Summer skin essentials
March 31, 2006 | 12:00am
Not born with gorgeously glowing skin? Don’t sweat it. Highly skilled lab technicians all over the world have been furiously concentrating on formulating products that’ll get you on the road to fabulously tan skin. Brazilian models like Gisele Bundchen and Adriana Lima may have a naturally bronze flush, but grabbing their glow isn’t entirely impossible. A mass of YStyle worker bees (OK, I exaggerate, it’s just me) have been testing a selection of bronzers and self-tanners for the past week to help you reach your point of brown glory just in time for the yearly exodus that is Holy Week. In fact, I’ve been slathering tanning solutions all over my body so much so that I am currently one very brown bunny. My parents thought I went to the beach and stayed under the sun for a week! But, it turns out, I was in my air-conditioned room all along pretending to be at the beach, sweating profusely in the unforgiving heat. (Truth is, I hate the sun, sea and anything that has anything to do with sand).
While most people consider that freakish studies have shown that I am, in fact, very smart – at least, concerning tanning. With an increasing number of people getting skin cancer due to constant exposure to UVB (associated with sunburn) and UVA (recognized as a deeper penetrating radiation) rays, it’s best to avoid the sun altogether. Experts claim that in five to 10 years, with many teens hitting their 20s, the number of people getting skin cancer will escalate at a rapid rate, what with the irresponsible baking that’s been going on. Lately, a lot of consumers have been frequenting tanning salons that claim to provide safe alternatives to actual sun-tanning. This is an outright lie since these places are hotbeds of skin disease, often more harmful than outdoor tanning. Naysayers mention the importance of vitamin D, which is absorbed by the body through sunlight, but the body only needs a little sunlight (about 20 minutes) to get its daily fix of vitamin D.
Beach-hopping and sun-tanning require prolonged exposure to the sun and that can increase the risk of skin aging and skin cancers like melanoma (which studies have linked to UVA exposure) which are fatal if not detected early. The answer? Aside from staying indoors between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (when the sun’s rays are at its strongest), avoiding bodies of water (as the reflected glare from water can increase exposure to UV radiation), and clothing yourself head to toe in breathable gear, the most common solution is a broad-spectrum sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) 15 or more, which will block both UVA and UVB rays. Sounds simple enough. Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t even acknowledge this basic rule of skin protection. Even if you’re not heading to the beach or taking a morning jog, sunscreen can help delay the skin’s aging process and avoid those icky sun-related diseases. And, lucky for you, many moisturizers or facial powders provide some protection. (Check the label for at least SPF 15 – any less and it doesn’t count).
If that hasn’t frightened you, imagine yourself 20 years from now: lusciously brown and more wrinkled than a badly-treated bag made of distressed leather. Sexy, right? Perhaps the only solution is to relax in your air-conditioned room, indulge in some self-tanner, a glass of piña colada, appropriate beach music (chillout is gross and cause for immediate CD trashing) and a hottie or two in unnaturally tight Speedos. Even Gisele can’t beat that.
The price is right: P5,595
The lowdown: What’s a whitening product doing in a tanning story? Well, before applying any tanning products, it’s best to make sure that you have an evenly colored complexion. Administering any self-tanner will darken everything on your face, including moles, dark spots caused by zits and any other pigmentation. Shu Uemura’s Tina Tinio advises, "The Whitening Essence doesn’t bleach your skin. It simply helps skin achieve a more luminous glow and an even tone. It even helps amplify your tan!" Packed with vitamin C derivative and fruit extracts, which limits melanin production and gradually loosens intercorneocyte bonds for exfoliation leading dead skin cells to maintain proper skin turnover, the Whitening Essence reduces the size and intensity of dark spots for an even and radiant complexion.
How to use: Apply hazelnut-size drops after washing and toning your face. Use right before applying self-tanner for a brighter tan.
