BEAT THE HEAT

It’s scorching out there! The summer months are suddenly upon us and has brought with it a wave of sticky skin, dry hair and a parched face. Make-up is starting to melt off and you just can’t seem to keep up with the H20. We are all well aware of how attractive tanned skin is but the hard truth is that spending time out in the sun can be very harmful, so it’s best to look after your hair, skin and face. Here’s how...

Slather On The Sunscreen

Using a high SPF factor is crucial here in The Gulf. SPF doesn’t refer to the strength of your protection it refers to the time. So, if you’re using SPF 10, you will get 10 times the amount of time in the sun it would usually take for you to burn. If you use SPF 40, you will get 40 times. If you are sweating a lot or doing a lot of swimming, you need to constantly reapply. SPF 30 should be used at an absolute minimum and I would strongly recommend SPF 50 and even SPF 100 if you are very fair and it’s great to use on your face. Remember: SPF is the cheapest and most effective anti-ageing product on the market!

Change Up Your Beauty Products

Sunscreen and beauty products have come a long way over the years and it’s great to see a lot of foundations along with CC & BB creams that now have SPF. In saying this, these products aren’t high enough in SPF for a day outside or by the beach or pool. Save them for office days when you won’t be outside in the sun as they don’t have the same long-lasting effects that sunscreen does. Opt for a lighter foundation with a loose setting powder and in these months - less is more! Keep it simple.

Cool Down With A Mist

Stash a bottle of face mist in your handbag so that you can mist your face and body when you’re at work or at the beach. your skin will thank you for it. There are loads of inexpensive options on the market packed with antioxidants and nutrients that will soothe and hydrate skin on top of cooling you down. They are also a great product to use here year-round to hydrate your skin from the dehydrating A/C and harsh environment.

Repair The Damage

If the worst should happen and you do get sunburnt you need to get as many antioxidants into your skin as quickly as possible. Products with Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Aloe Vera, Green Tea will help to stop the free radicals that have harmed your skin and help to prevent premature ageing. Avoid any more contact with the sun after you have been burnt and ensure you wear shirts that cover your shoulders and chest.

Fake It Till You Make It

The best thing you can do is to stay out of the sun and save yourself the drama and get a spray-tan. The nice bronze, glowy type that looks natural or buy a good home-tanning product from Sephora or the pharmacy that has hydrating properties and is good for your skin also. This will save your skin the damage while still looking healthy and tanned.