If you think the use of sunscreen on your face and body as part of your morning ritual ends with summer, think again.

You have to realize that the sun’s rays can damage our skin all year round. Even those dark and heavy rain clouds can’t shield us from harmful UVA and UVB rays. And while all products that have SPF can protect you for a certain period from UVB rays that burn your skin, not all can prevent the deeper skin damage caused by UVA rays.

“There is no harmless amount of sun exposure for the skin. Even small daily amounts of UV exposure contribute to photo-aging, alterations in the immune system, and skin cancer. In fact, we now believe that about 80% of the skin changes we perceive as ‘aging’ are due to sun exposure. This is why daily sun protection is crucial all year long, regardless of season,” asserts Dr. David Orentreich, Clinique’s Guiding Dermatologist.

This is why you should make it a point to only use products that provide you protection from both UV rays at all times. Since I am very happy with Clinique’s Three-Step skin care products, which suit my sensitive skin, I decided to try their new Clinique Sun Care Collection, which offers comprehensive defense against harmful UV rays. Using what they call 3:1 technology, Clinique Sun products provide UVB protection that is three times proportional to the UVA protection it gives, ensuring that the products contain an appropriate amount of protection from both UV rays.

SPF 50 and SPF 30 Body Creams

I tried two products from Clinique Sun line: SPF 50 Face Cream (SRP P 1,540 for a 50 ml tube) and SPF 30 Body Cream (SRP P1,550 for a 150ml tube; and P1,650 for a 150ml tube of SPF 50 Body Cream), and I must say I am satisfied with these sun loot because not only do they give me enough protection, they also bring other skin benefits, too.

I never leave the house without applying sunscreen on my face and body, which is why I am very particular about the formulation of sun products I apply. Don’t you just hate that sticky feeling you get from other sunscreens after a few minutes under the sun or at the end of the day? But I am happy with Clinique’s sun products because they have a non-greasy, oil-free formulation which is perfect for my very oily skin. They are also water- and sweat-resistant and non-pore clogging. Those with sensitive skin need not worry about getting an allergic reaction, as all products are allergy-tested, fragrance-free, and have been tested by both dermatologists and ophthalmologists.

SPF 50 Face Cream

Clinique Sun products also assist skin in repairing itself naturally, and contain ingredients to calm and soothe sun-burnt and irritated skin. What’s more, it even has antioxidants to help fight free radicals that cause premature skin aging, as seen in visible lines and wrinkles, plus enzymes that actually repair these unsightly UV damages.

If you find the products too expensive, note that not only do they bring you a lot of skin benefits you don’t often find in your regular sunscreen, it is also very economical, as a very small amount (no more than quarter-sized for the entire face) is enough for each application. Be sure to apply both sun protection products on your skin evenly at least 15 to 20 minutes prior to sun exposure.

SPF After Sun Rescue Balm and SPF 25 Body Spray

Clinique Sun has other targeted sun care products, such as SPF 25 Body Spray (SRP P1,700 for a 150 ml non-aerosol spray can), a unique 360-degree continuous spray that allows one-touch application from any angle to protect even the most hard-to-reach places; and After Sun Rescue Balm with Aloe (SRP P1,200 for a 150 ml tube), an ultra-moisturizing body balm to refresh and soothe skin that was over-exposed to sun.

Clinique Sun products are available at all Clinique counters.

This entry was posted on Thursday, May 21st, 2009 at 9:00 am and is filed under Beauty and Personal Care. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.