poo wee or blood or snot.

[C]

Yes.

[B]

Or earwax.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Doesn't mean you put it back on your face.

[C]

I agree. And also, it's also the blood also has the lining, so it's shedding the lining.

[B]

Yeah. You're putting the lining on your face. So I can't. No. Okay. This one is okay. Anti dandruff shampoo for acne. Using anti dandruff shampoo such as Head and Shoulders to treat fungal acne. No. But not Head and Shoulders. It needs to be like a Nizoral.

[C]

Correct.

[B]

So it's antifungal. It's recommended to massage the shampoo into your face to reduce yeast buildup. Twice a week. That actually works. I got Max to do that. So there's a shampoo called Nizoral in the uk. I think you can get everywhere else. Yeah, but I mean, it would be similar to Head and Shoulders, but it's not. It's more of an antifungal.

[C]

Correct.

[B]

So there is a new term which isn't a medical classified term called fungal acne, which basically is on. Especially teenagers. A lot of teenage boys, when they have the tiny, small, red, sort of red raised dots across their forehead and on their back and shoulders. You can use nizoral for that.

[C]

Yeah, that's the pinkish. Is it pinkish? Yeah, yeah. I have that in the bathroom just in case.

[B]

Reddish, Nicholas, for God's sake. Okay, rice face masks. Cook basmati rice until soft and then blend it to create a liquid consistency. Apply this to your face as a mask and leave for 10 to 15 minutes to achieve glass skin. For those of you who can't see, Nicholas is rolling his eyes to the back of his head like he's had a stroke.

[C]

Okay. I would say it's too much effort because you have to buy the rice and boil the rice and then just Manuka honey out of a jar is really so much better. That's what I would do.

[B]

To do what? To get glass skin.

[C]

Okay. What exactly is glass skin?

[B]

Well, yeah, let's move on from that. So what would Manuka honey do to your skin if you use it?

[C]

I use it all the time. Like, it calms the skin and it helps with. If you're breaking out. If your skin is a little bit inflamed, it helps with acne. A lot of great things. I do it, of course. You just have to get used to the feeling of honey on your skin. But it is so much easier getting Manuka honey out of a jar and putting it on your face as a.

[B]

Face mask then boiling rice. I mean, I think it must. It must come from rice water because rice water is notoriously soft. You know, rice water is soft on the skin. It's a soft water. You can buy rice water for, like, babies when you're bathing babies and things like that. That must be where it comes from. But I've never heard blending the rice and putting that so much work. Eat the rice. Yeah. Facial flooding.

[C]

Why is that?

[B]

Okay. I can't.

[C]

Oh, it's like.

[B]

Facial flooding is the process. Is the process of applying all skincare products to damp skin. Apply a mist or essence in between step to keep the skin wet. Your skin is a sponge. Oh, no, it's fucking not. Your skin is a sponge, and when it's wet, it absorbs the products much better. This will build collagen, tighten your skin up, and help you achieve hydrated glass skin. What's the obsession with glass skin? Okay, firstly, so much wrong in that.

[C]

Okay.

[B]

You Go.

[C]

Firstly, it does not rebuild collagen. No, let's, let's, let's.

[B]

That, no.

[C]

But yes, you should always apply skincare or damp skin. Yeah, it depends though, like, but you.

[B]

Don'T have to do damp, then mist and then apply. And then mist, and then you don't have to mist between every single step.

[C]

Get out of the shower, then mist once and then apply your stuff. But you have to be careful because it does increase penetration.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

So if you're using Tret, for example.

[B]

You would never use it on damp skin.

[C]

Yeah, I mean, I do because it's, it's fine for me.

[B]

How did I know you were going to say that? I do it with our retinoids. I'll mix same thing.

[C]

But I think it really like maybe acids. AHAs. If you're using a really strong acidic serum, you may want to use that on dry skin.

