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Safe summer skin

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LAUREN MCKAIG Creative Director & Advanced Skin & Aesthetics Specialist thenorwichfaceandbodyclinic.co.uk

Now we fi nally have a glimpse of summer, which, fi ngers crossed, is here to stay, it is essential to check in on your skincare routine. During the summer months, we are more exposed to UVA and UVB rays, which, as we all know, has enormous effects on the skin, especially when it comes to ageing. It is no secret that we should all be using suitable skin care products on our skin. As a generalisation, most people's skincare routine consists of a cleanser, a good quality serum or two, moisturiser, retinol, and, most importantly, a broad-spectrum SPF.

With many skincare brands on the market containing ingredients claiming to reduce signs of ageing, pigmentation, spots and many more concerns, it is always a great idea to see a skin specialist fi nd the most suitable product to treat your skin type and concerns.

As I said, the most important thing to apply to the skin, especially in the summer, is a broad-spectrum SPF. There are many SPFs to choose from, all with various labels and ingredients, but the main essential thing to know when it comes to SPF is that it should be broadspectrum to cover your skin from the UVA and UVB Rays.

UVA rays, which account for 95 per cent of radiation that reaches the earth's surface, cause wrinkles, sunspots, and other types of pigmentation and premature ageing. They are also linked to skin cancer. UVB rays, which affect the skin's top layer, cause skin cancer and most sunburns.

Both UVA and UVB break down collagen. Collagen forms a scaffold to provide strength and structure to the skin. As we age, our body's collagen production slows down, giving the appearance of loose, lined and aged skin; further damage by the sun can speed up the ageing process.

Those prone to acne or excessively oily skin may be reading this thinking, "I can't wear SPF; it brings me out in spots, clogs my skin and makes me even more oily". If you agree, have no fear; keep reading on; we have just the thing.

Although it is super important to wear SPF in the summer months, you should wear it all year round. In the winter months, 80% of those damaging UVA and UVB rays are still present, even when it's cloudy and raining. As an advanced skin specialist, having treated hundreds of clients with sunspots, pigmentation and aged skin caused by the sun, I deal with many clients who have neglected their skin, especially when it comes to SPF. Nine out of ten clients tell me they wished they would have worn SPF more often; you would always apply it to your child's skin, don't forget your own.

Should you wish to discuss your skin in more detail, have any questions or queries, please get in touch for a Skin Therapy Consultation at Norwich Face and Body Clinic. Enjoy the sunshine, and remember your SPF!

Now that you know why you need to wear SPF let's look at some of our favourites.

Sun Shield Matte Broad Spectrum SPF50 Suitable for all skin types this formula applies completely sheer in an elegant matte fi nish. Contains Vitamin C to help brighten the skin. obagi.com

CLINICCARE Dermo Corrective Cream SPF50 This lightweight formula is suitable for light⁄medium skin tones. Contains hyaluronic acid to keep the skin hydrated and dewy. skincity.com

Heliocare 360 Oil-Free Gel This lightweight formula is perfect for oily skin. heliocare.co.uk

Anthelios Hydrating Cream SPF50+ A hydrating cream perfect for those with normal⁄dry skin. laroche-posay.co.uk

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