Sun-beatable


Everyone loves the rays, but not the damage they do to our bodies. Melissa Downes has some simple steps to enjoying the sun without risking your skin.

Let's face it. Australians are a nation of sun worshippers. We know it's bad for us but, like too many cocktails and that extra block of chocolate, we just can't help ourselves. The reality is that a dash of sun is vital for our bodies (to produce vitamin D) and the good news is that developments in research and skincare mean there are safer ways to get out there. Here's a step-by-step guide to getting amongst it without getting grilled.

defray the rays
Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays are just as destructive as ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. The UVAs penetrate the inner layer of the skin, the epidermis, damaging the skin's collagen (that fabulous stuff that helps keep your skin from sagging). They are also responsible for pigmentation and blotchy skin. A good sunscreen is vital and must be reapplied every two hours.

Sunscreen is like a cigarette filter - you think you're escaping danger if you're using it. The reality is that too many people under-apply it. The best sunscreens contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, offering broad-spectrum protection against all harmful rays, including UVA I, UVAII and UVB. And they are photostable, which means they don't lose their SPF value when exposed to the sun. Watch out for the many brands claiming to offer full-spectrum protection - many don't. However, those that do include, The Cancer Council Australia Everyday SPF 30+ (with zinc oxide), $7.95 for 110ml, SkinCeuticals Ultimate UV Defense SPF 30 (with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide), $34 for 90ml or MD Formulations Total Age Protector SPF 30 $39 for 100ml.

take your vitamins
Vitamin C can prevent free radical damage, especially from UV light, protecting the skin from photo-aging caused by sun exposure. One study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, looked at sun exposure in 20 fair-skinned adults who were taking supplements containing carotenoids and vitamin E. It found the combined effects of the vitamins significantly reduced the risk of sunburn. It's thought they work by increasing the skin's resistance to UV light, including UVA (which causes photo-aging and some cancers). Vitamin C speeds up the healing of wounds, improves wrinkles and pigmentation and enhances the effects of vitamin E. Scientists believe it's vital in protecting the skin from ultra-violet light. La Prairie C Energy Cellular Serum contains vitamin C in its purest form: L-ascorbic acid. Combined with coenzyme Q10, a natural, human identical coenzyme with antioxidant properties, the airless pump ensures less oxidisation, $270 for 30ml.

damage control
Anti-oxidants including pomegranate, green tea, orange and grapefruit are great in your diet (and suncare products). They provide a second line of defence against the sun, attacking free radicals caused by UV rays. Anti-oxidants help to minimise long-term skin damage, so look out for products containing them. Kinetin, a substance in the leaves of plants that's added to some Almay products improves sun-related signs of aging and Dr Le Winn's Private Formula Mega-Moist Moisture Cream contains the right versions of both vitamin C (L-ascorbic) and vitamin E (tocopherol), $69.50 for 56g.

soak up and scrub up
Products containing extra-virgin olive oil are also said to protect the skin from UV damage, too. Try L'Occitane Olive Body Lotion, $24.95 for 150ml, or The Body Shop Olive Body Butter, $26.95 for 200ml. Studies have proven that regular exfoliation of the skin (with an exfoliator or mitts) impedes growth of abnormal and precancerous skin cells too.

double up
Most leading cosmetic companies now offer "smart" cosmetics that contain more than one active ingredient. Some foundations can protect skin from the sun for approximately two hours. Try Maybelline's Smooth Result Age Minimizing Makeup SPF18 with vitamins A and E, $17.95 for 34ml or Bloom Liquid Foundation SPF 8, $29.95 for 30ml. When buying a moisturiser choose one that has extra ingredients like: Estee Lauder's DayWear SPF15 all (contains titanium dioxide and antioxidants), $69 for 50ml; Clarins Extra-Firming Day Lotion SPF 15, $95 for 50ml; Elizabeth Arden's Let There Be Light, $49 for 50ml; Chanel's Daily Protection Lotion SPF 25, $36 for 30ml (they all contain titanium dioxide). Chantecaille has taken sun protection to new heights, claiming its Flower Harmonizing Cream uses the UV-reflecting properties of edelweiss, a small white alpine flower. At $250 for 50ml, it should be good! Devotees include actress Michelle Pfeiffer.

a golden future
In the future, sun protection may come in a pill instead of a tube. A new oral supplement due to be released by Murad at the end of the year called Environmental Shield, claims to enhance the effectiveness of sunscreen with its heavy dosages of antioxidant. At around $90 for 120 tablets it's apparently the beginning of a suncare revolution. "In the future, we'll take all our suncare orally," says Dr Howard Murad, creator of the Murad range, "But until then, this is the ideal halfway house."

give solariums a miss
Ignore the safe-tan claims by misinformed solarium operators. Research from the Australian Cancer Council shows that solariums expose the user to concentrated doses of UV up to four times more powerful than the sun. They project 95 per cent UVA rays - the ones that penetrate the deepest layers of your skin. Why take the risk when fake tans are such a great and affordable alternative?

get airbrushed
If you want your fake tan to look picture perfect why not pay a professional? Paddington salon Venustus (02 9361 4014) will exfoliate you then apply a fake tan with great results ($143) and Ciao Bella in Darlinghurst (02 9361 0612) uses an airbrush applicator for streakless results ($35).

For the safest and best glow of the season, get your mitts on one of these tried and tested fake tans

the fake tan perfected
Perfect the fake tan with these tips from Jeannie Bourke, director of Sydney's Venustus Beauty and Body Lab

STEP 1 shed skin cells
Ensure your legs are hair free, then take a long soak in a warm bath to soften dead skin cells.

STEP 2 scrub up
Using a body scrub, polish or bathing gloves, exfoliate your whole body. If you don't, dead skin cells will flake off and make your tan go blotchy. Try The Body Shop Bathing Gloves, $8.50 a pair.

STEP 3 time to slide
Dry your skin, then start applying the tanning lotion, carefully following the instructions. Apply lightly to start, being particularly careful not to over-apply on areas like your knees, elbows or ankles (which are prone to colouring more than normal skin). Wash hands carefully after application and then - to avoid white `traffic cop' hands - damp a cloth with fake tan and smooth it over them.

STEP 4 buff it off
Run a damp loofah over wrists, elbows, ankles and knees to lightly wipe away any excess colour.

STEP 5 hang out to dry
Remain standing naked for half an hour. Sitting or bending can leave crease marks behind the knees and elbows. And don't shower for at least eight hours if you want the colour to last.

thanks coco
You can blame Coco Chanel for the popularity of being tanned. Before she made it fashionable in the 1920s, it was hip to be pale.

Source: http://www.thesundaymail.news.com.au/printpage/0,5942,5396956,00.html

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