We all like to joke in Ireland that we don’t get the sun much… if at all during the summer. Or winter…or any season. That’s why we have Portugal 😁
Now, while we aren’t competing with the Continent for heat and sun rays, we do have long summer days with sunshine in between the showers. Sun protection, even when it’s cloudy, needs attention. I would also recommend getting an appointment with a dermatologist to go over your skin annually to look for any unusual spots or moles.
Skincare is a maze of creams and potions. None of them will work if you aren’t looking after your whole body, inside and out.
- Sleep matters Are you getting enough? Resting your body repairs ALL its systems 🛏️
- Nutrition Are you eating well and hydrating? (and no, Aperol Spritz’s don’t count…)
My fabÜ SKIN GLOW works to protect and support your skin from the INSIDE.
SKIN GLOW’s vitamins A, C 🌞 and Zinc blend beautifully with reishi mushrooms, to care for your skin, hair and nails. Looking after the skin all over your body (hello healthier scalp!) starts with support from the inside.
Skincare In The Sun
😎 So let’s get into the ABC’s of sunscreen
UVA & UVB- What’s the difference?
UVA rays make up to 95% of the rays that travel to earth from the sun. These cause the most damage to skin. UVA rays damage the collagen and elastin in your skin, meaning you’ll wrinkle more and experience sun spots.
🚩Sun Beds use UVA rays as the primary radiation. I can't believe they’re still around and people use them. It’s like being in a giant sandwich toaster… They are not a way to ‘safely’ prepare yourself for a holiday. They are not a way to ‘safely’ get a base colour. Sun beds are restricted for users 18 and under in Ireland since 2014
UVB rays make up the last 5% of rays. These rays give you sunburn.While they are more shallow in penetration they damage your DNA making them chief culprits for melanoma and other cancers.
How To Protect Your Skin from Sun Damage
⏰ Restrict the duration of sun exposure and time of day matters. Midday sun is far stronger than early morning or evening sun.
Cover Up- Long sleeves and, my favourite, hats.
Sunscreen… Sun Cream
SPF? What is it?
Sun Protective Factor - the number used for the amount of minutes you can be exposed to sun without burning.
I LOVE an SPF tinted moisturizer by Elta so I can do double duty when I am rushing out the door.
Skincare Changes in the Summer 🌞
Outside of sunscreen use, you might find that your skin changes in the summer. You might need a lighter moisturiser and you’ll need to double cleanse to get the SPF off as well as cleansing your skin afterwards.
I love using anything by Jennifer Rock’s SkinNerd line. Yes I consider her a friend, but her products work and the success of her company reflects their efficacy.
Her Skingredients Preprobiotic Cleanse is a combination of cleanser and gentle exfoliant which you can use to remove all the makeup and sunscreen from the day and still feel like your skin is your BFF! Gone are the days when you’d exfoliate with all kinds of crushed nuts or really astringent toners (guilty…🥴) This cleanser uses PHA (poly hydroxy acid) which allows your skin to absorb the next step, be it a moisturiser or a serum plus moisturiser. I also use her Vitamin A Serum which helps smooth all my bumps and lines. Sometimes we think our skin is dry or dull and all it really needs is a good exfoliation. I also love a facecloth to help slough off the makeup and give yourself a bit of a scrub too. Gently does it though- you’re not polishing Great Aunt Madge’s silver. I also love Trilogy’s Rosehip transforming cleansing oil. At first I was nervous, thinking the oil would make my skin greasy. But this oil is so light and soothing- all it leaves is clean skin. If I had a lot of makeup on, I’d definitely double cleanse…
While not an Irish company, I do love NUXE, and when their first words are “All women are incredible” on their website, I have to admit, I agree! A French all organic botanical range, it’s so lovely for all the right reasons. I use their oil cleanser Delicate Cleansing Oil, Very Rose 150 ml - NUXE as well as their moisturizers. I love a good eye cream and BlephaDerm soothes my eyes if they’re dry and irritated from hayfever, or if I’m overtired.
Here’s to a beautiful SUNNY summer!
Get your fabÜ SKIN GLOW on 💛
Laura x
