BeautyFresh Blog

Beauty Ideas, Tips & Hints

THE DEFINITIVE ALTERNATIVE

by

Linda Meredith V-Tox is the brilliantly unique alternative to BOTOX an unprecedented global bestseller. 

V-Tox utilises a botanical algae to mimic the smoothing, line-diminishing effects of BOTOX in a natural looking way. V-Tox restores the skin’s elastin, collagen and moisture levels which results in firmer, smoother and more youthful looking skin. V-Tox is the ultimate must have anti-ageing skin cream for all daily skincare routines.

“A non-invasive alternative to BOTOX” – Tatler

The science – V-Tox mimics the effects of BOTOX by blocking the signals that make muscles contract and create frown lines. It can also be applied over the entire face and neck creating a much more natural balance to the face.

The key ingredients – Portulaca Oleracea: Incredibly High levels of Omega 3, Portulaca Oleracea contains more alpha-linolenic acid than any other leafy plant ingredient. It is an excellent source of Vitamin A, known as a powerful natural antioxidant and an essential vitamin for healthy skin.

Centella Asiatica (Gota Colu): Regarded as perhaps the most spiritual of all herbs in India. Growing predominantly in areas of the Himalayas and praised for its antibacterial, soothing and healing abilities.

Ginseng: As well as well noted historic use in Chinese and Western Medicine, Ginseng is an impressive anti-ageing ingredient. Leading medical studies have shown its effectiveness in fighting wrinkles due to ginseng’s ability to boost skin-firming Collagen.

Tripeurospermum Maritimum (Sea Mayweed): Sea Mayweed regulates the sensation of discomfort and local inflammation, making sensitive skin less reactive and soothed. An immediate and long-term reduction of redness is also visible.

GABA (gamma amino Butyric acid): Is an amino acid found in plant tissue, it is directly responsible for the regulation of muscle tone. Known as an inhibitory neurotransmitter that blocks nerve impulses. Gives rise to the relaxation of the facial nerves thus reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

The perfect alternative – Pregnancy safe, Vegan friendly and Paraben Free!

Guerlain Pearl Glow Spring 2021 Collection

by

This is about the Guerlain Spring 2021 Makeup collection, named Pearl Glow, and it is so stunning! This collection is all about radiance and glow in the most beautiful presentation.

For the spring collection, the Guerlain House celebrates the pearl and all its pure light. The most beautiful reflections cast by this treasure from nature can now be found within two exclusive new Meteorites powders and two refined Rouge G colours. Both highly covetable and collectable, these desirable limited-edition products fill spring with enchantment and naturally precious radiance. Pearlescent finish has been reinvented, and it’s irresistible.

What is in the Guerlain Spring 2021 Collection?

  • Two exclusive new Meteorites powders
  • Rouge G lipstick in Sheer Shine Formula – two shades
  • New Rouge G cases – in Pearl Glow & Pink Pearl

These desirable products are guaranteed to brighten up your day and will leave you glowing throughout Spring time.

Guerlain Meteorites Pearls Powder

Meteorites powder has reinterpreted its case in a limited edition all dressed in white, inspired by the true and original pearl. In its limited-edition palette, which includes a new, intensely light-reflecting holographic pearl that reveals a fresh, renewed glow, Meteorites Pearl Glow delicately corrects and brightens the complexion. Coloured pearls with a universal corrective and illuminating effect provide an impeccably even complexion.

The first in the collection is the Meteorites Pearl Glow, where the new pink effortlessly compliments the iconic 02 shade for a natural shine. The second is the Meteorites Pink Pearl, a comforting blush shade that gently awakens the skin. Whether applied generously across the face or in selected areas to sculpt, Meteorites powders are the perfect addition to your beauty routine.

Guerlain Rouge G The Satin and Matte Lipstick

Guerlain allows you to customise your style right down to your lips (and the case your lipstick comes in) with the Rouge G de Guerlain collection. Sealing intense colour and luscious lip care into a jewel formula, this lipstick refill comes in a wide range of shades and fits neatly in the Customised Case. Select your favourite case design separately and combine with your colour of choice to complete the set.

