Staying Young in the Sun!
We all love sunshine especially in Ireland were it’s a rare
occurrence! Ireland is a happier beautiful place when the sun shines. We are all guilty, I included of rushing out
half naked as soon as the sun makes an appearance, but how many of us really
take care of our skin and protect from those dreaded UVA/UVB rays? Not only
does the sun burn our skin but it causes premature aging , dreaded wrinkles and
of course more importantly skin cancer, which is the most common form of cancer
in Ireland with over 8000 new cases every year.
I love a tan; it looks healthy and is slimming which is
always my favourite part! Being typically Irish and extremely fair skinned I do not tan, I burn as soon as I look at the
sun and go all blotchy, I hate this with a passion and if there was an
operation that I could have to make me tan, I would be the first in line! Instead
I need to rely on fake tan but even fake tan cannot protect us from the sun and
does not contain SPF (sun protection factor). We still need to apply an SPF, you
should get into the routine of applying EVERY morning to your face and neck and
then in the summer to all that exposed flesh! I wear an SPF every day wind rain and shine,
not only does it protect my skin but it helps fight the ageing process and can
help to stop the formation of broken capillaries.
I have three favourites when it comes to protecting my face from
the elements. I love LA ROCHE-POSAY a
brand recommended by dermatologists, Clarins
and the old reliable Elizabeth Arden
they all have a fantastic array of products to keep you looking young and
the whole family safe in the sun.
1. LA ROCHE-POSAY ANTHELIOS XL 50+ UVB /UVA this
is the highest form of protection and is suitable for sensitive skin, it’s
non-perfumed and water resistant, comes in fluid form for normal/combination
skin and a cream for dry skin. €17.75 for
50ml. Available now from Health Express
Pharmacy, Charlesland Centre, Greystones, Co. Wicklow. Health Express is currently offering a large
300ml of LA ROCHE-POSAY ANTHELIOS Body for €21.00 perfect for
all the family to use and a little goes a long way! 
2.
Clarins
Sun Wrinkle Control for Face UVA/UVB 50+
this is a very high sun protector and anti-ager in one, helps
to prevensun induced age spots. A
sheer, light, fluid cream texture and contains Clarins signature fresh, fruity,
floral scent of summer. €25.92 for 75ml
available now from Boots, Dundrum Town Centre.
3. Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Sun
Defence for Face UVA/UVB 50+ high protection, oil free, helps to prevent
signs of aging, suitable for all skin types and has the skin cancer foundation
seal of approval. €26.43 for 50ml available now from Boots, Dundrum Town
Centre.
All of the above can be applied
like a moisturiser in the morning; I would always apply before my primer and
foundation. Unlike some high sun factors
they are all light in texture and not chalky and absorb easily. Another
fantastic thing about ALL of these
products are they are universal and great for men to use too, we all know that
most men are not too good with skincare and even worse at sun protection! Men’s skin is thicker than ours and does not age
in the same way (lucky beggars’!) but still no reason why they cannot use your
sun care products to protect their skin too.
So introduce them ladies and keep our men looking good too!
If you are like me and really not
willing to compromise on looking good in the sun but do not like the feeling of
heavy foundation melting all over your face!
I would highly recommend using LA
ROCHE-POSAY ANTHELIOS XL 50+ Tinted extreme fluid €17.75, also perfume free
and water resistant, one colour suits all complexions and it’s lovely and light
and gives a healthy sun kissed glow. If you are looking for a little more
coverage try no 7 Beautiful BB Cream €19.23 available in
fair to medium shades and I love that this is available in 3 different types
and also contains a SPF of 15 and has a 5 star UVA rating. Now available from Boots Dundrum.
