Are you using the right suncream for your skin?
Are you using the right suncream for your skin?
All beauty enthusiasts know at this stage that we need to be wearing SPF as part of our daily routine. Without adequate sun care protection all year round, our expensive serums and creams may actually prove pointless. Pamela Hamilton, skincare adviser at Irish beauty retailer, millies.ie explains, “It is so important we wear SPF all year round. Yes, even in Ireland! Your face and body are exposed to UV radiation every day through clouds, rain, glass, sun or snow, so going unprotected on an overcast day can lead to almost as much damage as a sunny day. Everyone, including men and children over the age of six months, should be wearing sun protection on exposed skin. Generally, day to day, this will be our face, neck and hands. These in turn are the areas we see ageing start first. As we are wearing it daily, it’s important that we are also choosing the right SPF for our specific skin types so we get the most benefit from each and every product we apply.”
Millies.ie top picks with SPF
Oily Skin: Alumier Moisture Matte SPF 40 IVORY, €48
Alumier Moisture Matte is a powerful broad-spectrum SPF 40 which gives protection against both UVA and UVB rays using a combination of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Added antioxidants such as caffeine, silybin and knotgrass protect the skin against free radicals. This formula lightly moisturises to smooth and hydrate while absorbing excess oil to create a matte finish. For days when you want to skip your makeup regime, Alumier Moisture matte’s encapsulated beads blend on the skin creating a sheer tint and healthy glow. Available in three different tints.
Combination skin: IMAGE Prevention Daily Matte Moisturiser SPF 32, €47.50
This is an oil-free, broad spectrum sun-screen that delivers high sun protection in a mattifying, antioxidant-rich base that’s perfect for combination, oily or acneprone skin types.
Sensitive skin: Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50, €70
This is a 100% mineral sun-screen that protects from UVA and UVB rays, shields from pollution and works to prevent premature ageing. This SPF suits all skin types, especially those with sensitive skin and high colouring. It is fragrance free, chemical free and also has a soft peach tint to colour correct skin and even out the tone. It is packed with antioxidants and vitamins A, C and E to help reverse free radical damage, brighten skin, build collagen and lessen pigmentation.
Dry skin: Environ Sun care RAD SPF 15, €29.95
A creamy but light-weight SPF that contains a mixture of both chemical and physical SPFS that give broad spectrum protection. Perfect for dry skin to give instant relief, this fast-absorbing cream is ideal for under make-up. As with any Environ product, this tube, which can be used on the face and body, protects the skin from free radicals and is packed full of antioxidants to keep the skin cells strong.
Anti-ageing: Murad Hydration Perfecting Day Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30, €60
A daily SPF 30 moisturiser that will nourish, protect and restore the skin’s suppleness. This non-greasy, anti-ageing moisturiser contains powerful antioxidants to protect from free radical damage and skin is left hydrated and conditioned due to essential fatty acids. Pomegranate and grape seed extracts give your skin its bounce back and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.