IT LOOKS LIKE the gods may be smiling on us this summer. They know that many of us will be holidaying at home and have decided to be generous with the sun’s rays. Sure there’s no place like it when the sun shines.
But some of you may have been caught off guard at this unusual turn of events and there’s no shame in taking a bit of advice on the matter. Sifting through my “Ask the Experts” file, I paused at the name Preesha Bhogal, remembering her confident hands and no-nonsense approach. I had enjoyed a marvellous facial with her, after which I felt I knew more about my skin and how to manage it. Now here is a practical woman who understands the demands of everyday life and is the perfect source for advice on enhancing and maintaining summer skin.
Preesha knows that showing skin that may not have seen the light of day since last year can be daunting, and she stresses nourishing and protecting skin before, during and after sun exposure.
The number one rule is to wear sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15. The secret to long-lasting protection is to reapply regularly – this will reduce exposure to harmful UVA rays and combat premature ageing.
Moisturising is an essential part of daily skin care but even more so in summer. It is important to use a water-based moisturiser often and generously. For a quick skin boost in the sun, fill a misting bottle with a little toner and water, and spritz face and body to cool off and re-hydrate.
Don’t neglect hands and feet – a little attention goes a long way to ensuring supple hands and sexy feet.
Accentuate your glow with a light brush of shimmering powder instead of a heavy foundation. This helps eliminate the “melting under the sun” look and waterproof mascara is truly a girl’s best friend when pool-side.
Exfoliate your face regularly to keep it looking fresh. The skin on your body is thicker than the skin on your face, and it needs to be exfoliated too. Brush your dry body with a natural bristle brush before you step into the bath or shower. It removes dead skin, increases circulation and leaves your skin feeling tingly and invigorated.
Accessories should look good and also protect you. A straw hat blocks the sun from your face and sunglasses, designer or faux, will add that final touch.
Drink lots and lots of water to make sure you’re adequately hydrated – at least eight glasses a day and even more when outside.
pclarke@irishtimes.com
Preesha Bhogal is manager of the Sanctuary Spa at Mount Wolseley Hotel, where you can avail of two nights' accommodation in a deluxe room with dinner on one evening in Fredericks Fine Dining Restaurant and a luxury spa treatment from € 159 p.p.s. Tel: 059-9180100 or see www.mountwolseley.ie. Irish Timesreaders will also receive a € 50 voucher upon departure for another stay at the resort.