[B]

Yeah, but the, it's the, your skin is a sponge. Where does this come from? Your skin is a brilliant barrier. If it was a sponge, we'd never be able to have a bath. We would drown. I just can't. It's like people just repeat things and they think that just makes it a fact. Face taping. Apply tape to areas with fine lines and wrinkles overnight to prevent movement and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

[C]

Okay. You can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, but only for a short period of time. And also I've seen people do like silicone patches. Right. They just put it, it's just silicones. It just blurs the thing.

[B]

So I've got my head in my hands. It's just very, it's kind of quite.

[C]

Yeah. I mean, I mean, why don't you just go get Botox?

[B]

Just go get Botox for the love of God. Because then you know it's going to work.

[C]

No, I, I, I know.

[B]

And then it's not the hassle. Who wants to tape their freaking face every night?

[C]

I know, but then it, but and.

[B]

Your face is going to move. What are you going to do? Tape it during the day? Because you move your face all day long.

[C]

Exactly. And then if you take a photo and then you go on a date and then some, it's like, what? How are you going to hide that? Right?

[B]

I don't look normal. Oh, I've got. My head is taped.

[C]

Great.

[B]

Okay. This or that. You ready?

[C]

Yes.

[B]

God, it's traumatic. I'm sorry I've traumatized you. Dewy or matte skin? Dewy, obviously. Thank you. You said that with the level of disgust That I repeat it.

[C]

Dewy Dead. No, it'll do matte.

[B]

No brow gel or brow pencil. But I feel like you. Your brows are like.

[C]

I don't do anything.

[B]

Yeah. And it's offensive because they are perfect.

[C]

Oh, thank you. I don't really.

[B]

How do you shape them?

[C]

I don't.

[B]

You don't shake.

[C]

I haven't touched it in months.

[B]

That's really offensive. Don't like now. AM routine or PM routine. Ooh, PM Space in K or Sephora?

[C]

Depends on which country.

[B]

Nice answer.

[C]

Yeah. Space.

[B]

NK in the uk. Yeah. Sephora in the us. Yes. Cream cleanser or gel cleanser?

[C]

Cream in the morning, gel at night.

[B]

I love this. Eye cream or face oil? I could. That's just trauma.

[C]

Okay. Face oil.

[B]

Oh, I do eye cream.

[C]

Really? But I use the face oil on the eye cream.

[B]

Yeah. And I do use eye cream all over my face.

[C]

True. But I feel like if I don't use a face oil, I feel like my routine is incomplete.

[B]

Fair.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Okay. Big question for the end.

[C]

Yes.

[B]

What's your favorite sandwich?

[C]

Oh, that's a great question.

[B]

I like the intensity of the.

[C]

Ooh, yeah. Like a grilled cheese with extra crispy bacon.

[B]

Oh. In the sandwich or on the side?

[C]

It can be either.

[B]

You don't care. You'll just take it.

[C]

I'll just take it. It has to be extra crispy, though. So maybe on the side, but like grilled cheese.

[B]

What? Bread? What cheese?

[C]

Sourdough. Like blue cheese.

[B]

Blue cheese. No, you've ruined it. You're back in the sea with the sharks again now.

[C]

I love blue cheese. Think here the better.

[B]

No.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

No. It's a no for me.

[C]

Really?

[B]

No. When people like, oh, my God, my favorite dessert would be a cheese plate and I'm like, why? Why would you have much cake? I don't have a cheese plate.

[C]

Yeah. Oh, can I have an ice cream sandwich? That's even better. Yeah, I would love an ice cream sandwich.

[B]

Perfection. Well done, sir.

[C]

Okay, I think that's even better.

[B]

That's a much better answer.

[C]

Yeah. Thank you.

[B]

Thank you for answering your listeners questions. And actually, my really important question about the sandwich.

[C]

I love that.

[B]

And that's a wrap for this week. Thanks for listening. I'm back on Monday with a new guest, so make sure you tune in until then. I'm glad we had this chat. New episodes are available every Monday and Wednesday. Follow us. Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Glad we had this chat. Is produced by Wall to Wall Media.