Save your skin with a sun protection regime

No one likes to get sunburnt. It’s painful and – let’s face it – looking like a lobster is embarrassing. But of even more concern is that each instance of sunburn damages skin cells and accelerates the process of premature ageing. As the weather starts to heat up and the beach beckons, get ready to suit up – and we’re not just talking bikinis here. Be sure to don a protective layer of a sun-blocking product with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30 to shield your skin from harmful UV rays.

One new product that will do the trick is Giorgio Armani’s Maestro UV Skin Defense Primer. The primer can be worn on naked skin or underneath your daily makeup, and it contains none of the opacifying minerals that are the culprits of white splotches. Nearly 94 percent of women polled by the brand said they could not detect any trace of the primer once they had applied it to their skin. It has an SPF of 50 and PA++ (the highest level of protection is ++++), so those UV rays don’t stand a chance.

 “Don a protective layer of a sun-block product with an SPF of at least 30 to shield your skin from harmful UV rays”

Another SPF 50 range comes courtesy of Dior. The brand’s Diorsnow UV Shield contains edelweiss extract and has an airy texture that guarantees streak-free protection. Another product in the line-up is the liquid Colour-Control Crème, which hydrates and brightens the skin while blocking out UV rays.

The skincare professionals at Lancôme have released the aptly-named UV Expert line. Targeting urban dwellers, the products are designed to protect against UV rays as well as harmful pollutants that damage the skin and cause wrinkles. One standout product, the SPF 50 Youth Shield Aqua Gel, is said to be suitable for all skin types – even sensitive skin – and contains ultra-hydrating ingredients. With no shortage of sophisticated UV-blockers on the market, there really is no excuse not to slap on some sunscreen before suiting up for a sunny siesta by the seashore.