Available in 2 shades.

  • 07 Nude
  • 76 Pink

Inspired by pearls’ colouring, Rouge G’s new shades softly reflect the light and offer a captivating charm. Sheer Shine 07 is a warm nude with a glaze of golden pearlescent tones, whereas Sheer Shine 76 is a soft pink with a pearlescent rosewood tint.

Guerlain Rouge G De Guerlain Spring 2021 Refillable Case

Guerlain has created a customisable lipstick with a double mirror: Rouge G de Guerlain. Designed by jeweller Lorenz Bäumer, the majestic refillable case with the legendary curves is available in a range of designs. This Spring 2021 design is covered in sparkling faux pearls, so not only will it safely store your lipstick, but also makes for a striking accessory.

Shades Include: 

  • Pearl Glow
  • Pink Pearl

The lipsticks are complete with sophisticated cases overlaid with pearls; in pure white and ballerina pink.

SUPERSIZE GATINEAU PERFECTION ULTIME MIRACLE EYE CONTOUR CREAM!

by

We all have those days when we peer at our complexion and every little skin flaw jumps out and shrieks ‘I’m here!’  (You can guarantee it is a day when you want to look your best too!). Whether its dark circles, age spots, fiery blemishes, broken capillaries or even a pesky wrinkle – they all belie those tell-tale signs of sun-damaged, environmentally weakened or visibly ageing skin.

The trouble is as soon you hit your 30’s your skin’s performance begins to decline with cellular renewal slowing down, and the skin’s invisible but critical surface barrier becoming compromised allowing the skin to lose essential moisture. We can lose 1% of collagen per year from the age of 29.  Then as you make your way into your 40’s the skin’s elastin supply begins to deplete and the blood and lymphatic circulation become sluggish.  Skin loses its plumpness and pores can become enlarged.  And if that wasn’t bad enough as you approach your 50’s women’s oestrogen levels gradually deplete in the body and this creates multiple problems with exacerbated wrinkles, heightened sensitivity, and increased sun damage being just a handful of the issues. 

So whether you are looking for a line-lessening cream, a camouflage for under eye shadows, a neutraliser for blue tones, a concealer for blemishes, an age-defyer, or to minimise unsightly broken capillaries then look no further because Perfection Ultime™ Miracle Eye Contour can handle them all!

It may be called Perfection Ultimw Miracle EYE Contour and even though EYE is in its title, don’t think its application is limited to just that area (it can be used on all areas of the face) and for that reason we have decided to give you this incredible formula in a SUPERSIZE! It’s Skincare, so put it everywhere!



Offering the perfect balance between scientific skincare and sheer make-up, Miracle Eye Contour seamlessly camouflages every kind of skin imperfection without any creasing or cracking whilst feeding the skin with youth-boosting goodness!  A feather light formula (you won’t even know it’s there) which is brimming with highly advanced skincare ingredients and balanced with light diffusing particles, it literally melts into the skin unifying uneven skin tone so you can stay flawless in every eventuality!

Brimming with the powerful botanical extract of Ginseng Root hugely popular in Korean skincare since the early 1500’s, it is a “natural skin balancer” and boosts the circulation of the skin’s smallest blood vessels, in turn ramping up the synthesis of collagen to tone, energise and refine the skin.

And this powerhouse formula delivers a big hit of antioxidant botanical extracts including Gingko Biloba which originated from Asia and is considered one of the oldest trees on the planet. Highly concentrated with polyphenols and flavonoids it provides potent antioxidant protection and plays a pivotal role in neutralizing free radicals whilst reducing levels of oxidative stress. 


