The Olay Whip SPF30 Collection

Olay whip SPF30

I never leave the house without an SPF. Even in winter. I think it has made a difference to my skin. So much of ageing comes from sun damage. I like Olay and tend to use it a lot. Finding a moisturiser with SPF30 can be hard, and a good one harder. I was sent the Olay Luminous Whip to review. I like the packaging but it is what is in the inside that counts. What I find is a product that moisturisers like a heavy moisturiser but has the light and airy feeling of a lighter counterpart. It feels soothing and calming as it goes on. My skin feels like it has had a good, long drink. My skin looks well moisturised too. I will definitely keep using the Olay Whips SPF30 range. It gives an excellent light finish with high SPF protection. It also absorbs instantly. My skin does not feel like it is suffocating. Brilliant stuff. 

 

More than half of women (61%) claim they don’t use an SPF when UV levels aren’t strong

The UVA/UVB rays from the sun are a leading cause of premature ageing

The Olay Whips SPF30 range has a ‘light as air’ finish and instant absorption with high SPF protection

Whether she’s up and out of the door for the daily commute or taking herself on an early morning jog – one thing her skin needs day in, day out is SPF protection.

However, it seems that although women know the importance of incorporating a moisturiser with SPF into their daily routines, they don’t seem to be acting on it.

Olay consumer research reveals that despite women knowing the sun is damaging their facial skin and making it age faster, they still aren’t protecting it with a daily SPF. More than half (61%) claim they don’t use SPF when they think UV levels aren’t strong, even though UV rays damage the skins all-important moisture barrier and act as a trigger for other skin aging effects year-round. Could it be the thick, sticky nature of SPF moisturisers that’s holding them back?

The good news is, the days of heavy, hard-to-handle facial moisturisers are no more. Olay’s game-changing Whips moisturiser has launched an SPF30 collection – so you can enjoy the light as air texture and potent anti-aging skincare ingredients of Olay Whips, with the powerful protection of SPF30.

OIay Whip SPF collection offers a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB SPF30.

Olay Whips SPF30 promises its exclusive ‘light as air’ formula that is perfectly whipped for instant absorption to the skin, leaving a flawless finish either on its own or under makeup. The product range includes Active Rush Technology™ which can hold and quickly release 1000x its weight in hydration and active ingredients. Olay Whips transforms from cream to liquid on contact, flash absorbing into skin to deliver potent anti-aging skincare with a light as air touch. So, women on the go can reap the benefits from a lightweight moisturiser and their much-needed SPF30 in one step!

Olay Whips SPF30, available in the Regenerist, Luminous and Total Effects ranges, offers powerful skincare with a light as air feeling, and year-round protection from the sun’s harmful rays.

For more information on Olay products, visit www.Olay.co.uk

Stockists: Boots.com, Superdrug.co.uk, amazon.co.uk and all leading retailers
RRP: £34.99

ASDA Protect Kids Ice-Cream Scented Sun-Care For Kids Review

AsdaprotectkidsreviewAsda has launched a UK 1st for the sun-care market with its own brand ice-cream scented sun lotion for kids. In an effort to help make applying children with suncream fun and easy, the lotions and creams feature a delicious vanilla scent and are priced a just £3.50. All products featured in the range are highly water resistant, 24 hour moisturising and have been dematologicaly tested. You can also get two for £6.
We tested them and…yes, they do smell like ice cream. Not in a sickly way, but in a nice way. Hopefully the smell will make your little ones stay still long enough for you to get the lotion on them. Some of the sun protection even comes in a handy spray container. They are water resistant and protect little ones skin well. Recommended.

SmartSun Wristband Review | Parenting

sunprotectionforkidsWe reviewed the SmartSun Wristband. An ingenious way of keeping safe in the sun for children and adults. They are very easy to use and they work well. The bands are single use and come in a pack of 5. These bands can be used by all ages to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Especially useful given the rising skin cancer figures.

 

Fresh air and warm weather are healthy for children and, and small doses of Vitamin D from the sun’s rays are good for baby’s skin. Children have delicate and sensitive skin however, so it is important to make sure their SPF is topped up at all times when outside in the sun.

spfprotectionforkidswristband wristbandsspf

It is easy to forget about reapplying sun cream when you are out having fun, but the SmartSun wristband provides an easy to read indicator of how much UV radiation they have been exposed too. It works by measuring the amount of UV radiation, and lets you know when to reapply sun cream and when they have had too much sun.

 

With two colour changes – one to tell you when your children’s sun cream needs reapplying, and one to tell you when to avoid the sun, you can enjoy the time spent outside by using the Smartsun wristband to accurately time the next sun cream application. The band is discreet and comfortable to wear for either adults or children and can be used in and out of both pool and sea water.

sunscreen

Available from www.smartsunuk.co.uk priced at £4.99 for a pack of 5.

