Protect yourself this summer

Did you know that May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month?

Apart from lines, wrinkles and sunspots which age our skin, UVA and UVB rays penetrate the skin even on dull days. Incidental sun exposure accounts for a lot of aging but burning and everyday activity can lead to melanoma or skin cancer. Skin cancer is a disease of skin cells. Nine out of every ten cases are caused by UV rays from the sun or sunbeds. We’ve come a long way from using products with the consistency of wallpaper paste and brands are lining up to give us practical and luxurious suncare.

Bioderma, Photoderm M SPF 50+ (€16.95) is a cream for the face that offers an extremely high UVA/UVB and blue light protection. It treats hyperpigmentation caused by blue light on sensitive skin, such as pregnancy mask. Regular use helps prevent pigmentation marks, reduce their appearance, and limit their relapses. It can be worn under makeup.

Avene B-Protect SPF 50+ (€17) is a long-lasting, 3-in-1 facial skin care protector that is anti-UV, anti-pollution and skin enhancing. Providing a radiant, nude skin finish and protecting the skin from free-radical damage, B-Protect is a summer handbag hero. It's suitable for all skin types.

Neo Strata Enlighten SPF 25 (€39.95) is a daily triple action moisturiser that is formulated to both diminish the appearance of dark spots and brighten overall skin tone while protecting skin against further discoloration and damage. This one is practical for anyone that needs a quick hydration and brightener as well as SPF for everyday use.

Neo Strata Sheer Physical Protector SPF 50 (€37.95) is an ultra-sheer, mattifying treatment that is formulated to provide photostable, physical broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection with a sheer tint that blends with skin’s natural tone.

Uriage Roséliane Anti-Redness Cream SPF 30 (€19) minimise redness and rosacea and is designed to inhibit key trigger factors. The luxurious moisturiser protects the skin’s vascular system to help limit aggravating factors.This goes well under makeup.

Clarins Invisible Sun Care Stick SPF 50 (€25) is for sensitive and highly exposed areas. It’s your new best friend to protect the head, ears, nose, tops of cheeks and the eye contour. Easy, practical, and effective, you can take it with you everywhere thanks to its ‘on-the-go’ pocket format.

It gives the feeling of wonderfully comfortable bare skin while providing high protection and is great for gardeners or the golf course.

Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50 (€79) is a broad spectrum moisturiser that helps combat the appearance of skin aging. Antioxidant white tea, rich in polyphenols, and a unique polypeptide, help improve the appearance of photoaged skin. It blends smoothly over skin for a perfect finish.

Eminence Organics Lilikoi Mineral Defense Sport Sunscreen SPF 30 (€59) is an easy-to-apply sport formulation for face and body. This SPF 30 mineral sunscreen is non-greasy and water-resistant for up to 40 minutes. It’s highly effective for outdoor activities like swimming and high-performance sports where perspiration can impact standard sunscreen efficacy. It does not clog and so is suitable for frequent reapplication.

Catering specifically for blemish-prone and oily skin types, the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Face Mist SPF 50+ (€14) offers high, broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. The non-greasy spray forms an invisible, breathable veil over skin to ensure a long-lasting matte finish with no white marks. With a light, fresh texture of a thermal spring water, the ultra-moisturising, water-resistant sunscreen mist absorbs quickly to shield from sun exposure, whilst promoting a smooth, supple complexion with minimised shine. Can be worn alone or over makeup. I always have one in my handbag during the summer months or on holidays to keep up the protection.