NOTES ON SUN PROTECTION

I don't agree with the majority of beauty bloggers and "gurus" when it comes to sun protection. I don't believe that the sun is evil and that we will stay forever young if we use sunscreen every day. There. I said it.

Yes, using a proper sunscreen is important when we are really pale, or have moles, or if we use glycolic acid, retinols and other exfoliants like such. I just don't understand why suddenly every girl and their mother "cannot leave the house" unless they have spf 50 slathered on their faces. In the dark winter. To go pick some groceries from the shop. Obsessed lot.

Here are some facts for you...

• Sunscreen doesn't protect you from skin cancer. That's a myth. Read up on the latest medical studies.


• Sunscreens can often contain cancer-causing chemicals


• and on top of that, they stop the body from producing vit D (a vitamin that actually prevents cancer)


• Sunscreens tend to  block the pores and cause break outs, either because they are too rich...


• or because they are too heavy on the silicones.


• Their ingredients often cause allergies ( I -in fact- have developed allergies to a lot of the high-street sunscreens).


• And I cant even begin talking about the impact that most of the sun lotions have to the environment.

You are better off...

• getting reasonable sun exposure. Don't fry yourself in the sunbeds, but don't avoid sunlight getting that "Twilight-look".


• protecting from within. Incorporate antioxidants in your diet; that will strengthen your defence against the sun. It is nutritional deficiencies that leave the skin vulnerable to DNA mutations from radiation.


• wearing sunglasses to protect the area around the eyes. Being Greek I cannot even imagine leaving the house without shades in my bag. I was shocked to hear by some Brit girlfriends that they considered wearing shades "too pretentious"! I have noticed that a lot of people here, underestimate the English sunlight (which is strong) and end up squinting their eyes a lot *hello crow's feet at the age of 20*


• investing in good quality, natural sunscreens. I opt for Apivita and Korres but depending on where you are and what you are willing to pay, you can get more.


• taking care when you actually need to use sunscreen. Use topical sunblock if you have any moles or scars that need to be looked after. I've seen so many pale people that visit Greece for just a few days in the summer and use spf 6 (on their children too!). That's insanity that leads to the lobster-look.


• using my best tip: have 2 sunscreens with you; one that gives you all the protection that you might need in the blazing sun (13.00-16.00) and one that you can ocasionally use to get a bit of tan. For me (I have light skin but am olive-toned) that's a lotion with spf 30 and an oil with spf 15. Perfect tan guaranteed. 

Bottom line: Don't get too paranoid about getting a tan. Don't get too paranoid about avoiding the sun. Do get the sun protection that suits you and enjoy the sunshine. 

What my sun protection consists of

Winter: Korres evening Primrose eye cream spf 6

         For the days that I do wear makeup, I get my spf either from a mineral foundation (spf15) or from

   Korres Watermelon lightweight tinted moisturiser spf 30 (oil free). Otherwise I           go out with just moisturiser. 

Summer: The above tinted moisturiser when I'm in the city and same eye cream.

When I'm at the beach> Apivita sunscreen body spray spf 30, 

Apivita suntan body oil spf 15

             Korres sunscreen stick spf 30 (here) for targeted protection

             Now trying Peter Thomas Roth for my face (spf 30) but I'm not really crazy about it....