 

 

 

Sun Protection – Should We or Shouldn’t We? By Dr Patricia Thompson

Each summer, work-weary, sun-starved Brits look forward to baking under a hot foreign sun, wearing nothing but a piece of lycra or two, and a thin layer of suncream.

But what are the facts about sunburn and sunscreens?

Sunburn has two components: The initial ‘burn’ is unpleasant enough, but the long term damage is more serious, including skin cancer and (quelle horreur) wrinkles and saggy skin.

Sunburn is caused by UVB ultraviolet light-waves. They also release free-radicles, which damage skin-cell DNA, and hence can cause skin cancer. On the plus side, they trigger late tanning.

UVA waves penetrate deeper. They tan (nice), but age the skin (bad), and also contribute to skin cancer (very bad).

A sun-tan is our skin’s natural sunscreen, but doesn’t prevent damage from prolonged sunbathing, hence the need for commercial sunscreens. These either form a barrier to, or absorb UV.

But which to choose?
Check the ‘Sun Protection Factor’ (SPF). SPF 15 delays burning by 15-fold (eg from 20 minutes to 5 hours) and filters 93% of UVB. SPF 30 delays burning  by 30-fold and filters 97% of UVB.

UVA protection uses a star system (1 to 5). This indicates protection relative to UVB, so 5 stars for SPF 15 is less than 5 stars for SPF 50. European labelling will change soon, to a simpler ‘Low’ to ‘Very high’.

You should apply at least 2mg/cm2 exposed skin. For those who don’t pack mini-scales and a planimeter with their beach-towels, this means the average adult needs around two table-spoons. Apply at least 20 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply 2 hourly, or after swimming/sweating/towelling yourself, even for water-resistant products. Some swimwear (Spinali Design) contain UV sensors to remind you, via your smartphone, when to reapply.

Some sunscreen ingredients have safety question-marks. Oxybenzone have oestrogen-like effects and retinyl palmitate causes cancer in rats (both, at high doses). Some sunscreens actually increase free-radicle release in the skin.

These safety concerns may not be material in practise, but, regardless, using sunscreens isn’t carte blanche for excessive sun-worship. They don’t give 100% protection, and limiting intense sun exposure, by wearing hats and sun-protective clothing is also necessary. Consider UV-filter sunglasses too, as UV can cause cataracts.

Our skin uses sunlight to make vitamin D, and excessive sunscreen use can interfere. Vitamin D may help prevent cancer. Although it is present in some foods, skin production is still important.

How about sun-tan alternatives? Tanning beds frequently expose users to even more UV than natural sunlight and should be avoided.

Many ‘self-tans’ use chemicals which react with skin protein, turning them dark. They’re probably safe, but can also enhance free-radicle production in skin, so you must use sunscreen after them.

The verdict? Do use sunscreen, and do enjoy the sun, but be sensible and stay safe.

Next time I’ll advise on treating sunburn, and discuss long-term effects of too much sun.

Further Information:

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Sunburn/Pages/Introduction.aspx

https://www.aad.org/media-resources/stats-and-facts/prevention-and-care/sunscreen-faqs

Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice

 

 

Beauty Resolutions To Stick With

The New Year always brings out the best of intentions for everyone whether or not these last is another thing, unlike those pesky Christmas pounds. Some resolutions are worth keeping however and these beauty resolutions will pay off in years to come.

Beauty review, Glowing skin, good beauty products.

Throw Out Your Old Makeup

Old makeup is a breeding ground for bacteria. See that little pot icon with a number and an ‘m’ inside on the back of your products? That is the expiry date in months from when they are opened. It will help if you keep a note of when the product was opened as it is easy to forget. Mascara should be replaced every six months and anything over a year old should probably be thrown out. Make sure you wash your makeup brushes too. Wash in warm, soapy water and then leave them to air dry. You can clean them with some mild shampoo or washing up liquid.

 

Give Your Hair a Break From Heat Damage

Blow drys and hair straighteners can cause significant damage to hair. Hair can end up drier than the Sahara and could even break off. The best way to prevent further damage is to stop using hair dryers and straighteners. Cutting down your use if you can’t quit will help but also use a heat protection spray and a weekly hair mask.

 

Have a Weekly Facial

You don’t need to go to a professional for a facial. You can do one at home yourself. Double cleanse your face, use a good scrub and then apply a face mask. Regular exfoliation helps skin renew itself as we age and a good face mask will give skin a good amount of moisture.

Do it weekly and your skin will thank you. A facial massage is under-rated and really makes a difference to your skin. It leaves you looking fresher and more toned. Use a face oil and gently massage your skin in circular movements. Work upwards and tap your eye socket starting from the outside.

