Live beauty webchat with Caroline Hirons Thursday 26 July 1-2pm

I have always believed the edict that 2 litres of water a day is essential for clear skin but a) this has begun to play havoc with my bladder and b) I read something recently that says that this is all a myth in the first place. What is your opinion?

Now it's finally sandal weather I realise how dry my heels and soles are. I've tried having pedicures which sorts them out for a few days but then they are as bad as ever. Someone recommended cocoa butter and socks overnight - I'd welcome any other suggestions that won't have my husband running for the hills

My teenage granddaughter suffers badly from acne and understandably wants to hide this when she can. But will cover up make-up (even worn for short periods) make her skin worse?

Generally I have few problems with my skin but every now and then it flares - I always use the same products so not sure why this is happening

My question follows on from Wiggofan's in a way. I'm looking for really good budget ranges for skincare - my days of affording Clarins etc are alas now over

Eyebrows...pluck, wax or thread? (Or go for the full Dennis Healey?)

There was a lot of hullaballoo about a supermarket's baby bottom cream being the best thing to use on your face EVER. If this is the case why pay a fortune for really expensive moisturisers? Or do you really get what you pay for?

How long should we keep and use products, especially sun creams and lipsticks?

And are there any tricks to achieving a smooth line with eyeliner on older skin with the inevitable wrinkles! Do any of the cosmetic firms make a 'filler' that could be applied first ?

My top eyelids have drooped quite considerably, the look is not helped by sparse over plucked eyebrows which are almost white. Advice please.

I have pale skin and mid brown hair and always play it safe with beige or brown shades when it comes to eye makeup. But I'm bored. Any suggestions?

Hello praxis. I swim regularly as well - sometimes doing the crawl, wearing all the sexy gear (goggles, ear plugs and skull cap), and sometimes I just bob along doing the breaststroke (which is, as you say, is not good for the spine, neck and, in my case, knees).

There has to be a certain amount of chlorine in the water, for obvious reasons, and therefore the face is exposed to chemicals. But I have found that an inexpensive moisturiser or barrier cream (applied before swimming) protects the skin pretty well and when you shower afterwards in fresh water you are left with a delightfully fresh complexion.

I hope this works for you.

Regular monthly facials - yes or no? I have been told yes, but I often get spots erupting (small ones thank goodness) afterwards. When I don't continue with facials (only started fairly recently anyway) my skin seems to settle down and be smoother. Interesting to hear your thoughts Caroline.

Is there a cream or anything which can protect the face from chlorine? I swim regularly, and don't want to keep my face out of the water because that's supposed to be bad for your neck and spine... But I hate the way chlorine makes my face go red. My skin is sensitive but I've heard the same complaint from other women.

Yes, but why are mine red, not brown?

I think so-called age spots are often caused by exposure to the sun.

Mine aren't raised at all, and if you press on them they disappear briefly. I think it really is sun damage - it's where the sun always catches my hands and lower arms.

I've got one that's red and slightly raised; Dr says it's ok but to put sunblock on it. Still best to get anything like that checked out .As for the brown ones, I use a spot concealer on them. I have freckles as well but they seemed to be getting bigger and bigger.

What are those little red marks, like freckles, which have appeared in recent years on my hands and forearms? I'm sure they must have been caused by sun damage, but are they age spots, which I thought were brown?

Some discolouration in the area of my cheekbones which are almost certainly sun damage. Just light brownish and not skin cancer (have had myself checked). How can I hide them? My skin is fair and surprisingly un-wrinkled.
Secondly, I have never, in 50 years, and heeding all advice, been able to get lipstick to stay put - any suggestions? Is there a really good product that doesn't cost the earth?

I asked a beautician the other day if she could remove some tiny pin-head sized lumps (or spots) that have appeared on my face recently. She had a look and said I should ask the GP to remove them. I was astonished. I thought a good facial might do the trick.

Actually seeing the question about spots reminded me... my lovely GD aged 14 is suffering terribly with spots. Can you suggest anything she might use to help? I can't bear to see how miserable they make her

I never really had spots as a teenage but I do get the odd one as an adult. Perhaps you can settle an argument I have with my son: squeeze or not? He says yes. I say it will heal quicker if you leave it. Who is right and do you have any other tips to get rid as quickly as possible?

I seem to get more and more white spots [which is what I think they're called; small white lumps under the skin]. Is there a way of removing them without bruising the skin?

My skin has always been ok - but as I get older I find that my t zone (if it is still called that these days) is increasingly dry and my usual moisturisers aren't making any difference. What can I put on the skin to get it back to normal? The worst bit is around the top of my nose

I would love some advice about my decolletage - always something I have been happy to show off but lately noticing the odd wrinkly line. How can I firm it up?