8 clever ways to age-proof your sun routine


Beauty
25/06/2020
A healthy glow? Sign us up. But sun spots and wrinkles? Not such a good look. No need to hibernate, simply follow our safe skin hints.

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The tiniest glimmer of sunshine and we Brits are running for the rays. But these days, getting a good glow is all about being smart. Want to avoid sunburn, premature ageing and unsightly sunspots? Then take down these top tips on keeping your skin sun safe....

1. SPF your moisturiser

Vacations aren’t the only time to pull out the sun protection. Your daily moisturiser can help protect your skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays, which can cause premature ageing, so switch your usual lotion to one with SPF. Olay Regenerist Whip Light with SPF30 not only offers protection from the ageing effects of the sun but it also works to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, so it’s perfect to use all year round.

2. Wear a hat

Good news! Hats are having a fashion moment. So throw on a wide-brimmed straw hat or an ultra-chic Panama for an on-trend solution to shunning those ageing UV rays. Why do hats matter? They protect the top of your head, where you can’t apply sunscreen, whilst offering shade for your face and neck, the areas most at risk of skin damage.

3. Throw some shade

No need to block the sun entirely, but taking some shade will protect your skin from damage by filtering the sun’s harsh rays. So, invest in an oversized umbrella – not only will your skin thank you for it, it provides a nifty area for you and your family to cool off from the hot sun.

4. Time your tanning

Being strategic with the hours you spend in the sun will prevent you looking five years older. The best times to catch those beams? Before noon and after 3pm, as the midday sun is the most damaging for your skin. So take your lunch inside and enjoy a little siesta if you want to avoid the burn.

5. Don’t forget reflections

Water, snow and sand increase your risk of sun damage because they reflect up to 85% of the sun’s rays, which explains why we burn more easily at the beach or on the slopes. Don’t panic, there’s no need to confine yourself to your room, just be sure to slather all exposed body parts with sunscreen when you’re poolside or seaside.

6. Up the antioxidants

Antioxidants can help make you more resistant to UV rays – and therefore premature skin ageing. So fill up on fruits and vegetables and drink plenty of green tea for maximum protection for your skin. To save money and ensure maximum goodness, you can grow your own fruit and veg at home.

7. Protect your eyes

If you don’t wear sunglasses you’ll spend your time squinting against the brightness, which can encourage the formation of crow’s feet and frown lines. Plus sun damage to the eyes can cause cataracts and pterygium (also known as surfer’s eye), which block your vision. But check your fashion shades to make sure the lenses have UVA and UVB protection and that they wrap completely around your eyes to ensure full protection.

8. Don’t forget sunscreen

No matter how careful you are, if you don’t wear sunscreen, you will get burnt. The formula to avoiding the lobster look? Wear a high factor, apply generously, and reapply every hour or two, or whenever you might have washed it off in the pool or sea.

And, of course, don’t forget to smother your little ones in the stuff. They might not like it, but they’ll like it even less if they are pink and sore.

What do you do to protect yourself from the sun?
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