The price is right: P359.75
The lowdown: Smoother legs give the illusion of slimness. Fact. Stubble is not only gross (especially when you’re parading yourself on the beach) but also makes your legs look stumpier. Fact. Instead of shaving your legs, which can leave nicks and bumps and can also lead to an uneven tan (particularly if you intend to use self-tanner), Sally Hansen’s hair remover has a gentle formula that smoothes away hair in about four minutes. Ideal for legs, arms and bikini area, it makes hair removal a breeze. Except for the slight chemical scent, it’s way better than getting a wax. No need to book an appointment at the salon or deal with the uncomfortable silence that occurs when someone’s applying wax to your bikini area. Which makes life infinitely easier. And that’s a fact.
How to use: Test on a small patch of skin before use. Pour lotion into palm of hand and spread thickly over hair. Wait four minutes and then rinse off gently with lukewarm water and washcloth.
The price is right: P2,950
The lowdown: The label, known for cosmetics with an arty, more avant-garde leaning, has created a wonderfully luxurious oil that coats the skin with a surreal glow. Made from the bud of a tiare flower, the emblem of the Tahitian Islands, soaked in the finest coconut oil and then blended for a translucent chocolate shimmer, the Monoi de Tahiti oil conjures images of a tropical paradise. Its subtle scent, reminiscent of blossoms from French Polynesia, transports you to a place of invigorating breezes, bright blue skies, tall waves and glowing, evenly-tanned natives.
How to use: Apply a sheer veil over the skin after sun exposure, or glide over medium-toned skin for a warm, fragrant, sun-kissed sheen. Ideal for post-shower for an immediate glow, or after sunbathing or application of self-tanner to refresh and intensify glow of skin.
The price is right: P795
The lowdown: Studies have shown that skin isn’t the only part of your body prone to damage due to sunburn. Even hair, when subjected to strong UV rays over an extended period, can suffer from dryness, split ends, loss of hair luster and breakage. Add the damaging effect of salt water and you’ve got a major problem on your hands. Phyto Plage’s anti-UVB polymer protects hair against the harmful effects of the sun, while olive oil extract provides a defense against the drying effect of sun and wind (which increases static electricity, making hair hard to style). The Protective Beach Spray also prevents color oxidation (ideal for people with colored hair), while a combination of calendula, willow and rosemary extracts provide moisturizing and softening properties so hair is soft and revitalized. Castor oil helps maintain shine, leaving it glossy and soft to the touch.
How to use: Spray on wet or dry hair before heading out.
The price is right: P695
The lowdown: It’s easy to forget the smaller details in life. How a whiff of your mom’s perfume always makes you feel safe. How certain shellfish makes your lips swell up like a hot air balloon. How the ending of Sleepless in Seattle always make you weep into your buttered popcorn. The same with sunblock. You slather it all over your body, forgetting to apply it over easy-to-burn areas like your ears and lips. So by the time you return from an hour-long jaunt in the sun, parts of you left uncovered by sunblock are already an unflattering shade of red. Next time smear some Dermalogica Solar Shield, which is water resistant up to 80 minutes, before hitting the pavement. This broad-spectrum SPF 15 sunscreen shields against both UVA and UVB rays, while soothing menthol and grapefruit oils are combined with moisturizing vitamin E and castor oil to protect against skin irritation and moisture loss, while hydrating skin.
Oh, and buy your mom some flowers. Just like sunscreen, you don’t need a special occasion to give someone or something special attention.
How to use: Smooth over sensitive, sunburn-prone areas like lips, nose and ears 30 minutes prior to sun exposure. Apply regularly, particularly after exercise or swimming. It can be used under lipstick.
The price is right: P995
The lowdown: There are bronzers and then there are bronzers. The bad kind leaves streaks. They make it clear to the world that your glow is store-bought. SugarBaby, the princess of bronzers (even their Glow Baby Glow Bronzing Cream is a surefire way to achieve a tawny hue), makes highlighting your features as easy as pie. Dust some powder lightly over your cheekbones and décolleté for a delightfully subtle glow. Even legs can look slimmer by highlighting the hollows behind your calves. A lot of makeup artists like to mix their tanning oil with Coke (or any other dark soda) to achieve a subtle darker tone all over the body. A neat trick is to mix a little of the powder with an equal amount of tanning or coconut oil and smooth over your whole body. Put it over your sunblock (and after you’ve applied self-tanner) and you’ll look like you’ve been baking the entire day.
