Sun Awareness Week

Hoorah! Moving on from my last entry I actually do have my suitcase back home, full of unworn holiday clothes it spent a total of 32 days in the ‘care’ of good old British Airways. Just in time, in fact, for me to repack for our trip to Los Angeles. Kim, the team and I are heading out to Santa Monica for the Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare launch in the famous beauty STUDIO at Fred Segal. This Mecca of innovative beauty boutiques is a prime shopping destination for many of the Hollywood elite and will be our first stockist on the West Coast of America –how very exciting! I’ve already checked the online weather forecast and it’s gloriously sunny, which partly makes up for having to travel on a (wet) bank holiday. Needless to say I’ll be taking plenty of our Sun Shade with me and - as we’re travelling from Terminal 5 – again - I’m loading lots of  travel sizes into my hand luggage (along with other emergency ‘essentials’ just in case!). So here’s to a less ‘eventful’ flight…

On the West Coast, sun protection is pretty much an all year round obsession but interestingly, many are only just beginning to realise the importance of checking the ingredients in their suncare and not just the SPF. Last year, researchers at the University of California found that three of the most widely used synthetic suncare UV filters (octylmethoxycinnamate, benzophenone-3 and octocrylene) all generate free-radicals when exposed to sunlight, thus increasing the overall potential for skin damage within the skin. This is obviously not good news for products specifically designed to protect the skin and is another reason to choose your suncare carefully. For us this is nothing new. Last year I gave a talk at our King’s Road store for Sun Awareness Week, the British Association of Dermatologists’ annual drive to promote sun safety. My ‘Sun Safety’ talk, which focused on the mineral vs. synthetic chemical sunscreen research, as well as the best ways to fight photo-ageing and free-radical skin damage, is still available to listen to online.

This year’s Sun Awareness Week begins today to coincide with Euromelanoma Day - a Europe-wide day of action on skin cancer prevention.  Early detection of this disease is key to survival and with new statistics showing that skin cancer is now the fastest growing cancer in the UK. The Association is highlighting its ABCD-Easy guide to checking moles, which could help detect the signs of this deadliest form of skin cancer. I actually went to the doctor last week to have a small mole on my leg checked out. It was slightly darker than I remembered it being and I was reassured to have it looked at by an expert, who thankfully pronounced it OK.The British Association of Dermatologists is also using the week to draw attention to the dangers of using sunbeds, some of which are now shown to carry the same cancer risk as the midday sun in southern Europe. The Association is therefore calling for a ban on sunbed use for under 18s and on coin-operated, unmanned sunbeds as well as their removal from sports centres and gyms which subliminally imply that they are somehow ‘healthy’. Rather alarmingly, a recent study published by the British Journal of Dermatology showed scientists found that 83% of sunbeds produced UVB radiation levels that exceeded the European standard. If  you are determined to use a sunbed, find a salon that has the latest type that cleverly adapt their output according to your skintype, limit the amount of minutes they can be used for and even allow you to switch off the face and neck areas, which is far less ageing.

Less damaging than tanned skin (from the sun or sunbed) is a natural looking self-tan treatment. There’s nothing like golden legs and arms to boost our confidence levels for summer’s invariably skimpier fashions and my favourite way to gain a touch of sun-kissed glamour is with our Sun Shade Botanical Self-Tan Spray (UK, US). I remember when I first started writing and researching for magazines in the early ‘80s that self-tans were a bit of a messy, rather hit and miss affair - you never knew quite how orange you would end up – or how streaky! I’m glad to say that today’s formulations are nothing like their forerunners and can give such a healthy, outdoorsy glow it’s hard for the sun to compete, apart from its glorious feel-fab factor of course. Our own Botanical Self-Tan Spray contains melanin from sunflower seeds and plant-derived dihydroxyacetone - or DHA – an ingredient that reacts with amino acids in the epidermis to lightly kiss skin on faces and bodies with summery gold. Aside from the super-natural colour it is also hydrating thanks to organic aloe vera leaf juice - and best of all, it smells lovely. This is because we use luxurious pure essential oils such as rosemary, patchouli and lavandin to impart it with a lovely fresh, floral fragrance, which leaves skin deliciously scented too. If you’re still in need of reassurance, Marie Claire.com recently raved about just how pleasant the smell of our Self-Tan is compared to most other brands - "this fake tan stands apart, using a sweet orange and geranium scent that is a much more pleasant aroma than the majority on the market."