 

Stop Sleeping in Your Makeup

This is a huge beauty no-no and not just for your pillow; your skin repairs itself at night but your skin needs to be able to breathe for this to happen. If it is covered in makeup your pores will be suffocated. Free radicals and dead skin cells also build up on the skin if you don’t wash your face. Wash your face as soon as you get in or keep some cleansing wipes handy. Keep the cleansing wipes to a minimum however as they are not as good as washing your face properly.

 

Always Wear Sunblock

Beauty decisions you make now will affect your looks for the rest of your life. Putting in effort now means looking good ten years down the line. The most important one you can make is to use an SPF everyday. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen which protects from UVA rays, which are ageing, and UVB rays, which burn. It is not just vanity. This will also protect you from skin cancer, something that should be taken more seriously than it is. Wear at least an SPF 15 everyday. You can buy good moisturisers which have an SPF in but wearing a foundation with one in is not enough, you won’t wear enough to get the benefit nor will it cover all of the needed areas. A foundation with an SPF is still a good idea, just make sure you also use a moisturiser or separate sunscreen.

 

What is your beauty resolution?

 

 

 

La Roche-Posay Event | New Anthelios XL Products

I recently went to check out the new products in La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios facial sun protection range. The pimms and prosecco was flowing and the great and good of beauty was hanging out in the garden when they weren’t checking out the amazing range.

I wear sun protection every single day, even when it is snowing. In fact, I was wearing La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios AC 30 SPF to the event, something that made the La Roche-Posay people happy. I am sure it is why people think I am a few years younger than I actually am. I had my skin read by a machine that shows up every sign of aging like sun damage and wrinkles. Apparently I have skin that is younger than someone in their late-twenties. I put it down completely to using sun protection.

Here are some facts:

66% of UK women are concerned about ageing and proactively preventing it.

80% of premature skin ageing is due to exposure to UVA or UVB rays from the sun.

However only 3% of money spent on anti-ageing products is on facial sun protection.

And 70% of consumers use the same sun screen product on their body & face.

Hmm. A little worrying.

I love La Roche-Posay Anthelios as it is matte. Too many sun creams leave the face shiny, sticky and they also feel heavy. Anthelios is a light, matte fluid that makes you feel like you are not even wearing sun protection while protecting you.

AntheliosXL La Poche-Posay

Anthelioscompactmakeup La Poche-Posay

The new packaging, thicker and shorter, more compact, looks great. You can buy the new Anthelios XL SPF 50+ for even higher protection and Anthelios XL Compact Cream SPF 50+, which looked natural when I tried it on my hand. It is skin perfecting makeup and sun protection all in one. Ideal for busy women and just very cool.

I love the new range and when my Anthelios AC runs out I will move on the the Anthelios XL.

P20 Sun Protection Review: Once A Day Sun Protection

P20 Sun Protection,  sun protection, one application, lasts all day, beauty review, I am completely obsessed with sun protection and I think it has paid off. People are usually surprised when I tell them I am in my late-twenties. But it is not just wrinkles that it stops, it also protects you against burning and skin cancer.

Despite my love of sun protection, it sure is a pain. You have to reapply a lot and it usually explodes in your bag. Pretty annoying.

P20 Sun Protection is different. On the box it says it is water resistant, quick drying and lasts for 10 hours. I am pretty impressed and decide to review it.

It is a clear spray, always good to stop you looking like the joker from Batman. It does dry quickly. It is water resistant for up to 80 minutes. It doesn’t leave any white marks and doesn’t have any fragrance, colourants or preservatives. This is the perfect sun protection for me as I am always so busy and you can just apply and go.  You can also buy it in a spray.

I can recommend P20 Sun Protection. It works and it is fuss-free. Perfect for even my sensitive skin. Good stuff.

What they say:

“After over three decades of success, the new range of P20 which launched in 2013 comprises 3 new products. SPFs 15, 30 and 50+ join the iconic SPF20 – providing long-lasting protection for all skin types.

 

Active 15 minutes after application, P20 contains both UVA and UVB filters, providing broad spectrum sun protection for up to 10 hours and uses a unique, alcohol-based formula that sets it apart from traditional cream-type sun products.  The very water resistant formula is clear, non-greasy, fragrance and paraben free, to provide the ultimate coverage.

 

The long-lasting formula is clear, fragrance and paraben free and is available in SPFs 15, 30 and 50+ as well as the iconic SPF20. The new range is available in both 200ml and a travel friendly 100ml size from all major grocery and pharmacy retailers.  The RRP (recommended retail price) of P20 is 100ml £13.29 and 200ml £24.49. Available from Superdrug and Ocado”