A couple of weeks ago I was on holiday with my family on a paradisiacal piece of earth below the equator. It was warm there, to say the least. As the only options to cool off were either under a palm tree or in the water, we spent a lot of time in the beautiful clear blue sea. However, that is when applying sun protection lapses… I was again reminded when I saw the discussion in the media, this week, about the importance of sun cream.
A couple of weeks ago I was invited by the programme Radar to speak about after sun products. I had to consider whether to do it or not, as I am not too keen on television presentations. In contrast to interviews for magazines, you have little control over what and how your story is broadcast. Some cutting and pasting can, in no time, make your carefully thought out statements sound very different than you intended. Having said that, I did give my story to Radar in the end. Because sun burn is so common. And the incorrect use of after sun can do your skin a lot of harm. For the purpose of clarity I have put it all down on paper for you.
No matter how hard I try, I am still unable to convince people of the fact that miracle creams do not exist. Good skincare products can make your skin firm, smooth and radiant again, but that requires a good deal of patience. Wrinkles that just melt away like snow? There is no such thing; honestly! And yet, more and more people have assured me lately that the cream which was demonstrated recently in the shopping centre, the outlet centre, the new warehouse or at a cosmetics party made their skin ‘in no time’ beautifully smooth again.
Expensive products are sometimes better in quality, but very often you are paying purely for the beautiful presentation, an exclusive marketing campaign and a feeling of luxury. As with clothing, bags and sunglasses, cosmetics is also an experience. Yet, ultimately you want value for money when buying something because of what it promises. So: can it also be cheaper?
If you search the internet for information about good, safe sun filters, then dermatologists will always advise zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. I have slightly mixed views about this.
The summer months are wonderful, but your skin often suffers from tiredness. And how miserable is it if you have itchy skin full of bumps during your holiday. Last time I told you about real sun allergy (PMLE). Now for some more about the little brother of sun allergy: the phototoxic or photo allergic reaction to substances in your skincare products or medicine.
I wrote in a recent blog about how, in combination with the sun, quite a few ingredients in skincare products can cause irritating skin rashes. But did you know that certain sun filters can even cause problems under the influence of sunlight? It is a strange world. Does your skin suddenly become sensitive in the sun? Then you should check the ingredients list on your own (sun cream) products.
Making your own cosmetics, it seems as though everyone is at it. The internet is swarming with DIY recipes and websites with complete instructions on how to make creams and shampoos. Het Parool asked me for my thoughts on this subject. Can it do any harm to make your own cream, lip balm or scrub?
Yes indeed, after a couple of days in a warm destination, floating around in the sea or a swimming pool, it strikes. Itching! Bumps all over. On the arms, on your neckline and lower legs. Your skin is red and tingly. Recognisable? There are many reasons for a skin rash in the sun. But it is highly likely that you are suffering from a sun allergy. Your fair skin which has been hidden under layers of clothes all winter, and is now all of a sudden exposed to a heavy dose of UV rays, is in protest!
As you know acquiring a tan from the sun or from a sunbed is a no go for me. Since I found out what happens to your collagen, elastin and DNA, I only enjoy the sun with protection. Though people often still say to me ‘You are so brown, have you just been on holiday?’ Now I love travelling, so the chances that I have just returned from abroad are big. That colour doesn’t come from the sun though, it comes from a self-tanner. People are always surprised when I tell them this. Don’t self-tanners make you orange and striped? That was the case in the past. Fortunately though, there has been much development in the world of self-tanning. A little practise, however, is required in order to achieve a natural look. Together with some helpful tips…