When it comes to application I find practise really does make perfect and a few simple tried and tested tips can help you get the most gorgeous, golden sunless tan. I always begin by exfoliating to get a really smooth and even base for the most even, natural looking colour. That means Gentle Face Exfoliator (UK, US) on my face then Energising Body Scrub (UK, US) from the neck down, concentrating on areas prone to dryness like elbows, knees and heels. A double bonus: the eucalyptus in both gentle buffers is incredibly uplifting and stimulating too. Next I slather my skin in my absolute body-favourite Nourishing Botanical Body Cream to intensively moisturise any flaky bits before spritzing the self-tan all over. Blend quickly and evenly using long, sweeping strokes and don’t forget to make sure you wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. You’ll notice a sun-kissed glow appearing in just a couple of hours. Another of my tips is to build up a very gradual colour on your face and neck simply by mixing a little self-tan in with your daily Skin Repair or Superskin Moisturiser. I could go on but I’ve just checked the time and I’ll be late for the flight if I don’t scoot now. Wish us luck! - I’ll be in touch again soon with the very latest from our LA launch.

Heavy Frost

The weather has finally turned wintry and this morning there was a thick layer of heavy frost dusting the lawn, bushes and tree branches – very Christmassy! Although it might look pretty, unfortunately the colder temperatures outside, combined with the fast-forward of the central heating thermostat inside, are just about the fastest ways to dry out the skin. At this time of the year, I usually start to double-dose my Skin Repair Moisturiser, applying a second layer once the first has sunk in. This year however, I have switched to our new Superskin Moisturiser (UK), (US), and am very impressed with its powers of rehydration – even in this weather. No more double-layering required! And I’m not the only one to be getting good results in a colder climate either. Earlier this year, we helped to sponsor Dr Amy Rogers, a teacher taking part in a research expedition to the Antarctic to study the effects of climate change. In return for our help with her sponsorship, she offered to take some supplies of our new Superskin Moisturiser amongst her polar rations - and report back on how well it performs under extremely cold conditions (down to minus 65 degrees!!). I’m very pleased to report that, so far, all seems to be going well – both with Dr Amy’s research and her cold-climate skincare studies. Here are a few fascinating extracts from her journals:

Dr Amy Rogers writes:
28 November
“I’ve now been in Antarctica for 17 days carrying out science research into Antarctic lichens and sending back daily updates to my pupils back in the UK. We’ve had a great week with lots of exciting lichen finds although the weather has been a bit frustrating and has seen us tent bound for a couple of days. For the last 10 days I have been using Liz Earle Superskin Moisturiser.  I don’t know what I would do without it! It has become the highlight of my day to apply it and the other Liz Earle products I have been using. If nothing else at least the tent smells more pleasant. Which I can tell you after 17 days of myself and my tent partner not washing is no small thing! I’m always amazed at how non greasy it is and, as long as it is defrosted, how easy it is to apply. My skin seems to be faring quite well to the extreme conditions here so far. We have another few weeks to go yet though!”

11th December
“I’ve now spent 30 days in Antarctica, carrying out science research on lichen and interacting with my pupils back in the UK, through the internet and satellite phone conversations. It has been fantastic although very hardwork at times. We’ve just completed a 17 hour man-haul back to our basecamp, getting back at 5am this morning. For the last 21 days I’ve been enjoying using my Superskin moisturiser. I can genuinely say that I have been astounded by the results and it’s quickly become one of my favourite items of kit. In the driest continent on earth I’m amazed at how well my skin has coped. The worst I have had is a small amount of nose peeling-which has been quickly restored with Superbalm. With constant winds and temperatures down to -65 degrees, the skin of some of my other expedition members has really suffered. Used in combination with my Liz Earle sunscreen I haven’t been burnt (despite the lack of ozone and hours spent outside), my skin is quite smooth, non-greasy and comfortable. In fact-despite the conditions and not washing for 30 days - my face probably looks better than it did before I left.  I usually suffer from eczema patches on my face, these have now disappeared. Now I am back at the basecamp a few people have commented on the fact that it doesn’t look like I’ve spent a month man-hauling through Antarctica! No goggle marks, no signs of sun or wind damage. People at home won’t believe I’ve done anything. My expedition members have been highly recommending the sunscreen to other expedition teams and have been popping round to my tent for Superbalm fixes for their worst skin problems.”

