Beautiful You by Suzanne Edmonds

Each week, beauty enthusiast Suzanne Edmonds explores the best ways to take care of ourselves so that we love the skin we’re in.

This week Tauranga has been celebrated in the media for its sunny climate, which is attracting people in droves.

We really are spoilt here in the Bay, but it also means we have to be extra vigilant in protecting our skin from damaging UV rays, even in the winter.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that the mellow glow of winter sun is harmless.

UV rays, which can cause premature skin ageing and skin cancers, are out all year. Just because your skin doesn’t feel like it’s burning, doesn’t mean damage isn’t being done.

In fact UVA, which is just as strong in winter as it is in summer, penetrates your skin more deeply than the UVB ‘sunburn’ ray and is especially powerful at causing wrinkles.

Unlike other parts of your body, your face is exposed to the elements every day of the year. To avoid sun spots, wrinkles and other nasties, you should protect your face with sunscreen every single day.

I recommend a broad spectrum sunscreen, with an SPF 30 or higher, preferably with a minimum of five per cent zinc oxide listed as an active ingredient.

Zinc oxide works by sitting on top of your skin, bouncing the UV rays off, as opposed to chemical or ‘organic’ sunscreens, which absorb rather than reflect UV rays.

The ingredients in chemical sunscreens can break down in the sun, which means you run out of protection faster.

Zinc oxide is also non-irritating and hypoallergenic, making it the perfect choice for children and those with sensitive skin.

Technological advancements mean zinc oxide is no longer the heavy product it once was, with plenty of options available today that rub easily and invisibly into the skin.

Look for a sunscreen that’s been designed especially for the delicate skin on your face.

If you like to wear make-up, many foundations now include sunscreen, and many facial sunscreens now have tinted options.

A high-quality mineral makeup, that contains zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, can give added protection, but is not enough on its own. Layer it over sunscreen for an extra armour.

Sun damage to your skin is irreversible. If you want to keep your skin healthy and youthful-looking, consider sunscreen an essential all-year-round beauty product, not an afterthought. Stay safe and stay beautiful!

Suzanne Edmonds is owner of De Lux salon in Cherrywood, Tauranga.

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