Sun Protection

Perfecting your fake tan

It’s that time of year when having sun-kissed skin seems mandatory, but if you truly care about your skin, you know this isn’t the best course of action. Sunscreen every day for face and body in the summer: it’s the best skincare there is.

This knowledge doesn’t really eradicate the desire for bronzed, glowing skin, though, does it? Luckily, sunless tanner can come to the rescue. And because at home application can be tricky to master, I thought I’d offer my top tips for a great fake bake.

Summer preparation

Hi. How are you? How are you doing? How are you feeling?

I’ve been finding I have times of productivity and then times of inactivity. I am never sure how long the burst of energy will last, so I do try to make the most of it when it hits me. Because I still find there are times when reading a light fiction book is challenging. Do you ever feel the same way?

This week, though, I’ve had a couple days of high energy and motivation, so I’m really trying to take advantage of it with some spring cleaning, a grill detox and getting the clothesline ready for summer. I have no idea what the next season will be like, but I have a feeling I’ll still be in the US, so I’m trying to get ready for it.

Part of my summer prep involves sunscreen, of course, particularly as I contemplate the potential of a summer full of sun instead of whatever it is we get in Britain.

Here comes the sun

You know I never miss an opportunity to talk about sunscreen as skincare.  It is key component of even the most basic routine and I believe it is one product no one should go without.  So when social media told me that May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, I knew this was my chance to return to my favourite topic.

Seeing the light

You may have read about about LED (light-emitting diode) treatments that answer a variety of skin issues including acne, rosacea and life lines on social media and in beauty mags.  Have you wondered whether the technology actually works?  After all, the tools are not inexpensive and professional treatments require very regular appointments.  Well, based on my personal experience and research about how it works, I can say yes, it does achieve results.

Fading what the sun leaves behind

Now that summer is officially over, you may be noticing a few lingering dark spots on your face, hands and chest, even after your beach glow fades.  This is known as pigmentation and is a direct result of sun exposure, specifically UVA, or ageing, rays.  

Looking for something new to try?

When I see clients for facials, we always discuss skincare routines as I want to be sure they maximise their homecare programme.  Between these conversations and Wellness Words, I find myself consistently referring to products I know will make a difference.  So I thought it would be helpful to create a reference section on my website.

Is this the holy grail of SPF?

Summer’s here and that means it's the easy season to apply sunscreen every day.  With longer daylight hours and more time spent outside, most of us are quick to include it as part of our morning routine.
 
However, this often feels like a chore thanks to product formulation.  When I’m sitting on the beach, a hat can hide the white glow left by physical sunscreens.  And the sticky feeling on my limbs after application is just about bearable, but I'm sure it causes more sand to stick to me.

Hello, Summer!

Hope you are enjoying the longest day of the year.  Finally, the season we dreamed of during the dark and cold days of winter is with us.  It’s time to take full advantage of the Vitamin D and warm temps.
 
Less always seems to be more in summer, which is why this is the perfect season to lighten up your makeup, opting for a tinted moisturiser instead of foundation, so you don’t find yourself melting during the day.  My summer routine pares down to a touch of concealer and of course, bronzer. With tinted lashes, I often skip the mascara.  

Creating the perfect canvas

It’s nearly a week since it happened, but we can still talk about the royal wedding, right?  What a beautiful, touching ceremony held on a spectacularly gorgeous day.  And while I could spend many more hours talking about everything that happened on 19 May, my connection to the wedding right now is all about skin. Particularly, how amazing the Duchess of Sussex looked in her decidedly no make-up look.

Spring skincare

After our recent stretch of sun, it does seem like spring has really arrived in London.  Let's hope it's the warm-up for a great summer!
 
Spring is the perfect time for a review of our skincare routine to ensure it is fit for the new season.  Winter months require more hydration and care to keep skin from drying out, while sunshine and warmer temps let you dial this back.