Superskin in Antarctica

Down to the Island for the start of Skandia Cowes week. Although we’ve supported this great sailing calendar-fixture for many years, this is the first year that we’ve been the official Skincare Sponsor for the event. This year, more than 1000 boats are taking part and we’ve supplied each competitor with a free full-size Sun Shade SPF25 Face Protector (to protect skin on the water) and also a full size Sun Shade Botanical Aftersun Gel (in case they overdo it in the sun!). The kits have gone down very well indeed and many of the sailors have been extremely grateful to have a high quality, non-chemical sunscreen to help protect their skin. I did several radio interviews today on the subject – and highlighted the fact that sailors need extra sun-protection as not only are they out in the full glare of the sun all day, but they also get the sun’s rays reflected off their white-hulled boats and also from the sea, so they actually receive two or even three times the amount of UV-rays that we land-lubbers do. Our Sun Shade range is especially good as we only use broad-spectrum mineral sunfilters (never the chemical kind that can cause skin sensitivity), so you get a very effective reflectant filter that stops the sun’s rays from being absorbed into the skin. This is going to be an even more important skincare story in the future, as it’s just been announced that skin cancer rates have soared this year by a staggering 43%.

Attended the Ellen McArthur Trust charity ball this evening, held at the Cowes Yacht Haven. The last time I was here was the night of our team Christmas party, when our Managing Director John Buckland had the whole place transformed into the winter wonderland of Narnia. That was a magical night, and this evening was a fun event too, even if the scenery wasn’t quite as dramatic. One of the reasons we were there was to support Ellen’s charity, which sponsors children with cancer to go sailing. We’ve donated thousands of mini-sized tubes of our Sun Shade SPF25 Facial Protector, clipped to the end of a sailing lanyard that you wear around your neck. The perfect Cowes week accessory and one which is practical too as it means your Sun Shade is always within easy reach.

It’s half-term week, so we’ve scooped up the family and flown to Nairobi for a week at our Kenya home (having planted several oak trees to help off-set our carbon emissions). Arriving in the city late in the evening, we stayed overnight at the famous Muthaiga Club, a bastion of old-fashioned service and charm. The first time I ever visited Nairobi was in October many years ago and it is a wonderful month for enjoying the flowering trees. My favourites are the violet-blossomed jacaranda trees that overhang many of the roads here, strewing their vivid petals onto the tarmac like a soft purple carpet. Other highlights are the flame-trees, so-called for their bright orangey red flowers that open on the uppermost branches, as if the top of the tree has just caught alight, and the flamboyant bombax tree, scattered with the brightest yellow or Schiaperelli pink blossoms.

Driving down through the Great Rift Valley towards Naivasha, you witness one of the great wonders of the natural world. Here the vast expanse of land mass opens up in front of you – thousands of acres dry savannah dotted with tiny pockets of Masaai tribal settlements that lead, eventually, to the Maasai Mara home of lions, cheetah and wildebeest, to name a few. The sky is so open and huge, with the horizons so far apart that you can actually see the curve of the earth above your head – it’s like standing inside an enormous snow globe. There’s nothing quite like the beauty of an African sky. The sheer vastness of space that opens up over you at night, with no light pollution to dim the effect of the bright, twinkling stars. Being ever so slightly south of the equator, it’s odd to see our common constellations such as Orion and The Great Bear, appear in the sky upside down.

Whilst here, I’m testing some of our new Sunshade formulations and there’s no challenge greater than the equatorial sun, which burst into intensity at around 10am and doesn’t ease until late afternoon. Having four very fair-skinned children I am fanatically cautious, equipping everyone with long sleeves T-shirts, brimmed hats and over-sized sunglasses. Our Sunshade SPF25 is applied religiously every morning before getting dressed, as this makes it easier to ensure no bits of fair skin are left unprotected. I have to say, our mineral-block formulations are so good that none of us have ever had a single case of even mild sunburn. I also have many white-Kenyan friends who wouldn’t use anything else to protect their skins, which for them is less about vanity and skin ageing issues but more about the life-and-death concerns of skin cancer.