Smart suncare …. French know how.

Top of my Summer packing list then is suncare. Every summer, a steady selection of brands arrive on my desk; high tech formulas with blinding science, eco friendly ones that wont bleach the coral (Green People), super luxury ones (Crème de la Mer), sporty ones (P20), dry touch ones (Heliocare). I’ve tried them all. For family trips though, I find French pharmacy favourite, La Roche Posay wins every time.

This year the formulas have been updated with new technology that not only provides excellent sun protection against UVB (burning) and UVA (ageing) rays but to also help protect skin from infrared damage and pollution. For the kids I’ll be packing the Dermo-pediatrics SPF50 Smooth Lotion that has thermal spring water to help soothe sensitive skin and protect against prickly heat, and for my husband and I, it’s the new La Roche-Posay Anthelios Dry Touch gel BB SPF 50+ 50ml a lightweight gel that combines the hydration of a moisturizer and protection of sun care in one handy hit. For me, I also love Heliocare’s Gel Cream Colour Light SPF50 that provides excellent coverage with a hint of colour to camouflage a tired complexion.

We’ll also all be experimenting with the brand latest innovation the MY UV patch (Only available online at La Roche Posay.com.) This clever waterproof skin sensor, sticks to pretty much any body part (it looks like a transparent plaster) and monitors one’s UV exposure, taking the guesswork out of whether its time to cover up or not. For the most accurate reading, wear the patch on the back of your hand (it lasts between 1 to 5 days) in conjunction with your sun cream and watch as the photosensitive dyes (that work on all skin tones), change colour you’re your exposure to UV rays becomes dangerous. With this handy patch there is no need to fry again.

Olivia Falcon