SPF Archives - Not Just a Penguin

5 Tips for Wearing Wide-brimmed Hats This Winter

Wide-brimmed hats can provide just as much protection from the sun in the winter as they do in the summer. These chic hats make a great accessory to winter outfits while protecting our face from the aging effects of the cold air, harsh wind and snow amplified sun rays of winter.

The great thing about wide-brimmed hats is that they are a seasonless wear, meaning they are in fashion from spring to winter. They are also extremely stylish and can add a level of polish to any outfit, no matter how simple or formal.

Not sure how to fit wide-brimmed hats into your winter wardrobe? Here are a few tips to help you protect yourself from the sun’s harsh rays in style this winter:

Pair simple hats with simple outfits.

A hat such as a simple white fedora should be paired with an equally simple outfit. Think flowing, shapeless dresses, minimalist pantsuits or worn in jeans and a simple long sleeve tee to pair with this hat style.

Use accessories to tie the hat into the outfit.

Matching accessories is a great way to bring an outfit together. A brown hat can be paired with a brown belt and brown boots to seamlessly blend the hat into the overall look.

Drift toward felt hats in the winter months.

Felt hats are a good choice for the winter and fall months, for more reasons than just being more fashionable during those months. Felt hats keep heat trapped inside, which can help keep your head warm and cozy during the harsh winter months.

Make sure to get the right fit.

Choosing a hat that is the right fit is important for many reasons. The fit of a hat can really effect the appearance! A hat that is too small or too big isn’t as attractive as one that fits the way it is supposed to. A hat that is too big may easily blow away in the wind. And a hat that is too small can be tight and uncomfortable. Be sure to try the hat on instore to make sure it fits before purchasing, or measure your head circumference to make sure to order the right fit when ordering a hat online.

Choose hats in neutral colors.

You don’t have to break the bank by purchasing a hat to pair with every outfit. If you only have enough cash available in the budget to purchase one or two hats, choosing neutral colors such as black, tan or gray is a good way to ensure that they can be easily paired with multiple outfits.

Whether you want to keep your face protected from the sun’s harmful rays, keep your head and ears warm or simply hide a bad hair day, a wide-brimmed hat is a must-have fashion accessory this winter.

How to Choose a Safer Sunscreen

Sunscreen helps protect your skin from the dangerous ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun. Some products work by scattering sunlight and reflecting it away from the skin, while others absorb those UV rays before they penetrate the skin. There are two main types of ultraviolet rays that can damage the skin. UVA, the rays which do not cause sunburn, but can contribute to skin aging. And UVB rays, which cause sunburn and can contribute to skin cancer.

Most people choose their sunscreen solely based on the SPF (sun protection factor). SPF indicates protection from a fraction of sunburn-producing UVB rays that reach the skin. However, it does not show how much protection you get from UVA, which may also cause skin damage. Using a product with SPF30, for instance, does not guarantee complete protection from skin damage, just because it enables only 1/30^th of the UVB rays to reach the skin.

Broad-Spectrum Protection

Dermatologists recommend that when choosing the best sunscreen, it is important to consider other key factors, such as effectiveness and safety of the active ingredients of the product. In general, it is best to choose sunscreens that can provide broad-spectrum protection, which can shield your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.

Consider safety of the product’s active ingredients

Many sunscreen products contain chemical filters, which may cause skin reactions and toxic side effects. Try to avoid using products that contain the following chemicals:

Avobenzone – a UVA-blocker that is also called Parsol 1789, which breaks down when exposed to sunlight and must be stabilized by other chemicals such as octocrylene
Homosalate – a weak hormone disruptor, which also breaks down into harmful by-products when exposed to sunlight
Octinoxate – an emulsifier that helps stabilize other ingredients when exposed to sunlight, but may increase estrogen production and decrease thyroid hormone function
Octisalate – an organic compound that emits a mild floral fragrance and is combined with salicylic acid, which has been associated with reproductive and developmental toxicity
Octocrylene – an organic compound that may cause allergic reactions in sensitive skin
Oxybenzone – a chemical that is used to stabilize avobenzone, but can get into your bloodstream and mimic estrogen in your body. It can also trigger allergic skin reactions.
Retinyl Palmitate – a type of vitamin A that is used to help prevent skin ageing, but has been associated with an increased risk of developing skin tumors

Try to look for sunscreens that contain mineral ingredients

Titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which do not penetrate the skin and are less expensive than newer ingredients. Because these ingredients are not absorbed into the bloodstream, they are also safe for use in babies and young children. Just be sure that they are used with inert chemicals that reduce photoactivity and prevent skin damage.

