Stay Sun Safe - All about SPF
Longer days, brighter skies, salty air, sea breezes, sandy beaches, holidays, pink sunsets, floaty dresses, colourful gardens, the smell of food sizzling on the BBQ, Rosé all day. All these fabulous things that bring so much joy mean one thing………SUMMER is finally here!!!
Now, let’s stay SUN SAFE while we enjoy all these glorious things and keep our lobsters on the BBQ and not on our bodies!!!!
May is skin cancer awareness month. Did you know, skin cancer is one of the highest rates of cancer in Ireland. We are on a mission to help reduce those rates.
Here’s some of our TOP TIPS to stay Sun Safe this summer.
Longer days, brighter skies, salty air, sea breezes, sandy beaches, holidays, pink sunsets, floaty dresses, colourful gardens, the smell of food sizzling on the BBQ, Rosé all day. All these fabulous things that bring so much joy mean one thing………SUMMER is finally here!!!
Now, let’s stay SUN SAFE while we enjoy all these glorious things and keep our lobsters on the BBQ and not on our bodies!!!!
May is skin cancer awareness month. Did you know, skin cancer is one of the highest rates of cancer in Ireland. We are on a mission to help reduce those rates.
Here’s some of our TOP TIPS to stay Sun Safe this summer.
Lets be clear, a tanned skin is a damaged skin therefore, prevention is better than cure.
Choose an SPF that suits your skin type and re-apply appropriately & regularly throughout the day. Things to consider when choosing your SPF include, is it Chemical or Physical, what Factor & PA rating is it, how much & how often do I apply?. Here’s our lowdown.
Chemical or Physical sunscreen, which is right for me?
Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and turn them into heat in the body. These need to be applied a minimum of 15 minutes before sun exposure so they are absorbed into the skin and ready to work. While Chemical SPF tends to be a thinner consistency, spreads more readily and less is needed to protect the skin, they also carry an increased chance of irritation for sensitive skin types. Not ideal for anyone who suffers with Prickly heat, redness in the skin or anyone with sensitivity.
IMAGE Prevention + SPF 50
This high-level sunscreen offers effective protection against damaging UV rays. It’s an ideal choice for sports, outdoor activities and high sun exposure, yet gentle enough for post-procedure skin. It contains SPF 50 along with a blend of plant stem cells and potent antioxidants to protect skin against the effects of free radical damage caused by environmental exposure.
WHY IT WORKS
+ Provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection to help prevent sunburn
+ Decreases the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging caused by the sun
+ Protects against oxidative damage
+ Hydrates the skin
Physical Sunscreens are commonly known as Mineral Sunscreens. They block UV rays and deflect them away form the skin. They contain Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide and protect the skin as soon as they are applied. These sunscreens must be applied generously, accurately and frequently to achieve maximum protection. Ideal for all skin types including more sensitive skins and those who suffer with prickly heat. Some physical sunscreens can leave a white film/cast on the skin but nowadays, most companies incorporate a sheer formula to prevent that chalky appearance.
Heliocare Mineral Tolerance Fluid
A light, breathable fluid with mineral-only filters that absorbs quickly into the skin with a silky finish. The Mineral Tolerance Fluid is fragrance free and tested on the most sensitive skin. It dries completely clear and is suitable for all skin types; including sensitive skin and is a popular choice for men. Its light texture allows for an invisible finish. It contains specific filters and repairing and antioxidant active ingredients, and protects against the 4 types of radiation (UVB, UVA, Visible and Infrared), while neutralises and repairs sun damage.
What factor to choose & what to look out for?
When it comes to choosing what factor number, we recommend SPF 30 or more, once it is labelled as Broad Spectrum (this means it protects against BOTH UVA & UVB) and preferably water resistant. Interestingly, SPF50 offers only slightly more protection from UV radiation than SPF 30, filtering out 98% of UV rays compared to 96.7%.
As we live in Ireland, lets face it, sunny days are few and far between. But that does not mean we are safe from the harmful rays. We are highly exposed to the UVA (the aging) rays. These rays are so strong they can even penetrate glass, think windows, cars etc and are present on even the cloudiest, rainiest of days. For this reason, it is important to create a habit of applying your SPF daily, 365 days of the year, as NO ONE is exempt from their damage. It is not just for your Summer Holidays.
