The Importance of an SPF

With summer seeming like its finally arrived, I wanted to do a post on suncare and how important an SPF is. I tend to wear an SPF all year round, always choosing a moisturiser containing one and usually a foundation too.

 

Why is SPF important?

 

Skin damage from sunlight builds up with continued exposure, whether sunburn occurs or not. In addition to skin cancer and sunburn, other effects can include wrinkling, premature aging, and in time, an almost leathery appearance of the skin.

 

Suncream Splay an important role in a total program to reduce the harmful effects of the sun, along with limiting sun exposure and wearing protective clothing.

Keeping Safe In The Sun

• Stay out of the sun during peak hours. While these times may vary slightly depending on the season and and where you live, the hours between 10:00 (10:00 am) and 15:00 (3:00 pm) should be spent indoors if at all possible.
• Keep covered up. Floppy hats and large umbrellas work well but so do beach cover-ups and the like. Long-sleeved cotton shirts are excellent for hiking, cycling etc; see your sports store for special brands that allow breathing as well as cover-up.
• Use sunscreen on any exposed areas. There are heaps of lipcare and face care suncare products that are realy good.
•  Always reapply after leaving the water, as it’ll have washed off.
• Don’t forget hard-to-reach places. Don’t forget to cover the backs of your knees, back of your neck, elbows and back of your ears (if you have short hair). Feet should also be included if you are wearing sandals, flip-flops or going bare-foot. Even these places can hurt a lot with sunburn.
• Don’t lie in the sun purposefully seeking a tan. This is not only damaging to your skin but might burn you the first few times you try it at the beginning of the season. If you want to tan, do it gradually and sensibly, with short exposure and building up over time.
• Put a small amount of oil or sunscreen in your hair so you will avoid burning your scalp. Or cover it with a hat. Some shampoos and hair conditioners contain SPF protection.

 

My Suncare Picks

 

I'm a fan of three brands when it comes to suncream- Vichy, Hamilton and La Roche Posay. I feel they have really got the best selection in suncare.

 

 

 

 

 

*La Roche-Posay demonstrates its commitment to sun protection and sun education by donating €1 to the Irish Cancer Society since 2006 for every purchase of Anthelios Fluid Extreme 50+ as well as continuingly supporting The Melanoma Trust in their personal mission since 2009.*

 

Do you use an SPF?

 

Winter Skin Care Tips

Winter is well and truly on the way. As the days get colder it's really inmportant to look after your skin. I always suffer from dry skin coming into the winter. It can be really frustrating! Last week I turned to skin care guru Mariga Sheedy from Skin Essentials By Mariga for tips on looking after your skin during the winter months.

Heres what advice she has for you:

One of the biggest problems for skin in the winter is the loss of water through the epidermis due to cold air and heated rooms. This breaks down the defence layer of your skin, allowing water to evaporate too quickly, leading to dryness, flaking and irritation. Underlying problems such as acne and rosacea will become worse.

Tips to combat moisture loss:

-Use a night cream or oil even if you have oily skin to keep moisture sealed in.

-Leave-on moisturising masks are great to use once or twice a week at night if you have dry skin.

-You still need an SPF during the day but add a couple of drops of Rosehip Seed Oil underneath if you have normal skin, Nourishing Oil if you have dry skin.

-If suitable for you take a supplement of Omega 3,6,9 to strengthen skin from the inside.

-Reduce exfoliation to decrease stress on the skin's defence layer.

-Don't scrub, ever! Use an enzyme based exfoliant.

-If you find it hard to drink water in the winter try green or white tea to hydrate without making you cold!

-The ingredients to look for in your skincare are essential fatty acids, hyaluronic acid and natural (non-fragrant) oils such as rose hip, jojoba, avocado seed.

-If you work/live in a very dry environment consider investing in a humidifier or place a bowl of water near the radiator.

-For dry skin on your body add a few drops of rosehip seed oil to your bath water, but be careful not to slip :)

Mariga's skincare range is fantastic, I'm a huge fan of the nourishing oil but here are some other lovelies from her range ideal for Winter:

 

L-R Rosehip Oil €20/30ml,Nourishing Oil €15/15ml,

Lipid Repair Concentrate (for dry, damaged skin) €55/30ml

You should also use the

SPF30 day cream €30/30ml and

Skin Comfort Cleanser €22/30ml

There is loads of choice on the market for Winter Skincare, my personal favourites are the Vichy Aqualia
Thermal Serum, Mask & Mineral Balm. These lovelies are like a drink of water for your skin. I especially love applying the Mineral Balm as a super hydrating mask, pop a good layer on and lie back for 5-10 minutes. You will love it.

 

I'm always on the lookout for a decent day cream and had heard of Lancomes Genefique Nutric Nourishing Youth Activating Cream.So the other day I tried a bit. This is a rich luxurious cream that claims to change the behaviour patterns of dry skin, maybe even banishing dry skin to your past. Sounds like a miracle to me so come pay day, I'll be buying the 30ml (€35)to try out.