No7 The Derm Network Launch

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 10:51:24 GMT

Skincare, Science and a Special Evening with No7 The Derm Network

I recently had the pleasure of attending the launch of No7 The Derm Network in London, held at the headquarters of the British Association of Dermatologists.

I must admit, although I'd happily accepted the invitation, I'd been so busy that I hadn't had much time to look through the event details beforehand. So it was a lovely surprise to discover, while reading some of the research shared by the Network, that work I'd been involved in during my Medical Doctorate at the University of Manchester had actually contributed to the science underpinning the No7 skincare range!

It was particularly rewarding to see how research I'd been involved with had helped inform the development of products that are now available to so many people.

The evening itself was both interesting and informative. Having been involved in some of the research behind the science, it was great to finally have the opportunity to try some of the products and learn more about the range. I also enjoyed chatting with Ellie Marshall, who was incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the products and the science behind them.

Another highlight was the chance to catch up with familiar faces, including Clare O'Connor and Emma Wedgeworth , both of whom I've had the pleasure of working with previously. It was lovely to reconnect and hear more about their involvement with The Derm Network.

Let's Talk About Skincare and Ageing

On my way home, I found myself thinking about just how much interest there is in skincare, particularly when it comes to anti-ageing products.

It's a huge topic, and with so many creams, serums, ingredients and claims out there, it can be difficult to know what really works, what's worth spending money on and what's simply clever marketing.

As a consultant dermatologist, I'm often asked about skincare products, the science behind them and whether they really live up to their promises.

So, over the next few weeks, I'm planning to share a series of blog posts exploring skincare and skin ageing, looking at some of the science, discussing popular ingredients and hopefully helping to make sense of what can sometimes feel like a very confusing subject.

I'm also thinking about putting together a Skincare Q&A , where I can answer some of your questions.

Have a Skincare Question? I'd Love to Hear It!

Is there a skincare ingredient you've always wondered about? Are you confused by the difference between retinol and other retinoids? Or perhaps you'd simply like to know which products are genuinely worth including in your daily routine?

Whatever your question, I'd love to hear from you.

Please email enquiries@drjeandermatology.co.uk with "Skin Care Q&A" in the subject line, and I'll consider your question for an upcoming post.

I'm looking forward to sharing more about the science of skincare and, hopefully, helping you make more informed choices about looking after your skin.

If you would like to find out more about No7 The Derm Network you can click here and if you would like to find out more about papers and articles I have published you can click here

Cosmeticorexia

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 09:44:52 GMT

The New Term for Skincare Obsessed Young Girls!

Recently, I was contacted by Ruth Clegg, a Senior Health and Wellbeing Reporter for BBC News. Ruth was writing an article about “Cosmeticorexia” — a newly coined term used to describe an unhealthy obsession with skincare from a young age — and asked if I would be interested in sharing my thoughts.

Having worked as a Dermatology Consultant for nearly a decade, I have certainly noticed a significant increase in the number of young girls, often pre-teens, attending both my NHS and private clinics seeking advice about skincare.

Sometimes they want to know which products they should be using. More often, however, they are looking for help to treat the adverse effects of products they have already been using — products that are increasingly being marketed specifically towards young skin.

The irony is that, at this age, your skin is already in excellent condition. The skin barrier which helps to keep irritants and toxins out while retaining moisture is naturally healthy and well preserved. It simply doesn’t need all the help that the beauty industry suggests it does.

At best, many of these products are unnecessary. At worst, they can disrupt and damage delicate young skin.

Myself and many of my colleagues, are seeing increasing numbers of younger patients presenting with acne and contact dermatitis triggered by skincare products and their ingredients. Many products contain active ingredients that can have a biological effect on skin cells, potentially altering the way the skin functions.

There is also a more concerning consequence. Once a child develops a contact allergy to an ingredient, they may not simply “grow out of it”. In some cases, that allergy can persist into adulthood, meaning they may have to avoid certain products and ingredients for the rest of their lives to prevent another reaction.

For me, the message is simple: young skin does not need a complicated skincare routine. It needs very little — and sometimes, less really is more.