 
Antioxidants are such an important presence in skincare these days as they protect skin against free radicals.  Free radicals are molecules in the environment (caused by air pollutants, chemicals and cigarette smoke) that damage your skin by clinging to collagen, weakening elasticity. Because of their importance, Gatineau scientists have added a cocktail of antioxidants into Miracle Eye Contour including Green Tea which is a top pick for not only your tea cup but equally in skin products as it acts as an anti-inflammatory and skin brightener. And then there is ‘best for everything’ Vitamin E.  A very popular antioxidant because it does ‘that little bit of everything’ –  it is a strong shield against premature ageing, a natural anti-inflammatory and a pro at keeping skin soft and supple. 
 
And the cocktail of precious extracts is endless in Miracle Eye Contour with the addition of Aloe Vera which most of us associate as the ‘miracle plant’ that offers immediate relief after spending the day in the sun. And that is down to its nutrient-packed glossary (it contains no less than 200 biologically active naturally occurring elements) which includes polysaccharides that give hydrating and anti-inflammatory benefits, phytosterols which help to soothe irritations and quickly take down redness.  And then there is the comprehensive list of vitamins – A, B , C, D and E as well as minerals like magnesium, potassium and zinc which all collectively enhance radiance and replenish for skin that feels plump and looks dewy.

And to ensure Miracle Eye Contour floods the skin with moisture it has been whipped up with a hefty dose of Grapeseed Extract and Hyaluronic Acid which unite to leave skin sublimely smooth and silky soft.


But I guess what makes this product so cult is the optic brighteners and natural minerals which create the colour adjusting formula that immediately flatters any skin tone for that airbrushed level of perfection. An eye brightener, an on the spot cover up, a diffuser of fine lines and wrinkles and an age-defying cream in one, this sheer formula will wave away anything that isn’t perfect and impart an even luminous finish.  It will have you reaching for it every day.  



Don’t miss its Supersize 30ml

Wellbeing and Immunity Support

by

Advanced Nutrition Programme supplements not only work to feed your skin from the inside out, but also offer a multitude of benefits to support overall skin health and wellbeing. With changing seasons and uncertainties around the current pandemic, if are you looking to upgrade your wellbeing routine at home, supporting immunity with a wellbeing supplement in the face of challenges times ahead.

  1. Immunity Intelligence

28 day supply. Each pod provides 2 capsules of Colostrum-C and daily dose of Skin Vit A+, Skin Vit C and Skin Vitality 1.

Synergises Vitamin A and Vitamin D. The vitamin D helps support bone, muscle and immune health. Did you know? Public Health England says we should consider taking 10 micrograms of vitamin D a day. This is the exact dose in Skin Vit A+.

The new modern multi-vitamin which delivers a total of 28 smart nutrients for total skin, nail, hair and body health.

Colostrum is rich in antibodies. Our exerts have combined colostrum with Vitamin C in one clever capsules. In fact, two research studies showed that colostrum reduced the incidence of upper respiratory infections.

Contains 1000ml of Vitamin C combined with bioflavonoids to help support your natural immune defences and to help reduce fatigue especially during the winter season.

Winter Proof Skin

by

The changing seasons can play havoc on the skin. In a recent study of 80 adults, levels of filaggrin, the protein that helps maintain skin barrier function, dropped between summer and winter. The study found that Natural Moisturising Factors (NMFs) were reduced, resulting in facial skin becoming much drier and textured in the colder months. Increasingly chilly conditions mean it is time for us to start preparing a new programme of skincare.

Temperature Control

Colder temperatures, harsh winds, central heating and dry air reduce the NMFs in the skin, leading to dehydration, roughness and flakiness. In addition to exacerbating dry skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, moving from centrally heated environments into the biting cold can cause broken capillaries and make rosacea worse.

Another factor to consider is your age. Oestrogen and progesterone levels decline as women get older which can result in dry skin, even in people who have never suffered from the condition before. A recent study found levels of fatty acids, in particular ceramides, decreased significantly with age, are dramatically depleted in winter compared with spring and summer. In this instance the issue may need to be addressed internally, as well as topically.

