Sun Safe
Monday 30th April 2007 by Elizabeth Richards
For the past few weeks everyone’s had an opinion but at last it’s become official: this April has been the warmest on record for 300 years. Great news if you can’t wait to dust off the barbeque; not so great for your skin. Over-exposure to the sun – even for a few minutes at a time – will sap moisture, prematurely age the skin and cause deep wrinkles and dark spots. It can, of course, also significantly increase your risk of developing skin cancer.
So why take the risk? Many experts advise the year-round daily use of a facial moisturiser containing at least SPF8 but as summer approaches you’ll want to invest in some serious sun protection products to keep every last square inch of flesh safe and sound.
Take care to choose broad spectrum formulas as these protect against both the skin-ageing UVA rays as well as the burning UVB rays and remember that products containing an SPF can become less effective with time so do pay attention to the best before date. Those worried about the synthetic chemicals found in many sunscreens should look for formulas containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide which create a physical barrier against harmful rays by reflecting sunlight from the surface of the skin.
MD Formulations Sun Total Protector SPF15, £13.50
Recommended for use on the face, neck and décolletage, we found this product also makes a fabulous non-greasy base that keeps makeup in place all day. Zinc oxide provides natural protection against the sun while vitamin E and allatoin help to soften stressed skin.
Available at www.BeautySleuth.co.uk 
Estee Lauder Anti-Aging Sun Towelettes for Body SPF15, £18.50
Invest in a box of these handy towelettes and you’ll never go back to a bottle: simply chuck them in your handbag or beach tote and off you go! Each wipe contains enough broad spectrum anti-aging sunscreen to cover the whole body along with moisturisers, anti-oxidants and anti-irritants to keep skin healthy.
Available at www.EsteeLauder.co.uk
L’Occitane Very Precious Fluid with SPF40, £32
This highly concentrated formula contains firming and regenerating organic Immortelle essential oil along with an impressive SPF40 mineral sunscreen to ensure skin stays protected all day. It also works wonders to boost radiance and keep the complexion evenly toned.
Available at www.Loccitane.com
Riemann P20 Once-A-Day Sunfilter, £10.76
You do need to remember to apply this formula 90 minutes before exposure to the sun but for once on there’s no annoying reapplication required as it’ll stay firmly put all day, remaining 90% effective even after swimming. Being non-greasy its great for the face and scalp and it even allows a gentle tan to build.
Available at www.escentual.co.uk
Bare Escentuals First Base Lip Balm SPF8, £10
Just a little of this irresistible balm will help to remoisturise and soothe chapped or weather-blasted lips, provide a healthy sheen and protect against sun damage. Perfect for summer holidays but with a natural sunscreen plus plenty of hydrating, softening and antioxidant ingredients, it’ll fast become a year-round handbag staple.
Available at www.HQHair.com
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