LUSH Summer Sun Care
Sun protection is dull; really dull. The concept is dull; most often the products are dull, and it’s so P.C., Health & Safety, mind how you go; or so you might think.
What if I told you, brace yourself, that if there was one product that could transform your skin, regardless of age, skin type, gender or skin concern, it’s sun protection.
This is the product that will save your skin, reduce visible ageing, calm sensitivity and prevent the exacerbation of skin concerns, particularly spots and acne (the sun temporarily relieves it, but it can come back full force in the long run).
Almost all skin concerns are exacerbated by exposure to the sun, and it’s hugely damaging. Even on the dullest day in winter you’re still being exposed to it, and if you’re sat inside, windows only protect you from around 20% of exposure.
The LUSH Sun Care Products
The Sunblock SPF30
Described as a solid, wash-on sun protection, with calamine powder, cocoa butter and rose absolute. Use a one-third chunk: simply glide the bar over damp skin in the bath or shower, rinse off and gently pat your skin dry with a towel.
Sesame Suntan Lotion SPF10
A so-so product, and I hate the smell; it’s like soy sauce. Probably wouldn’t recommend this one, as an SPF10 isn’t going to do much at all this summer, and I’m just not a fan of the texture or smell. LUSH also say it helps increase your melanin production, which ideally is not what you want (a tan equals damage).
Million Dollar Moisturiser SPF30
With more gems than a Jackie Collins novel, this super moisturiser for normal/dry skin is packed with honey, shea, jojoba and UVA/UVB protection. It leaves the skin ultra soft with a gentle tinted glow (it’s 100% not makeup, I assure you). Really loving this so far on my cheeks; they heave a sigh of relief in this incredible heat we’re having.
Brief Skin Science: The Sun, UVA & UVB
Sunlight is broken into two parts, UVA (ageing) and UVB (burning). UVA penetrates the deepest layers of the skin and breaks down your elastin and collagen, whilst UVB burns the surface levels. Skin burn is caused by these rays slicing through cells; your body produces that brown colour (melanin) to protect itself with a natural shield whilst your skin gets to work repairing itself.
If your skin, at a base level, repairs itself incorrectly, the cells that come from the base level might reproduce incorrectly, and this can be the beginning of skin cancer. It can happen, it does happen, and it might happen to you.
What does the SPF number mean?
Once you know, it’s easy. In the UK sun, you can be exposed for around 15 minutes before you begin to burn. So, take your SPF number, let’s say SPF20, and multiply it by 15. That gives you your total minutes of exposure: 300 minutes, or five hours.
Once that time is up, that’s it: your skin can’t take any more sun, regardless of whether you reapply (although do reapply throughout the day anyway to make sure you stay protected).
LUSH Skin Consultation
I’m not going to go into much depth here, as why would you care what products would be recommended for my skin? They won’t be the same for you. But last night, at the LUSH Leeds new store and spa launch, I requested a full skin consultation, as I’d never really had one from them before (honestly, I’d never been offered one).
Char Day, the store’s skincare expert, spent a good 20 minutes with me going through all my skin concerns and finding suitable products to match, and she was spot on with her recommendations. Char knew the products and ingredients inside and out, which isn’t uncommon for LUSH staff; they’re almost always die-hard lovers of the brand.
I was recommended and sampled Ultrabland cleanser/pre-cleanser, Angels on Bare Skin cleanser, BB Seaweed Fresh Face Mask (wearing it now as I type) and Gorgeous moisturiser. Char also recommended an eye product, but I’m hugely particular about what I use, as my eyes are excruciatingly sensitive.
I asked to be treated like a customer and I honestly believe I was; I was sampled all the products, giving me a good few days’ to a week’s worth to try.
If you’re looking for a natural approach to any skin concern, particularly dryness, acne/blemishes or oiliness, then get yourself to your local LUSH store.
Have you ever had a skin consultation from LUSH? If so, what were you recommended, and do you have any favourite products?
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