Safeguard with Fatty Acids

When the weather turns colder, it’s often tempting to reach for carbohydrate rich, sugary comfort foods. Instead, increase the healthy fats in your diet such as nuts, seeds, oily fish and avocados, and include an omega oil supplement such as Skin Omegas+, to safeguard essential fatty acid levels.

Research suggests the fatty acids in fish oil can improve skin barrier function, inhibit UV-induced inflammation and attenuate dry skin.

Skin Omegas+ synergises omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids with vitamin A to create a specialised sustainable skin-glowing formula. Skin Omegas+ carefully calibrates EPA and DHA from fish oil, GLA from evening primrose oil and vitamin A for notable benefits to hydration, skin smoothness and wrinkle depth.

The aim is to make healthy keratinocytes that product the right keratins and ceramides to maintain a healthy multi-layered stratum corneum and minimise transepidermal water loss. Support skin further by slotting in Skin Moisture Lock, which features ceramides, into your regime.

Turn down the ….. moisture

A common misconception is that clients should switch to a richer ‘winter moisturiser’ but in fact this can exacerbate dry skin conditions. This might seem counter-intuitive, because when suffering from dryness the first instinct is to reach for a heavier cream. In fact, this can have disastrous effects on skin hydration levels in the long term, as rich creams ‘fool’ the skin to stop the natural moisturising process. The answer is to use the correct moisturiser and enhance with boosters.

‘The balance of NMFs in the skin is upset when people use rich creamy products’, says Advanced Nutrition Programme Founder Dr Des Fernandes. ‘People love them but their surreptitious and nefarious effects become apparent when they stop using these creams. They immediately complain of dry skin. What they don’t realise is that the reason their skin becomes dry is not because of the new, less-oily product but because their skin is virtually depleted of NMFs and their stratum corneum is now capable of holding in the water. All because the skin us under the misapprehension that moisture levels are adequate’.

Vitamin A based creams, which contain active levels of vitamin A can enhance production of ceramides and keratins to keep skin moisturised at the correct levels. The nutrients increase production of glycosaminoglycan molecules (moisturising factors) which help to enrich the space in between skin cells with water and therefore boost hydration levels.

‘The balance of NMFs in the skin is upset when people use rich creamy products’ Says Dr Des Fernandes

Stop the scrub

It may be VERY tempting to remove a dull, dry layer of skin, but be cautious with that granular scrub or micro-dermabrasion kit.

‘With exfoliation we remove the skin’s fine protective layer and water can easily escape. This results in the system becoming stressed by trying to restore the Natural Moisturising Factors or maybe even to increase then beyond normal levels to try and make up for the water that is being lost through the inadequate stratum corneum’ says Dr Des Fernandes.

A safer alternative is to use exfoliators with Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) which are much kinder to the skin’s protective layer. Gently dissolving the ‘glue’ between cells, without the need for harsh scrubbing or compromising the integrity of the epidermis.

Cleanse with care

Another simple and effective way to improve dry skin is to adjust a cleansing routine. The stratum corneum is extremely delicate, only 0.02mm thick, so it’s very easily damaged by soaps or cleanser which contain harsh chemicals or require vigorous techniques. Switch them to an oil-based cleanse which is far kinder to the stratum corneum and won’t strip skin of its natural lipids.

Protect to perfect

Skin can sometimes be particularly vulnerable to the elements and this is heightened after any professional treatment, so always care for your skin by using protective ingredients found within the Jane Iredale range.

3 benefits of using Jane Iredale PurePressed Base:

  1. Camouflages redness
  2. Maintains skin hydration levels by allowing it to breathe
  3. Cares for dryer winter complexions.

Merino Wool Season

by

Beautifully striking, insulated tights for cool days.

Autumn is right around the corner, and that means it’s Merino wool season. Nothing pairs better with a crisp evening and warm beverage than fine Merino wool. The cut, feel and attention to detail of Wolford’s Merino Tights set them apart from typical wool.

