Notes from the beauty desk – protecting your skin

But when you live in South Africa there is hardly any chance of escaping it. Here are some basic tips to keep your skin protected during the hot summer months:

1. Limit sun exposure between 10am-4pm.This is when the sun’s UV rays are strongest and can cause the most damage.
2. Wear a hat that protects the neck, face and and ears. It will help block the sun from harming your skin.
3. Wear sunglasses with 99% to 100% UV absorption.
4. Be cautious if you are taking medication that may make you more sensitive to the sun.
5. Always wear sunscreen.

Image courtesy Free Images.

To protect your skin this summer take a look at the following products which offer moisture and protection for the skin:

Babor Anti-Aging Sun Care Range
Babor anti-aging sun care range not only contains effective UV filters, but also a powerful anti-aging complex, which doubles the protection against harmful UV rays. Effective UVA filters protect against premature skin aging caused by UVA radiation, while UVB filters block those particularly energy-rich rays, which can cause sunburn and pigment marks.

The range includes: Sun Spray Lotion SPF15 200 ml; R490, Sun Lotion SPF30 200 ml; R548, Sun Lotion SPF50 200 ml; R757, Sun Cream SPF30, 75 ml; R549, Sun Stick SPF50 9 ml; R407. It also offers an after-sun care product (price available on request) which regenerates existing skin damage, supplies moisture and relieves redness.

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturiser
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturiser which contains an SPF15 retails for R275. This unique, lightweight formulation offers protection from the sun’s burning and harmful rays.

Badger sunscreen
Badger SPF 35 Sport Unscented Sunscreen retails for R246.75 and is available online at naturescolours.com. This is the stuff you want with you when you are running, biking, hiking and swimming. Formulated to meet the needs of hardworking, hard-playing, active people, this SPF 35 Sport Sunscreen offers the best possible protection wherever your adventures may take you.

Image courtesy Freeimages.com

Africology
Africology After-Sun Soothing Gel is an essential after sunbathing and especially after sunburn. It acts quickly and effectively against visible signs of sunburn and helps the skin recover. It retails for R150.

Africology SPF 30: Most sunscreens contain a variety of chemicals that cause long-term damage. Africology’s sunscreen is all natural and contains no chemical sun filters, artificial colouring or fragrances. Africology uses Lackokine Fluid PF, which minimises reactions caused by skin irritation, thereby shortening the inflammation period and accelerating recovery of the skin. It retails for R500.

Clarins
– Formulated with Clarins’ exclusive Anti-Pollution Complex this lightweight, oil-free day screen shields skin from UVA/ UVB rays, pollution and free radical damage. Forms an invisible shield that protects skin from the appearance of dark spots and future ageing. R395 for 30ml.

– Sun Care Oil-Free Lotion Spray UVB15 by Clarins is an ideal protection for outdoor sports, men and those who prefer non-oily textures.

Lancome Moisturising Cream 
Lancôme Hydra Zen NeurocalmTM Fluid SPF 30 retails for R780. This soothing anti-stress moisturising cream offers powerful sun protection, ultimate soothing and continuous moisture. It helps to plump up skin with moisture. External aggressions, such as the wind and air-conditioning, can alter skin quality and cause dehydration and this cream helps combat that.

Product of the week
What is it? Garnier Micellar water
What does it do? This fantastic product has caused quite a stir internationally and retails for R79.95 for 400ml. It can be used as make-up remover and also to cleanse the face.