As mentioned above, it its important to check that your SPF is Broad Spectrum and Water Resistant but many SPF brands will also include a PA rating. This will tell you the level of protection against the UVA rays. A PA++++ rating is the highest level of UVA protection you can get.
We now live in a digital based world, with technology all around us. Evidence suggests our screens (including our phones) all emit what’s called HEVL (High Energy Visibility Light), better known as Blue Light. Exposure to this Blue Light causes rapid aging. Many high end sunscreens have now included Digital Age Defence to protect against this ageing light.
Another aspect to consider is the amount of infrared light you are exposed too. We experience this type of radiation every day in the form of heat. The heat we feel from sunlight, a fire, a radiator, etc is all infrared. The temperature sensitive nerve endings in our skin can detect the difference between inside body temperature and outside body temperature. IR-A is another marker to watch out for when choosing your sunscreen.
How much SPF should I apply?
Application, you may think is obvious, however so many people get it wrong. To achieve the level of protection stated on most SPF packaging, you must apply either a tea spoon full or three finger lengths full per application of the face and neck. (One full shot glass per application for the body). It is a much larger quantity than one would expect, and, when compared to your moisturiser, could be almost triple the amount. Re application is also essential. Don’t be lured into a false sense of security, thinking that if you applied SPF in the morning, or your make up has SPF in it, that you are covered for the day. Shockingly, the reality is you only have protection (to some degree) for up to 2 hours. So, in short, if you put your SPF on first thing in the morning and you go for a walk at lunchtime, you have no protection.
Re application is VITAL to ensure you have full SPF cover throughout the day.
Regarding make-up containing SPF – in my humble opinion, this is a waste of time. You couldn’t possibly have the stated level of protection when you think about the amount that is needed per application to achieve it. How much foundation do you put on? Is it a tea spoon full……I THINK NOT!!!!
Also, lets say your moisturiser has SPF 50 and you pop a foundation on top that has SPF 15, that DOES NOT mean you have SPF 65. In fact it can lessen the higher number of the two significantly due to the application technique. Stick to one SPF product per application and allow it absorb into the skin before applying anything on top. (Re application, after some time has passed is the key).
Heliocare Spray SPF 50 200ml
This fast-absorbing, broad spectrum, water-resistant and easy-to-spread lightweight texture is perfect for protecting the body’s skin.
This SPF contains:
Supercharged antioxidant Fernblock® protects skin health
Antioxidant green tea extract
The convenient multi-position spray format makes it easy to apply the product with an excellent finish.
High protection formulated with Fernblock®, sunscreens and repairing and antioxidant active ingredients, which protects, neutralises and repairs sun damage. Tested under dermatological control.
How do I re-apply if I have make-up on?
This is one of the major questions/problems I hear in the clinic regularly. Luckily, nowadays many companies have solutions to this from powders to sprays. My personal favourite option Is ULTRASUN Face and Scalp Mist SPF 50. It can be sprayed over your make-up and as it is translucent, leaves no residue. It’s a handy little size that can travel neatly in your handbag too. Ideal for on-the-go top ups.
Ultrasun Face and Scalp Mist
Our NEW UV Face & Scalp Mist delivers high UVA and UVB broad spectrum protection in a super lightweight, easy, non-greasy, quick-drying transparent spray. It can be worn on top of, or beneath make-up and is gentle enough for the most sensitive of skins.
This face & scalp mist with PA++++ rating, also contains InfraGuard® a power anti oxidant complex from organic sunflower shoots and the tara tree that inhibit light induced skin ageing, protecting skin cells from blue light (HEVL) and infrared rays.
Perfect for the face and scalp, ensure eyes and mouth are closed during application. Spray generously and evenly on the whole face in a horizontal movement at a minimum of 15cm distance. Fast absorbing and touch dry within a few seconds.
“Interesting fact - most of the sun damage we see appearing on our skin later in life, was likely done as a child.”
It can take years for sun damage to appear topically. It lurks underneath the top layer of your skin and as we age, due to the degradation of skin cells & structures, starts to appear on the surface in various forms - Tanned skin, Freckles, Pigmentation, Melasma, Moles, Sun Spots/Age spots, Actinic Keratoses, Actinic Cheilitis, Bowen Disease, Basal Cell carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Melanoma.
