It’s finally starting to feel like summer outside which means it’s time to soak up those rays – but you need to make sure you’re looking after your skin while you enjoy the sunshine
We all know we need to wear suncream when we’re soaking up those summer rays, but are we actually getting enough protection?
While some people are good and always use a proper facial SPF many of us are guilty of just using what’s built into our foundation – but is it enough?
Turns out, it’s not.
Speaking to The Mirror, skincare expert Dr Paris Acharya, who is a leading aesthetic doctor and PCA Skin Ambassador, says: “Although opting for a foundation with added SPF is great for extra protection, I would never recommend anyone to use this as their only form of sun blocking.
“The amount of foundation that you apply to your face doesn’t result in adequate protection therefore it’s not a straight swap for a sunscreen. You should also always reapply your SPF throughout the day every 2-3 hours, which would be hard to complete with foundation.
“So while foundations and other makeup products with SPF included don’t provide enough sun protection, it’s definitely beneficial to use these on top of your actual SPF.
“Instead of using the makeup to replace traditional sunscreen, use it as an add-on and reap the benefits of wearing makeup products you enjoy that also contain SPF.”
She also stresses how important it is properly moisturise after you’ve been out in the sun.
She tells us: “It’s no secret that the sun dries your skin out, with added humidity also being a contributing factor to a dehydrated complexion.
“Over-exposure to the sun can cause the skin to gradually lose moisture and essential oils, which will result in a dry, flaky appearance and will even cause early ageing too. Therefore it’s vital that you continuously infuse your skin with optimum hydration after being out in the sun through using a nourishing, skin-quenching moisturiser.
“I would always recommend opting for a moisturiser that contains hydrating ingredients – squalane is the perfect ingredient for post-sun rejuvenation. It is a bioavailable emollient that deeply hydrates the skin while increasing moisture retention and reducing trans-epidermal water loss, and niacinamide is another great multi-tasking ingredient that nourishes and brightens the skin too.
“The HydraBright moisturiser from PCA Skin contains both of these hero ingredients and is a cloud-like magic cream, perfect for rescuing dehydrated sun skin – it immediately hydrates skin upon application.”