Merino is finer and softer than regular wool and its natural ability to modulate temperature make it an ideal choice for that time of year when conditions can shift quickly.  

Wolford Merino Tights are sensationally insulating, beautifully striking: An elegant wardrobe is also the order of the day on cold days with these classy tights. Their high Merino wool content guarantees unbeatable comfort and the wonderful feeling of looking good.

  • The wool features high moisture absorption, ensuring a pleasant feeling on the skin
  • Soft, comfortable knitted waistband
  • Reinforced toes, sole and heels for enhanced durability.
  • New wool gusset
  • An insulating styling partner for cooler days.

Super Cleansers

by

Crystal Clear #SuperCleansers

Your skincare routine can only ever be as good as the canvas you create to apply it. Crystal Clear have included some exciting actives in their range such as Matrixyl 3000 hailed as the wonder skin rejuvenation ingredient along with vitamins, minerals and crushed precious Ruby.

 

BESTSELLER Soothing Cleansing Gel

25ml and 200ml

Cucumber extract moisturises and soothes, Mineral salts and amino acids revitalise and rebalance while vitamin C and vitamin B are emollient, soothing and hydrating.

  • Perfect for all skin types, especially problematic skin.
  • Concentrated soap free foaming cleanser.
  • Removes even the heaviest of makeup while deep cleansing pores.

 

Wipe Away the Years

25ml and 200ml

Crystal Clear believe that even cleansers need to include active anti-ageing ingredients, which is why they have included Matrixyl 3000 a super peptide in Wipe Away the Years creamy cleanser. Hailed as the wonder anti-ageing ingredient, it provides skin rejuvenation benefits while you are cleansing.

 

Deep Cleanse Gel

25ml and 200ml

Perfect for when you like to feel a good old-fashioned deep cleanse and water combination. Now you can Super cleanse and rebalance your skin with Crystal Clear’ refreshing soap free concentrated Deep Cleansing Gel. Actives such as crushed precious Ruby, Salicylic Acid, Matrixyl and Oxygen Complex leaves the skin with a beautiful super cleansed dewy glow.

THE IMPORTANCE OF EXFOLIATION!

by

The world of exfoliators can feel a little complicated, yet it is without doubt the best thing you can do for your skin to get that radiant and glowing complexion. Polishing away dead skin cells delivers a deep-down cleanse, restores a smooth and less wrinkled canvas, re-texturises uneven skin tone and decreases pore size.

In our younger years skin renewal occurs every 28 days and dead skin cells fall off without any help, but as we age cellular renewal slows down dramatically and by the time the cells reach the surface, they are far too tired to remove themselves. As a result, they are left clinging to the skin surface accentuating every little skin imperfection – and what’s worse is that these dead skin cells will block your other skincare products from properly absorbing into your skin rendering them useless. If that wasn’t enough to deal with, as you get older, there’s decreased blood flow through the dermal capillaries. Fewer nutrients reach the epidermis, leading to thinning of the epidermis and a reduction in the barrier function. These changes lead to increased water loss and dry skin and skin cells end up receiving 30 percent less natural moisture!

There are two types of exfoliators in the skincare world: – Physical exfoliators and chemical exfoliators.

  • Physical exfoliators contain granules and are designed to buff the surface of the skin forcing dead skin cells to be eradicated. The downside of this type of exfoliator is that they can be abrasive causing micro-tears on the skin which in turn destroy the skin’s protective barrier, creating irritation.
  • Chemical exfoliators have become the ‘brainchild’ of the exfoliating world and contain gentle acids or enzymes which cleverly dissolve the glue that bind the dead skin cells to the skin’s surface melting them off the skin and revealing a clear, fresh and radiant complexion without causing any irritation.

 

Gatineau scientists have been revered in the skincare industry for their exceptional exfoliator innovations and they definitely did not disappoint when they crafted Gatineau Peeling Expert Pro-Radiance Anti-aging Gommage! Unveiled over a decade ago and yet year on year it continues to be bestowed the most ‘innovative’ exfoliator! In 2018 it won the Top Sante award for the ‘best exfoliator’! Originally developed purely for the professional salon trolley it was created first and foremost for its high performance and efficacy in Gatineau’s professional anti-aging facial treatments and due to its phenomenal results and sheer client demand it was eventually transported into the retail line-up.

