Caroline Hirons has finally launched a skincare line: Here's everything you need to know

<span class="caption">Caroline Hirons has launched a skincare line</span>
Caroline Hirons has launched a skincare line

With a website that has garnered over 160 million views, regular appearances on This Morning beauty segment, a best-selling book and newly launched Skin Rocks App all under her belt, it makes sense that Caroline Hirons, the most powerful woman in beauty, is launching a skincare line.

And it's been a long time coming. Nine years in fact, since a loyal follower tweeted "Who wants to see a skincare line from Hirons, who’s with me?” back in May 2013.

Since then we've waited with bated breath to see if anything would come to fruition and finally, the wait is over. Here's everything you need to know about the Skin Rocks product line.


But first, why the wait? 'it was important to Caroline and the Skin Rocks team to launch a brand with expertise, with honesty and with the consumer first. Launching Skin Rocks because they could stand by all of these guiding principles, not just because a brand was the next natural progression of the Skin Rocks empire,' they say.

As for the big reveal? For those who are avid followers of Hirons, it will come as no surprise that she is releasing a retinoid series. She's a big believer in the prowess of Vitamin A and its ability to transform the skin, and we're totally with her on that.

What is a retinoid?

Since the 1980s, retinoids (vitamin A) have been hailed as skincare powerhouse. This is because no other ingredient is as efficacious at dialling down wrinkles and obliterating breakouts.

There is an encyclopaedic amount of research to justify its utter brilliance but here are the basics. Its genius lies in its ability to speed up cell turnover at lightning speed, which is the aim of the game in our quest for glowing, smooth skin.

Moreover, it’s superior compared to other complexion enhancing ingredients (think acids) because it works in a more sophisticated way. Glycolic acid, PHAs and lactic acid work by dissolving the surface layers of the skin, thereby encouraging cell turnover as your body is forced to replenish itself with new skin.

Vitamin A works in the opposite way; it binds itself to receptors in the skin cells, which then forces them into making so much new skin that top layers fall off, revealing brighter and healthier skin underneath. Clever, eh?

Speaking about the use of retinoids, Hirons tells WH 'These are efficacious serums that boost skin clarity and promote a smooth, even and radiant skin tone. I use (and love!) Retinoid 2 to improve the look of my pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles to make my skin look and feel its best.'

The products: Skin Rocks Retinoid 1 and Skin Rocks Retinoid 2

Retinoid 1 is billed as 'Beginner Strength' and contains 0.2% HPR (hydroxypinacolone retinoate) that works to erase fine lines and speed up skin cell turnover which makes skin look brighter and more even. Plus there are lots of lovely hydrating ingredients such as Squalane and Glycerin. Finally, there is Bakuchiol, which is plant based and functions just like retinol. Studies have found it produces similar effects in the skin, but crucially without irritation.

Who is it for? The good news is that it's suitable for all skin types, including sensitive. This makes it a winner if you're totally new to retinoids or have previously found retinoids too strong. As for use, Skin Rocks recommend 2-4 times a week after cleansing and as a part of your night time routine.

Retinoid 2 is billed as Intermediate Strength and contains 0.5% HPR (hydroxypinacolone retinoate), 0.05% retinal, Bakuchiol, Squalane and Glycerin.

Who is it for? Because it's slightly more potent, this is best for those who are users of retinoids already or who have recently completed a prescription-strength retinoid course and want to maintain results. As for use, 2-3 times a week is best and again, as part of your night time routine.

Is there anyone who shouldn't use these products?

If you are on prescription strength Tretinoin or taking Roaccutane then steer clear of these products. You do not need an additional retinoid at this stage in your routine.

What is the Skin Rocks app?

The Retinoid Series kickstarts the treatment side of the Skin Rocks brand.

The Skin Rocks app launched initially this summer and has quickly become known as the 'google of skincare'. If you're not au fait with Hiron's recent leap into the tech world, this brilliant app tells you what products you do and don’t need, when and how to use them, and identifies the best matches for your skin from over17,000 products (and growing).

Revolutionising how people discover new products and learn about skincare, its aim is to provide better skin for every age, skin type and skin tone. Best of all, it's totally free.

A winner for its user-friendliness, you simply download via the app store, create a profile and answer questions about your skin. With thousands of products for users to explore with smart search filters, Skin Rocks does all the hard work for you, telling you what you do and don't need to include in your routine and when to use each product.

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