If you think back, when you were a child, did you wear SPF?? Truth be told, probably not as the knowledge simply was not available. I have wonderful memories of summers in my past, always spent outside. By the time September came & I returned to school, I had natural bright highlights in my hair and an olive tone, sun-kissed skin. To me now, this screams sun damage, as now, 25+ years later, I see the pigment changes in my skin.
It is vitally important we protect our little people and their precious skin. Many companies have Children specific or Paediatric ranges within their brands designed to be kind and gentle to children’s delicate and sometimes very sensitive/atopic skin.
All the same rules apply as previously mentioned regarding factor/application and what to look out for.
My favourites are Heliocare Paediatric range.
Heliocare Paediatric Range
For use on babies and children from 6 months old on the face and body.
Click on image for more info.
As you have probably guessed, SPF is quite complex. There is nothing straight forward about it. I could stay writing about it all day but I fear it may be information overload. If you take home one piece of advice for this blog post, be it this -
Wear your SPF every day and don’t forget to re-apply regularly.
While I have included some of my personal favourites in this blog, at Secret Essence we have quite a varied collection of Sun protection ranges IMAGE, Ultrasun & Heliocare. Certainly something to suit everyone, from Children, to Men, to Dry skin, to Oily skin, to Pigmented skin. Browse at your leisure and if you have any questions before choosing the right one for you, please do get in touch. Remember, stay SUN SAFE.
The low down on AHA’S
AHA means Alpha Hydroxy Acid. AHA’s are of natural or synthetic origin.
They are a kind of very powerful exfoliator referred to as “Chemical exfoliation”.
They smooth the skin by removing its dead cells, bringing on an immediate healthy glowing effect.
In addition to this keratolytic/cell renewal effect, each has a complementary action.
There are a total of 6 acids in the AHA family.
Let’s start with the Facts!
AHA means Alpha Hydroxy Acid. AHA’s are of natural or synthetic origin.
They are a kind of very powerful exfoliator referred to as “Chemical exfoliation”.
They smooth the skin by removing its dead cells, bringing on an immediate healthy glowing effect.
In addition to this keratolytic/cell renewal effect, each has a complementary action.
There are a total of 6 acids in the AHA family.
Different types of AHA’s & their complementary action.
· Citric Acid – is a citrus fruit extract – Radiance booster / Astringent actions
· Lactic Acid – Fermentation of milk and fruit sugar extract, pulses – Moisturising
· Mandelic Acid – Bitter almond extract – Depigmenting
· Malic Acid – Apple, pear and grape extract – Hydrating
· Tartaric Acid – Grape extract – Anti oxidant/Anti Inflammatory actions
· Glycolic Acid – Sugar cane/pineapple extract or Synthetic form – Anti Wrinkle
Exfoliation is a very valued addition to your skin care routine - once incorporated correctly.
As teenagers, I’m sure you all experience mechanical scrubs – the beaded kind? These work on the surface of your skin, to scrub off the outer layer. This can be in an abrasive manner and often leads to a broken skin barrier and irritation as a result of over or improper use.
Chemical exfoliants penetrate the deeper layer to loosen, lets call it the glue that holds our skin cells together. They allow a clean “lift off” of dead skin cell without any friction or abrasive action on the surface.
Chemical exfoliation is generally our preferred method of exfoliation but choosing the right one for your skin type/concern is a delicate art. While there is nothing to fear with the words “Chemical” or “Acid”, there is a lot to consider before you start using them and they should not be used in a willy-nilly manner. You will end up doing more harm than good to your skin. Many factors are taken into consideration before choosing the correct product for you and how you should use it. Thorough consultation and continued assessment & guidance are essential to ensure your skin remains at optimal health.
Yonka Glyconight 10%
A night peeling mask with 10% pure glycolic acid
IMAGE Ageless Total Facial Cleanser
This cleanser is 12% glycolic acid so is a highly active cleanser. It is not suitable for congested skin as glycolic acid can draw spots up to the surface.
IMAGE Ageless Total Anti-Aging Serum
10% blend of glycolic, lactic and malic acids
Book your skin assessment today to ensure you are exfoliating your way to glowing skin and not damaged skin!
