Are Your Summer Skincare Rules Working?

Are Your Summer Skincare Rules Working?

Take our quickie True or False Quiz to find out.

 

Fact or Fiction?

 

1. The sun helps to clear blemishes and b’acne.

 

2. I don’t need Vitamin D for my skin when it’s sunny

 

3. Nothing below SPF50 protects my face from the sun

 

4. Vitamin C is the best nutrient for my skin

 

5. Drinking too much orange juice and eating carrots in the summer turns my skin yellow!

 

 

 

 

1 – FALSE

 

This myth persists because the sun temporarily dries out acne and pimples. BUT your body responds by producing more oil to compensate for the loss, leading to more breakouts and a darkening of acne scars.

TIP: If you have problem skin, always use a quality brand with an SPF for acne-prone/oily or sensitive skin, such as La Roche Posay.

 

2 – FALSE

 

Blemished, photo-aged and problem skin needs Vitamin D all year round. Vitamin D3 – the natural form produced by our bodies in sunlight -calms inflammation, protects the skin against sun damage, improves cell turnover, and boosts the immune system.

 

TIP: For a clear complexion, Vitamin D3 works best with other high- grade antioxidants and Hyaluronic Acid, which retains moisture and elasticity in the skin.

 

3     – FALSE

 

SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, SPF 50 blocks approximately 98%. The key is to apply plenty and re-apply regularly. SPF 50 tends to have a higher chemical content which gives a chalky effect to the skin.

 

TIP: To avoid that chalky look for daily use, choose an SPF 30 that offers broad spectrum protection, or a peptide-rich moisturiser such as No 7 Future Renew Day Cream (SPF 40).

 

4 - FALSE

There’s no doubt Vitamin C benefits the skin - but there is simply NO evidence that Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) supplements work. Furthermore, Vitamin C is a pro-oxidant which can irritate sensitive skin when used in serums.

TIP: A much better option is turmeric which is rich in Vitamin C (and Vitamin B6), and is clinically-proven to work as a powerful anti-inflammatory antioxidant against problem skin conditions, prematurely ageing skin, and hyperpigmentation/sun damage.

 

5 - TRUE

 

Too much beta carotene rich foods such as oranges and carrots can turn your skin an orangey colour, but this carotenemia condition is rare. The right amount of beta carotene, which is high in Vitamin A, stimulates cell regeneration; reduces fine line and wrinkles; improves skin texture, and reduces acne.

 

TIP:  Marigold extract is one of the best sources of beta carotene for the complexion. MY CLEAR SKIN nutri-capsules contain 12mg of this extract, a safe and effective daily level to maintain healthy skin all year ‘round.