 

A highly concentrated and sophisticated treatment product, Pro-Radiance Anti-aging Gommage is renowned for its exceptional age defying technology and has been expertly formulated to deliver smooth, soft, and radiant skin in just one treatment. This ingenious exfoliator is suitable for all types of ageing skin but because it doesn’t contain ANY granules it is also suitable for sensitive and delicate skin types too!

Deemed either a quick fix or a luxurious facial treatment this incredible granular-free gooey yet indulgent cream (you could be forgiven into thinking it was even a mask) is powered by a blend of naturally derived enzymes which offer a professional peel from the comfort of your own home.  But it really is so much more than just an exfoliator.  It is a true multi-tasking product – I mean exfoliators are designed to remove dead skin cells but the Pro-Radiance Anti-aging Gommage goes one step further and actually replaces the dead skin cells with an abundance of skincare goodness. So in fact it ticks two boxes – that of an exfoliator and that of an anti-aging face mask.  It really is absolutely genius!

 

And the abundance of ‘skincare goodness’ comes from the addition of two super-powered oils – Jojoba and Sunflower Seed Oil. The combination of these nutrient-packed oils flood the skin with restoring antioxidants and conditioning essential fatty acids which are not only vital to bolster the skin’s natural oil content but equally to diminish the visibility of wrinkles.

And then you have the ‘new berry on the block’ – The Lingonberry – which has an entire story of its own and is hailed for its anti-ageing properties.  Known by the scientific name ‘vaccinium vitis-idaea’, Lingonberries are considered a ‘super fruit’ by the Nordics and a real ‘health promoting berry’ due to the fact they are grown during short but very intensive summers with 24 hours of sunlight. The oil that is extracted from the seed is packed with exceptionally high amounts of anti-oxidants (in fact 5 times that of the mere cranberry), plus plant sterols and essential Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids which enables the skin to retain hydration, elasticity and MOST importantly density. (So, it will strengthen that fragile thinning skin).

And then there’s the refreshing scent of menthol which not only revs up the micro-circulation awakening sluggish skin but restores the complexion vitality and that gorgeous rosy bloom.

And I just love the two techniques in which you can use this wonder product.

For time poor:  Apply a thin layer to the face, neck and décolleté and massage in until it turns from a glue like/ gum texture to a slightly slippy texture, then use gentle strokes to buff it off. Watch the dead skin just fall away and then rinse the excess.

For that cosy night in:   Apply a thick layer to the face, neck and décolleté and leave it to sink into the skin for at least 30 minutes.  Once the Gommage becomes translucent, loosen the edges and peel the mask off.  You will feel like you have lifted the lid on a brand new skin!

 

 

Power Masks

by

With the busy lives we lead today, there isn’t always the time to fit in a full salon session. Yet it’s when life gets that busy that we need it most. That’s why Crystal Clear created these swift and simple solutions.

Crystal Clear range of miracle masks provides all the benefits of a professional salon based treatment in the comfort of your own home, firming, smoothing, deep cleansing, exfoliating and softening the skin within 30 minutes, leaving you ready for anything.

 

Complex C Super Repair Mask

25ml & 200ml

Soothe, hydrate & repair

Calm and soothe with our super-nourishing, lavender hydration mask with Moringa Oil and anti-ageing plant stem cells for noticeably younger looking, revitalising skin.

Crystal Clear Super Repair Mask is rich in nourishing Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter together with Moringa Pol, leaving you with a beautifully calm clarified complexion. Moringa provides a soft and supple feel to the skin, delivering essential Omega-9. It has been used since Ancient Egyptian times and was reputed to have been used by Cleopatra herself. Infused with Lavender essential oil and powerful anti-ageing plant stem cells to soothe and revitalise the skin.

