Protect your assets
Bes martin the sun this summer with our complete guide to uv protection
If there was one thing I could tell my younger self who loved getting a tan, it would be keep your face out of the sun and wear SPF
TThe SPF Why?
If skin cancer and wrinkles don’t feature in your 10-year plan, SPF needs to be your best friend pronto. 'If there was one thing I could tell my younger self who loved getting a tan, it would be keep your face out of the sun and wear SPF daily,' explains international facialist and wellbeing expert Abigail James (abigailjames.com). 'Sunscreen is the first line of defence when it comes to protecting against UV damage, so apply it every day, all year round.'
How?
Finding the right suncream is important. Skin woes such as excess oil, acne or sensitivity can be exacerbated by the wrong formula, so it's worth shopping about. 'There are now some really fantastic ones that you won't even know you are wearing, and they are suitable for all skin types, even the most oily,' assures Abigail. 'And no, the SPF in your make-up is not enough on its own! Don't be afraid to layer up your sunscreens and if you've been working out, sweating or swimming, reapply.'
What?
Never have there been so many multi-tasking products on the sunscreen market, with most now offering anti-ageing, tinted and mattifying effects alongside their sunprotecting qualities. 'If you have super-sensitive skin, Boots Soltan Sensitive Face has a great SPF 50 free from colours and fragrance in a light, non-poreblocking texturm' advises Abigail. £6, boots.com
Expert tip
'Wear a large brimmed hat, a cap and large glasses to cover your eye area – fine eye lines can become notably more prominent after a day squinting in the sun, as can frown lines,' says Abigail.
The make-up Why?
Ever tried to rock a full face of make-up in the heat? Sticky foundation, smudged mascara and a sweaty upper lip is no one's best look. How? Less is more. 'With all of that lovely sun and warmth, your skin's probably looking pretty fab, so before you reach for your usual make-up, consider whether you actually need to use everything,' advises international make-up artist and founder of Wow Beauty, Denise Rabor (w-o-wbeauty.com). Primer can be used underneath make-up for more staying power, and many now also offer other sun-friendly qualities like mattifying the skin. 'The one thing that you probably won't want to go without is your mascara, so waterproof mascara is a good option to help prevent smudging,' advises Denise.
What?
'If your foundation has an SPF then you've got extra protection,' explains Denise. 'A favourite of mine is Clinique Even Better Makeup which has SPF15.' £22.50, lookfantastic.com
Expert tip
'Great skin is the canvas for the no-make-up look,' explains Denise. 'Start preparing your skin early: this means some deep cleansing a few weeks beforehand either at home with a good detox cleansing mask and good exfoliator or with a facialist. Make sure you're also getting your two litres of water a day and try skin-boosting serums.'
The tan Why?
Call us superficial, but achieving a catwalk-worthy tan on holiday is one of the delights of going away. But there's an art. Overdo it and you'll wind up red, sore and radiating heat.
How?
The secret to achieving and maintaining the perfect sun-kissed tan? 'Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate, and then moisturise, moisturise, moisturise,' advises Denise. 'This will remove all of the dead skin cells from your body and reveal new, fresh skin which will take a tan easier. Moisturising regularly will also keep skin smooth and hydrated.'
What?
Use Bean Body's Coffee Bean Scrub once a week for beautiful, beach-ready skin. £14.95, Holland & Barrett
The moles Why?
We all have moles, and more often than not they're completely harmless. But excess sun exposure and other factors can cause them to change, which is why knowing your moles is so important. Early detection is the best form of prevention.
How?
Checking your moles is the key. 'Always report any changes to your GP who will then refer you on to a dermatologist if the diagnosis is uncertain,' explains Dr Noor Almaani, consultant dermatologist at The Private Clinic on Harley Street. 'It's much easier to spot a change if you are checking your moles regularly.' It's normal to have between 10 and 40 moles by the age of 40, but if you notice a change in size, shape or colour it might be time to get tested. Other warning signs include itching, pain or bleeding of the mole.
What?
Cadogan Clinic, the UK'S leading aesthetics and cosmetic clinic, has launched the Mole Package for summer. Including a mole and lesion check, removal and histology, it's the only service in the UK that is Dermatology Consultant led, providing rapid results, support and advice. For more information visit cadoganclinic.com.
The hair Why?
According to Farjo Hair Institute, the amino acids present in hair can be severely affected by environmental
It's normal to have between 10 and 40 moles by the age of 40, but if you notice a change in size, shape or colour it might be time to get tested
factors such as UV light. 'Recent studies have proven that some of the most important proteins which make up the hair fibre are degraded by as much as 50 per cent by the ends of the hair, from the simple effect of sunlight slowly oxidising the proteins in the hair shaft,' they say.
How?
Celebrity hairstylist Phil Smith says it's all about hydration. 'If your hair is drenched with moisture, it'll absorb fewer nasties from the pool,' he explains. 'Use a nourishing shampoo and your hair will instantly look and feel in better condition – and will be easier to style, too.' A good-quality argan oil is the perfect pre-sun partner. 'It will give your hair an extra layer of protection against the chlorinated water and the sun's damaging rays,' says Phil. 'It'll also lock in moisture and restore smoothness.'
What?
Overdone it in the sun? ‘My Gently Does It Ultra Soothing Conditioner gives your hair and scalp the cool relief after a day of intense sun,' explains Phil. 'The lightweight formula with soothing tea tree and fresh mint nourishes and fortifies with the lightest touch.' £3.50, sainsburys. co.uk
Expert tip
A top knot is the perfect pool-side hairstyle. 'It will protect your scalp from burning and looks elegant in holiday snaps,' Phil says.
The sunburn Why?
Sunburn goes deeper than a touch of red skin – it can have lasting effects on your skin's make-up. 'Sunburn is an acute reaction in the skin that follows excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation,' explains Dr Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist at Cadogan Clinic. 'It causes direct damage to DNA, resulting in inflammation and death of skin cells. Sunburn in childhood or adolescence can double the risk of developing melanoma in later life. In addition, one of the biggest causes of premature ageing is sun damage, and this is visible in fine lines, wrinkles, freckles and other discolourations, which all result in an undesirable complexion.'
How?
Although the best protection is to avoid getting burnt in the first place, mistakes do happen. 'Cover up the affected areas and stay in the shade until your sunburn has healed,' advises Dr Mahto. 'Apply a cool compress to the skin or take a cool bath or shower. Aim to keep the temperature just below lukewarm and make sure the shower has a gentle flow of water rather than being on full power. Do not rub the skin with a towel, but gently pat it dry when you get out. If you're in pain, she recommends using an anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen.
Expert tip
Aloe vera is your friend! 'Aloe vera- or soy-containing gels or lotions can be beneficial in soothing the skin,' says Dr Mahto. 'Aloe vera not only has a cooling effect but also acts as an anti-inflammatory.'