BRING ON THE SUN

A NEW HIGH-TECH SUNPROTECTING PRIMER FORMULATED BY A SKINCARE EXPERT MAY BE MORE IMPRESSIVE FOR WHAT’S NOT IN IT, RATHER THAN WHAT IS.

Those minutes of daily sun exposure add up. Walking from the car to work, incidentally soaking up UVs through a window while driving, sitting outside at a café — all have a cumulative, damaging effect. That damage appears as brown spots (hyperpigmentation), lines, and skin that generally looks dry, dull and prematurely aged. It is vital to wear sunscreen year-round, rain or shine.

“People spend so much time searching for the latest amazing anti-ageing ingredient when the most potent weapon against premature ageing is daily sun protection,” says top Auckland cosmetic physician and creator of FaceWorks skincare, Dr Teresa Cattin.

“It should be the first step in your daily makeup routine.”

Protection is achieved in either of two ways. The older method is simply to reflect the sun’s rays away from the skin using either titanium or zinc. Organic sunscreens, on the other hand, are more complex and absorb the UV rays. While both methods work well, organic sunscreens are more popular for the face as they tend to be lighter and more pleasant to wear with makeup, and don’t leave the pale ghostly look associated with inorganic sunscreens.

But, organic or otherwise, not all sunprotectors are created equal, says Dr Cattin, who has more than 20 years’ experience in appearance medicine, and has been teaching doctors in New Zealand, Australia, Japan, South Korea and India how to use Botox® and dermal fillers since 2001.

“We now know that some cosmetic ingredients are absorbed by the body and may be linked with health problems. Some ingredients have also been shown to have a detrimental effect on the environment.

“While medicines are regulated and have to be stringently tested, there are no comparable regulations for cosmetics or skincare. We should be checking the labelling on skincare the same as we do food products.”

For example, oxybenzone, a common sunscreen ingredient, bleaches coral and is harmful to marine life, she says. “Consumers need to be aware of what they are buying, and look for ‘oxybenzone-free’.”

Enter FaceWorks’ Primer SPF30, a new high-tech, lightweight, silky under-makeup primer that stands out not only for what it contains but also what it doesn’t. “Wherever possible, we’ve chosen high-quality raw materials that are “natural compliant” and GMO-free. We are gradually trying to purchase only from companies with a commitment to environmentally sound business practices,” Dr Cattin says.

The FaceWorks skincare range is a firm favourite with beauty editors and has a loyal following among those wanting an affordable and effective cosmeceutical alternative. The new Primer SPF30 glides onto the skin, holds makeup in place, provides a healthy glow and has the added advantage of sun protection.

“It is a great glow-booster for people with dry skin while providing superior sun protection,” says Dr Cattin. To use, either mix a pea-sized amount in with your foundation or apply directly to the skin, blend and allow to dry.

FaceWorks Primer SPF30 ($45) is available at faceworks.co.nz