The Secret Essence Self Care Suite
Self-Care takes many forms but ultimately, it’s the process of looking after you.
Born in the middle of a global pandemic, the Secret Essence Self Care Suite, brought us back to our original roots. We once again look to a more holistic approach at living, looking after ourselves from the inside out. Take time to appreciate who we are, what we are and what we can become. Nourish our souls, understand our thoughts, calm our minds and treat our bodies.
“Self Care takes many forms but ultimately, it’s the process of looking after you.”
Self-Care takes many forms but ultimately, it’s the process of looking after you.
Born in the middle of a global pandemic, the Secret Essence Self Care Suite, brought us back to our original roots. We once again look to a more holistic approach at living, looking after ourselves from the inside out. Take time to appreciate who we are, what we are and what we can become. Nourish our souls, understand our thoughts, calm our minds and treat our bodies.
Knowing and doing more of what you love is the greatest act of self-care. This can be as superficial and simple as swapping high heels for slippers or delving a little deeper to discover what makes you tick! In my opinion, neither trumps the other as the end result can mean an equal gratification to different people. Self-Care is Self-Care and any act of self-care no matter how big or small is an achievement in this modern world.
In the rat race that is now simply known as “Adult Life”, it’s very easy get lost. We get sucked into the rat race and forget about the little things and the lovely things in life that we love to do and make us feel good. Things that help release the feel-good hormones (we all need more of these). We are always rushing to the next place, trying to meet deadlines, clock watching, following schedules, planning & trying to please others. Even mentally verbalising those words conjure certain feelings in me & make my heart pound in my chest. Did you feel it too?? It’s called stress!
Being forced to press pause has really made me re-evaluate everything. It has given me a chance to enjoy what I love to do without feeling guilty. (Guilty for choosing to look after myself - Was I insane???). Reading, writing, new little daily rituals, enjoying a bath instead of a quick shower, slipping into comfy pj’s and cosy slippers while watching a movie or spending time to cook a nice dinner, going for long muddy walks in the Castle with Bailey, doing a home facial, practising mindfulness, planting flowers and watching them grow, taking an online yoga class, faffing about the house, being creative and loosing myself in the process – oh how my life has changed, and if I’m honest, I’m not sure I want to give it all up. I am enjoying the slower pace of life and I can’t imagine going back to my old ways.
The Secret Essence Self Care Suite, is a space dedicated to you. It houses a collection of things I enjoy and wanted to share with you in the hope it might spark joy for you too. It’s time to let go of the rat race and let Self Care became the new race in adult life.
Here’s some of my favourite things that have helped me through lockdown.
Create the life you long for, manifest it & it will happen. Remember, if you don’t do it, no one else will do it for you.
“Lets spark Joy with Self Care.”
Let’s get back to basics…… Step 1 - Cleansing!
Quite often in the clinic, when we are discussing your home regime at consultation stage, we discuss the basics. By basics, I mean your cleanse, serum, moisturise in the morning and double cleanse, serum moisturise at night. It’s a three-step regime, very simple and basic but hugely important to maintain a healthy skin.
Quite often in the clinic, when we are discussing your home regime at consultation stage, we discuss the basics. By basics, I mean your cleanse, serum, moisturise in the morning and double cleanse, serum moisturise at night. It’s a three-step regime, very simple and basic but hugely important to maintain a healthy skin.
AM Routine
Cleanse
Serum
Moisturise
PM Routine
Double Cleanse
Serum
Moisturise
“Double cleanse”, I hear you say…...Well yes, and here’s why.
Ensuring your skin is clean is probably the most under-rated step of everyone’s routine. Imagine applying your active serums on top of “dirty, blocked, make-up filled, oily” pores – sacrilege!!!!
Active serums by nature are designed to penetrate the skin at a deeper level than your moisturiser and make physical changes to your skin cells, depending on your specific condition & desired result. (serums are best chosen with the expertise of a skin therapist to ascertain what is best for your skin type). Applying these on top of unclean skin will ensure you drag dirt & debris deeper into your skin, aggravating congestion and adding to breakout & bacterial imbalances.
