Wednesday, 20 June 2012


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.






No comments:

Post a Comment