With just a touch of SugarBaby’s Shimmer Bronzing Powder, you’ll be a glowing sensation.
How to use: Apply to face, décolleté or legs with puff or cosmetic brush.
The price is right: P1,650
The lowdown: It’s an accepted practice to attain a natural sunkissed glow with a self-tanner. Shiseido’s version contains DHA, which, when absorbed by the skin, allows for a natural, bronze tone to appear in just a few hours. Its patent-pending Exact Match Tan Formula, created by combining a special-tanning agent with a special surface-treated colorant, allows for an even tan. The company has successfully formulated a tanning solution without the usual acrid chemical smell (other brands mask it with a strong fragrance). And it’s tinted, which is a huge help. "You don’t end up applying tanning cream over the same area all over again," says Shiseido’s brand manager Donna Faylona. It’s just like this impeccably-put-together Japanese brand to think of the little details.
How to use: Take hazelnut-size drops and massage from center of face outward until product is absorbed. Apply more if you desire a darker tone. Tan lasts about seven to 10 days.
The price is right: P1,250
The lowdown: The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends all Clarins sun products with SPF 15 or higher for safer sun exposure. With a credit like that, who needs marketing? Clarins is famous for its promise of "beauty and security in the sun." Combining sun filters and a protection complex to create Phyto Sunactyl Complex, made from sun-resistant plant extracts, Clarins Sun Care Cream is heat and ray resistant, effectively protecting against sunburn. With aloe vera, which moisturizes, and ayapana and silver birch, this lightweight cream makes it easy to apply and leaves a radiant glow in its wake.
How to use: Apply liberally before going out. Reapply after 40 minutes in the water or after excessive perspiration.
The price is right: P1,300
The lowdown: Dr. Murad, famous for rediscovering pomegranate (known by the ancient Egyptians as the fruit of immortality) as a powerful anti-aging antioxidant, makes his breakthrough available through several of his skincare lines. Murad Sunblock contains formulas that shield skin against premature fine lines and wrinkle formation. His Water Principle, an anti-aging theory by Dr. Murad, promotes healthy skin through prevention of cellular water loss, thus keeping skin young-looking. A patented skin repair system promotes elasticity so skin remains firm, while resisting water for long-lasting defense. This is ideal for people with active lifestyles.
How to use: Smooth on skin 30 minutes prior to sun exposure. Reapply after 80 minutes in water or after excessive perspiring.
The price is right: P1,150
The lowdown: For a radiant tan, Clarins provides a refreshing lightweight cream that glides on effortlessly without leaving streaks. It contains vitamin E, which delivers a good dose of antioxidants, and aloe vera, which moisturizes and softens skin. Quick and easy to use, the cream dries instantly upon application, so it’s a snap to include it with your daily skincare regimen. Smooth some on and then add some moisturizer and sunscreen immediately after for a healthy glow!
How to use: Apply evenly to face, neck and décolleté (avoid eyebrows and hairline) with cotton pad or fingertips. Repeat application for more intense results.
The price is right: P745
The lowdown: This lotion-like solution is SPF30, making it ideal for fair-skinned folk or those prone to sunburn. Slather on the stuff during the first days of sun exposure and it’ll leave your skin hydrated and protected from the sun’s harmful rays. Lightly-scented (it smells vaguely of baby soap), Babaria’s anti-aging element makes this milky, aloe vera formula perfect for people with dry skin.
How to use: Apply 15 to 20 minutes before going out. Keep applying every two hours.
The price is right: P2,198
The lowdown: The beloved brand’s foundation is dual purpose and ideal for working women. With SPF 36 protection, it negates the need for a separate sunscreen for the face. Its moisture-retention ability locks in three times more water than its own weight, while flat, spherical powders, designed to fit into the grooves of the skin, smooth out any unevenness. Long-wearing, due to the wax that sets powder, it lasts for hours and doesn’t look cakey.
How to use: Apply all over the face, particularly areas more susceptible to sunburn, like nose, cheekbones, forehead and chin.
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