Keeping our skin protected in the sun... and after with La Roche Posay

The temperatures are soaring again next weekend here in Malta for the second heatwave in as many weeks in a row. We all know the drill by now; keep hydrated, wear light, protective clothing, avoid the sun in its peak hours, etc but of course, few of us can resist our beautiful beaches and taking a dip in the crystal clear waters, and this is where La Roche Posay comes in.

One of my favourite sun protection products, Anthelios XL Non-Perfumed Dry Touch Gel Cream SPF50+ has been re-formulated and I happy to see they have maintained the dry touch formula still. I love using this product on my face mostly as it is specifically targeted towards protecting oily skin as well as sun intolerant and the most sensitive of skin types.

It is anti-shine, thanks to the Airlicium Technology which absorbs up to 100x its weight in water and controls all sources of sebum and sweat for up to 9 hours, which is why my boyfriend loves it so much and asks for it specifically when we are the beach. Also, the pump dispenser is ace for controlling the amount of product you want on a relatively small area of the body. Although the product is meant more for use on the face, I also like to use it on the rest of my body because the formula is water resistant and is absorbed almost immediately and leaves no white streaks!

My absolute favourite innovation from La Roche Posay this year, is Posthelios Anti-oxydant Hydra Gel - an after sun gel that is 76% La Roche Posay thermal water!

Of course, this is meant to be used after a shower or bath to instantly soothe your skin following exposure to the sun. It still contains Aloe Vera which is well known for its soothing properties but being it is mostly thermal water, this after sun is winner as it doesn't leave your skin feeling sticky! I like to put mine in the fridge for an extra cooling treat ;) An after sun gel or lotion is essential for cooling down the skin and to prevent any nasty peeling so do not forget to treat your skin to it :) Moreover, Posthelios is rich in anti-oxidants for effective free-radical neutralisation and thus, further protecting your skin. La Roche Posay's Posthelios comes in a conveniently sized 200ml tube.

A yellow warning for high temperatures has been issued ahead of this weekend's sky high temperatures so do be careful when out in the sun, and stay protected with La Roche Posay!

PR Samples

Skin Protect Ocean Respect with Eau Thermale Avène's 2017 Summer Skin Care Range

Hello everyone! The month of May is quite an exhausting one in terms of events with new launches and shop opening happening almost every day and Fashion Week is just less than two weeks away. However, despite being too hectic, there are events organized by certain brands that I wouldn't miss for the world; a case in point are all events organised by Pharma.MT.

In fact, on Thursday evening, I was invited to the launch of some new summer skin care innovations from Eau Thermale Avène which took place at Villa Arrigo, one of the best venues on the islands. Even though the weather sometimes suggests otherwise, summer is most definitely around the corner thus it is time to really start piling up on the SPF products.

Eau Thermale Avène already have a full range of sun care products which I use on a daily basis but of course, with the brand being partnered with the European Skin Cancer Foundation (ESCF), the researchers at Avène are always on top of their game and are coming up with new products every so often to make sure the most sensitive of skins are protected. This year, Eau Thermale Avène are also launching a new campaign titled Skin Protect Ocean Respect which aims at better conservation of the environment, the oceans and marine life through improved biodegradable formulas and eliminating the use of substances classified as toxic for marine organisms. More information about this campaign can be accessed at eau-thermale-avene.com.

Dr. Marco Ambonati introduced the new products during last Thursday's event, namely SunsiMed and some new High Protection (SPF 50+) sun creams for sensitive skin.

The biggest innovation for Eau Thermale Avène this year, is SunsiMed which is actually a product that is marketed as a Class I medical device as it aids in the prevention of some of the most common skin cancers - Actinic Kertosis, Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Basal Cell Carcinoma.

The Pierre Fabre Institute, which is where all Eau Thermale Avène products are researched and developed, has designed SunsiMed specifically for skins that are hypersensitive to the sun. SunsiMed provides very high protection against UVA and UVB rays and thus prevents the formation of certain types of skin cancer and photo-aging. SunsiMed also features a patented photo-stable formula that offers a very broad spectrum of coverage and features Eau Thermale Avène's dry-touch texture, is fragrance free and is water resistant. Like all other Eau Thermale Avène products, SunsiMed features sterile packaging with precise dosage thanks to their specially designed pump. It is important that you follow your dermatologist's instructions when using this product.

Eau Thermale Avène sun care range also caters for oily and acne prone skin with their Clenance Solaire SPF 50+ which also has a Dry Touch texture and regulates sebum production thus keeping the skin looking mattified. Moreover, there is also a range for children, again with SPF 50+. Lastly, there is a new After-Sun Repair Lotion and the classic Thermal Spring Water Spray for when you need to refresh your skin.

Eau Thermale Avène products are sold in pharmacies.

Review | Pupa Milano Super After Sun Cream

Come summer, we get to see a lot adverts for sun blocks and sun protection products, and rightly so; but what about taking care of our skin after exposure to the sun? Today I want to show you my latest discovery in this department - the Pupa Milano Super After Sun Cream.

What makes this after sun different from others I have used in the past is that I can use this in the shower on clean, wet skin for a more rapid absorbtion. Moreover, it contains Sun Optimizer as its active ingredient which helps prolong your tan - something my paler than pale skin craves.

I have found this to be extremely useful after a full day at sea when all I want to do when I get home is shower and sleep. Thus, all I have to do is shower and slather on Pupa Milano After Sun Cream while my skin is still wet. And if my hair and face are in need of a moisturising treat, this product can be applied to them as well; though I do recommend you rinse your hair after leaving the product for a couple of minutes.

I really look forward to using this product following sun exposure when my skin is craving that minty fresh feeling of something soothing and emollient and I cannot recommend the product enough! Pupa Milano Multifunction Super After Sun Cream comes in a maxi size 300ml tube and retails for €16.30 from authorised pharmacies and outlets.

PR Sample

Review: Hawaiian Tropic Aftersun Moisturizer

An aftersun moisturizing lotion is an essential product in every beauty case especially in hot climates to soothe sunburnt skin and control peeling (using an aftersun lotion does not however mean you can bask in the sun)!

Personally I like an aftersun to contain Aloe Vera extracts due to the plant's skin soothing properties. Hawaiian Tropic Aftersun Moisturizer (200ml), which is the product I am going to review, not only contains Aloe Vera, but also Vitamins A and E which further replenish lost moisture from the skin. Another reason why I like this product so much is that despite having quite a thick consistency, it is rapidly absorbed in the skin and has a very nice and fresh smell.

Thick consistencies are the best bet for skin that has been exposed to the sun's rays. This is because the skin would have lost moisture and becomes more dry than usual and thus a thick consistency like Hawaiian Tropic's lotion ensures total replenishment in a short time. I store mine in the fridge and when I apply it feels like a really refreshing, welcoming & soothing treat.

I used to use Hawaiian Tropic Aftersun Aloe Cooling Gel but I found it left me with sticky skin so I turned to its counterpart and I don't regret the move at all.

The bottle is also quite sleek and is therefore ideal to carry on travels.

As a concluding remark, I give this product my thumbs up and will definitely remain faithful to it!

And you ladies, which aftersun do you prefer and why?