How to keep yourself young and healthy while soaking up the rays
IT’S all too tempting to run joyfully to the beach or pool without a minute’s delay upon rocking up at your sun-drenched destination. But the glee of having escaped the damp squib of a British summer can distract you from the very pressing matter of your suncare. Those moments of joy at feeling warmth and sun can quickly turn into painful burns in the short-term, awful drying and peeling in the medium-term and far more serious damage in the long -term.
By now most people know they need to wear a minimum of SPF 15 (30 for paler skin). Most of us grab what’s on offer at Boots in Departures and while basic sunblock will prevent sunburn, there’s a world of costlier suncare that – in some cases – is worth its price tag. More advanced formulations can add extra power in the fight against sun-induced ageing; and after-sun can also play a vital role in soothing the skin and delaying or lessening damage.
Here are some of our favourite suncare products out there – chemical free and rich in natural extracts, they’ll leave your skin healthy and looking great.
Clinique After Sun Rescue BalmPrice £14.68
Calm the appearance of post-sun skin with this aloe-enriched balm. Micrococcus lysate, a powerful repair enzyme, helps minimise the visible effects of free radical damage, while cat’s claw plant and rosemary extract encourage the skin’s natural repair process. Swiftly becoming a suncare darling.
Dr Sebagh Sun-City Protection SPF 30Price £50
Dr Sebagh’s first foray into suncare, this product has advanced mineral filters which deliver high level UVB, UVA and infra-red protection. Colourless, fragrance and paraben free, it’s perfect for sensitive skin, and should leave it firm and supple. Anti-ageing properties are an added bonus.
Sensai Silky Bronze Aftersun Emulsion Price £51
Soothes flushing and inflammation caused by sunburn and maintains an even, healthy tone with loads of moisture. Bolstered by a range of “boosters” which include anti-ageing collagen and apricot essence complex, which promotes the turnover of epidermal cells and visibly reduces fine lines.
Arcona Tinted ReozonePrice £24
Full spectrum sunscreen for face and body from this cult American brand. Lightly tinted, the super-light texture is anything but greasy and won’t clog pores. Titanium and zinc oxide protect skin; aloe vera and allantoin heal and soothe and antioxidant vitamin E combats future sun damage.
Carita Progressif After Sun for BodyPrice £74.50
This French favourite replaces your regular skincare range during the summer months with this sun-specific one. Sweet orange, chaulmoogra oil, commiphora and wild mango make this one of the most indulgent and delicious skin-saving after-sun potions out there.
Dermatologica Solar Defense Booster SPF 30Price £27Loaded with botanical extracts and vitamins to oust free radicals and combat premature ageing as well as an advanced UVA and UVB-repelling arsenal. Grape seed and green tea extracts plus vitamins A and C provide anti-enzyme protection while Vitamin E helps repair and protect.
Shiseido Exra Smooth Sun Protection Cream Price £22.50
A nourishing cream-formula sunscreen for the face that wards off roughness and premature ageing. Smoothes on easily and feels light. Rose apple leaf and ononis extracts (the latter is from a root), and the natural compound ectoin all help make this range superlative.