 

 

10 Minute Glow

25ml & 100ml

VOTED BEST RADIANCE MASK

This amazing peel off mask leaves your skin radiant in 10 minutes flat! Using active ingredients that tackle problem zones and deeply cleanse, whilst hydrating skin and minimising pores – leaving you glowing and revived. Use to target problem areas or just to give your skin a fast, invigorating boost. Great for tired, congested skin. 10 Minute Glow is clinically proven to treat spot prone skin.

 

Face Lift in a Box

Crystal Clear best selling Phantom of the opera mask

Our Face Lift in a Box is an intensive hydrating and lifting mask. The back bone of most Crystal Clear hands on facials. This luxury mask can also be used at home between salon visits. Perfect to take on holiday as it offers deep hydration after a lazy day spent in the sun, firming, smoothing and softening the skin – plumping out lines and wrinkles while deep cleansing. This clinically proven mask during independent clinical trials showed a mean reduction of 26% in wrinkle depth and 40% reduction in the amount of wrinkles.

A Moment in the Sun: Sun Protection Factors

by

Do we really know how to protect our skin? SPFs have never been higher, but neither has the rate of skin cancer. According to Cancer Research UK, over 15,400 people develop malignant melanoma each year, compared with around 1800 in the mid-1970s. SPFs are now available in excess of 60, so why aren’t they protecting us?

 

According to Cancer Research 86% of skin cancer cases were preventable.

 

Sun Creams – saviours vs sinners.

Despite using very high SPFs, the numbering system can be misleading. It’s logical to assume that high level SPFs provide twice the protection, but they only block a marginal amount of more rays (SPF 15 blocks 93%) and contain a much greater level of potentially harmful chemicals. High SPFs give a false sense of security, which means people reapply them less frequently and spend longer in the sun. Another contributing factor to the rise of skin cancer is that people don’t apply enough, particularly if the SPF is high. The advice is to cover the skin in a ‘shot and a half’ but in a study published by the journal JAMA Dermatology, only 55% correctly identified the amount required.

Free radical damage

Research has shown that high SPFs can be harmful when left on the skin. Chemical sunscreens are only effective for two-three hours after application. They absorb UV rays during this time, but once they stop working they turn into free radicals which react with DNA cells, increasing the visible signs of ageing and the risk of skin cancer. It’s therefore important to keep reapplying regularly.

Stronger creams contain greater concentrations of sunscreen agents which themselves can be converted into free radicals by exposure to UV ray.

It’s important to remember that SPF only indicates protection from UVB rays, which cause burning, and not UVA which cause photo-ageing so using a broad spectrum cream which protectors against both is key.

 

A second line of defence

If you want to achieve a superior protection again the sun, antioxidants need to be incorporated into your skincare regime. They mop up free radicals generated into the skin from UV exposure, minimising the damaging effects they have on DNA. You also need to apply an antioxidant sunscreen dependent on your skin type. Dr Clay, Beauty Fresh, encourages you to also take supplement form to protect the skin over the whole body: Advanced Nutrition Programme Skin Antioxidant contains a broad spectrum of antioxidants that have proven benefits with regards to UV radiation. Daily use is essential. Studies indicate that even on cloudy dates 80% of radiation from UVA rays breaks through.

Powerful protection boost

Given its impeccable skin nourishing credentials, it’s no surprise that vitamin A helps defend against UV damage. The most powerful sun-protective molecule is the retinyl palmitate form of vitamin A, which in adequate doses, can have a photoprotective effect of SPF20 and gives additional protection against UVA, says Dr Fernandes, Advanced Nutrition Programme. As well as applying topically, it should be taken in supplement form. By using a combination of Vitamin A and Antioxidants, it’s possible to safely expose skin to the sun for no longer than 20 minutes without sunscreen, in order to synthesize vitamin D, which is vital for healthy skin as well as preventing conditions such as osteoporosis and even cancer.