PROBLEM Skin? People are always asking me about solutions to skin problems, such as eczema and psoriasis. Founders of pureandgentleskincare.com, LIsa Clunie and Deborah Mason spent two years researching products with dermatologists, to bring you the best of the present products available. We love the Purete de Provence Lavande Hand Scrub, £8.95 (right).

What treatments are available for women with thinning hair?

Hair loss doesn't just affect men - 40 per cent of women over 35 are affected by thinning hair. Zoe Strimpel gives the lowdown on what treatments are available and Dr Toby Murcott looks at the scientific evidence behind them.

PLANTUR 39 SHAMPOO
What is it? A caffeine-based shampoo that claims to counteract the effects of postmenopausal hormone imbalance. It stops dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone largely responsible for hair loss, from attacking the hair follicles.
What science says Test-tube studies suggest that caffeine stimulates the growth of hair follicles. Further data reveals that caffeine can penetrate the scalp and hair follicles when applied as a shampoo. This suggests that caffeine may boost the number of hair follicles in a real-life situation, but there are no clinical trials of this particular shampoo.
Cost From £8.99; www.pureandgentleskincare.com

(2 February 2008 - Times - TimesOnline Life & Style)