To ensure you have a clean skin, its imperative you double cleanse at night (triple if necessary) and then cleanse again in the morning. Creating a little am/pm ritual for cleansing will encourage you to do this daily and form a daily routine that becomes seconds nature to you. Like brushing your teeth. Telling yourself you don’t have time, quite frankly is a complete copout! It only takes 5 minutes of your time in the morning and 5 in the evening. Yes, that’s very do-able, right???
As you go about your day, apart from the make-up you probably applied in the morning, you come in contact with various pollutants, bacteria, dirt and grime that all sit on your skin, unknowns’ to you. Your first cleanse in the evening will remove the first layer of this debris. Micellaire water or pre cleansing oils are very common first cleanse choices. They are quick to use, and easily dissolve the product/debris for easy removal. Ideal substitutes for anyone (hopefully no one reading this!!!) who still use face wipes. (Did I mention facewipes are the devil when it comes to skincare?? Pop them in your kitchen cleaning cupboard instead and next time your oven needs cleaning whip them out. You’ll have it stripped of the oily residue in no time. Imagine what they do to your precious skin- OMG, it gives me the heebie-jeebies!).
Yonka Eau Micellaire is a fabulous first cleanse choice. Infused with sea lavender, rose and camomile that soothe, hydrate and refresh the skin instantly while expertly cleansing the skin quickly. Apply to a cotton pad and gently wipe the face to cleanse. Repeat until cotton pad is clean.
Yonka Eau Micellaire
Suitable for: All skin types
Next, your second cleanse will thoroughly remove any stubborn, remaining product/debris form your first cleanse that may have been trapped in your pores and ensure your skin is squeaky clean & ready for step 2, your serum.
Cleanser comes in many forms from, water, milk, lotion, cream to foaming gels. Again, your choice of cleanser should be decided at consultation stage to ensure you are choosing the correct one to treat your skin & skin concerns. Active cleanser can be introduced as a second cleanse. These not only help to exfoliate the skin but also tackle any specific skincare concern you may have, be it pigmentation, acne, sensitivity, dryness and much more. These should always be applied to a clean skin and massaged/worked into the skin for 60 seconds, then removed thoroughly.
IMAGE Ormedic balancing facial cleanser – This aloe vera based, daily gel cleanser helps balance ph levels in the skin. Leaves skin feeling clean and refreshed. It is suitable for all skin types and much loved by combination skin types.
Image Clear Cell Clarifying Gel Cleanser – This foaming salicylic based gel cleanser eliminates excess oil while lightly exfoliating dead skin cells and keeping the skin smooth, soft and shine free. It is ideal for oily/acne prone and teenage skins. Not suitable for anyone allergic to aspirin. Therapist guidance is needed when using this product.
IMAGE Ormedic Balancing Facial Cleanser
Suitable for: All skin types
IMAGE Clear Cell Clarifying Gel Cleanser
NB: Therapist advice recommended before use.
Suitable for: Oily/acne prone/problematic/teenage skin.
So why cleanse again in the morning? Did you know your skin heals and repairs itself at night while you sleep? During this active, hardworking process it naturally creates oil/sebum/fluids that can sit on the surface of your skin. You may even awake quite sluggish and puffy as a result. Again, to allow adequate product, specific ingredient penetration from your products it is advised to clean these fluids/oils from the skin and start your day with a fresh clean skin. You’ll even feel all the better for it as it will wake you up and aid your lymphatic drainage to reduce any puffiness in the skin.
Gentle cleansers like, Yonka Lait Nettoyant are ideal in the morning. This 2-1 milk will calm and cleanse your skin while efficiently removing all traces of makeup. With a purifying mixture of borneol and hydrating plant based cleansing agents, it creates balance for your skin’s natural oils. Great for dry or mature skin types.
Yonka Lait Nettoyant Cleansing Milk
Suitable for: All skin types/Dry Skin/ Mature Skin
If all this still has you questioning the power of a basic “double cleanse” cleansing routine, check out my “Cleanse Test” in the highlight section of our Instagram page. USERNAME: secretessence_birr
– it’s an eye opener!!
We have many cleansing options at Secret Essence. Choosing the right one for you is only one choice away. Book your skin consultation today so we can assess your skin and give you all the advice you need to make an informed decision which cleanser is best for you.