To all my American readers, Happy Fourth of July from Maui! I will show off my American allegiance with this stars and stripe bikini from Ralph Lauren Blue Label at the beach.
Ricky American-flag bikini top and matching self-tie bottom.
LoL, Sandra
Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht
Here you see my favourite sun protection products at the moments. Those are the ones I have packed for my trip to Maui. Of course, I always start with a high SVP that gives more sunburn protection and prevents skin aging. Before giving you the product details, let me explain you a little bit further why sun protection is so important.
If the sun is not good for the skin, why not avoid it all together?
Because the sun also has beneficial qualities and can have a positive impact: its light stimulates the pineal gland in the brain which produces ‘tryptamines’, chemical molecules that help boost our mood. UV rays make it possible to synthesize vitamin D that impacts calcium, vital to a healthy bone structure.
What does ‘sun capital’ mean?
The ‘sun capital’ corresponds to the dose of sunrays each person can receive throughout their lifetime without the risk of developing a skin disease. At birth, everyone has a sun capital which slowly diminishes at each sun exposure which is why it is necessary to save it and to protect the skin beginning at a young age. Cells are generally able to divide themselves about 70 times in a lifetime. Sunburn can lead to unnecessary cellular division.
Why is it necessary to protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays?
UVB rays, ‘B’ as in burn, are responsible for tanning but also for sunburn. Today, we know that they are also the rays which can cause skin cancer. UVA rays reach the deeper skin layers, the dermis in particular. Less energetic but more numerous, they are the rays responsible for signs of skin ageing because they can damage collagen and elastin fibres. UVA rays are able to penetrate the skin, even in the shade. They are a threat beginning at sunrise and all throughout the day.
The SPF 50+ version of the Garnier Ambre Solaire Kids Resisto Spray helps protect children’s delicate skin from sun induced skin damage and also works perfectly for adults, especially during those first days in the sun. It is extra water-resistant and sand-proof. My daughter is travelling with me and this is the product I use for her. I like it because it is not so greasy as others with this high protection.
CHF 21.90 (200ml)
The Kibio Solaire Suncare Body Lotion SPF 30 is my favourite product for the first days in the sun. I tan very easily so that I am safe with this protection. I especially like its ultra-fluid, water-resistant texture that will not leave any white trace behind.
Interesting to know is that every Kibio Solaire product has received the Ecocert label and are certified that they do not contain nanoparticles or colouring agents. All are paraben-free and fragrance-free (including synthetic fragrances).
The beautiful slightly sweet smell derives from the natural oils used for it: Organic coconut oil, organic vanilla essential oil and organic shea butter.
CHF 26.- (100ml)
When I am already tanned, I apply this product: Shiseido Sun Protection Spray Oil-Free SPF 15 that works for the face, body and hair. The oil-free moisturizing sunscreen is sprayed on easily and feels lightweight. Its formula includes Rose Apple Leaf Extract to deliver an antioxidant effect and help prevent UV-caused DNA damage plus Xylitol for soft and healthy-looking skin. Water-resistant and sand-proof.
CHF 43.- (150ml)
Products that I like to use in general:
I am a huge fan of La Prairie products that have the new Soleil Suisse Sun Defense Système. Powered by La Prairie’s science-driven biotechnology, the products go beyond the “first line of defense” of conventional sun-protection offerings. In fact, they constitute a new lifestyle of protective skincare for both women and men.
I use the Sun Protection Emulsion Face SPF 30 on a daily basis. It is formulated to protect the most exposed, most vulnerable part of your body, guards against the sun’s age-accelerating UVA and UVB rays and diffuses potential damage from environmental pollutants with anti-oxidants from the red algae Porphyra Umbilicalis. The lightweight emulsion is also rich in anti-aging agents and a blend of emollients that keeps the skin moisturized and protects its barrier function.
CHF 130.- (125ml)
Ultra Protection Stick Eye • Lip • Nose SPF 40 ratchets the sun protection factor up even higher to provide an extra dose of protection to the most super-sensitive regions of your face. It lightly and invisibly covers those often-neglected areas – including the ear lobes – with a protective barrier that keeps harmful UVA and UVB rays out and beneficial moisture in. This sleek, portable swivel-stick is something you’ll want to have with you at all times for frequent touch-ups to guard against environmental damage. I especially love to use it for the eyes and have it always with me in my bag.
CHF 74.- (10g)
At the end of day full of sun exposure, calming and revitalizing your skin is important. I love the easy-to-use Soothing After Sun Mist Face and Body by La Prairie that is an excellent antidote to sun-parched skin. Enriched with minerals and soothing botanical extracts, this gentle mist helps restore the skin’s equilibrium, while instantly diminishing redness and calming irritability. Its action is enhanced by Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract, which relieves the skin’s sensitivity.
Complementing this calming action, a botanical moisturizing agent counteracts dryness with intensive 24-hour hydration, while sea-sourced minerals, including calcium and zinc, keep the skin supple and well nourished. Detoxifying red algae provides protection against environmental pollutants, major contributors to premature skin aging.
CHF 96.- (150ml)
This is my favourite step in the evening: Sunleÿa Soin après-soleil anti-âge by Sisley instantly refreshes, repairs and comforts skin exposed to the sun by trapping free radicals that accumulate during the day helping skin recover and repair itself. Sisley has developed a complete after sun care combining the benefits of a restorative product with a high-performance anti-ageing formula to help skin replenish itself and preserve its youthfulness.
Its emulsion texture is rich, light and non-greasy. It absorbs quickly and is delicately perfumed with essential oils of Marjoram and Mallow. Such a treat!
CHF 207.- (50ml)
Stay tuned for a post about the products I like to use to protect my hair from the sun!
LoL, Sandra
Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht
Stills: Courtesy of L’Oréal Suisse SA, Kibio, La Prairie, Shiseido and Sisley.