More Safety Tips

When you look at the list of ingredients in a bottle of sunscreen, you will find that there are many other ingredients included to enhance the product’s quality, such as fragrance or creaminess. These inactive ingredients may also have undesirable effects, so it’s best to watch out for sunscreen products that contain the following:

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), which are widely used as preservatives, but are suspected to be endocrine disruptors and a cause of cancer
Parabens, which are used as preservatives, but are suspected to be endocrine disruptors
Parfum or fragrance, which may be found even in “unscented” products and can trigger allergies or asthma and are sometimes linked to neurotoxicity and cancer
Polyethylene glycol, which is used in as cream bases, but can cause cancer
Petrolatum, a common ingredient used as a moisture barrier, but which may be contaminated with cancer-linked polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Other sunscreens also incorporate ingredients that enhance their use, aside from sun protection. For instance, some include harmful tanning oils or bug repellents to attract buyers who might want these added uses. It is best to stay away from these sunscreens if you are not sure about the effects they may have on your health.

Which Sunscreen Should You Choose?

Choosing a skin product to protect your skin from harmful UV rays should not be complicated. In summary, it is best to select a broad-spectrum product that can shield you from both UVA and UVB rays and have effects that allow you to stay protected longer under the sun. This means that a product with a higher SPF value (15-30) is acceptable for minimum protection, but select higher SPFs for longer sun exposures.

Select a product whose active ingredients include mainly titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which do not penetrate the skin and are safe even for children. Avoid those that include lots of preservative, perfumes and other stabilizers that may cause adverse reactions.

Lastly, use your sunscreen as advised by your doctor or according to directions found on the product and enjoy your day in the sun.

Rashguard Surf Suit by Mara Hoffman

If you’re curating pieces for a sun sensible wardrobe like I am, it’s always important to invest in fabulous accessories. And by fabulous, I mean fabulous: go all out! Choose hats that add a lot of character and sunnies with topnotch quality. The incredible thing about women’s fashion is that nothing—not even accessories that protect you from the UV rays—is underrated. There are designers who produce pieces that are both lovely and functional.

Today, I’m highlighting some of my favorite accessories. I wore a rashguard surf suit by Mara Hoffman, which features a quirky, fun print that captures the colors of that playful morning on the beach. The rest of the outfit was pretty light and bare, because I wanted to run around and catch a bit of the early morning rays. I only put two choice accessories on: one is a pair of sunglasses from a beloved Berlin-based eyewear company, ic! Berlin. The materials these sunglasses are made with are second to none. The lenses provide absolute protection for the eyes, and the shades are lightweight, unbreakable, and do not leave any marks. Not to mention, the design is stylish! Just look at that pink rainbow flare!

Another thing I accessorized with is the Yosuzi “Simea” hat. It’s not too hard to fall in love with it. It has a refreshing, vibrant design that bring on notes of warm sand and summer dreams. It features a flat top, but the brim of the hat can be turned up or down to create a different hat silhouette. The pompom embellishment on the hat completely perked it up. Venezuelan craftsmen made this by hand.

Sticking to the summery color palette, I wore a pulled over pair of coral linen beach pants.

Functionally, outfits like this work well because after frolicking on the beach, I was able to wear the same clothes to a late breakfast at a seaside cafe.

Anyone For Tennis?

There’s no doubt tennis is a wonderful sport and something I am passionate about. It’s not just the thrill of hitting the little green ball and perhaps winning an important point, it’s the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors when the weather is good. Not to mention there’s a fantastic social side to it too. I’ve made many new friends since I started playing tennis so I’ve always got a tennis partner when I want a game. It’s an invigorating sport, great for keeping fit and it’s something all the family can enjoy. As well as playing, it’s super to watch too – who doesn’t feel themselves totally immersed in the US Open, Wimbledon or the other Grand Slam title tournaments? Plus I love picking up tennis tips from the tennis greats!

My Body Loves Tennis…

I don’t play tennis to win trophies of course; I play it for pure enjoyment and mental exhilaration. I also play tennis to stay in shape because it gives me a full body workout. When you play tennis you are always on the move. You are up on your feet, running to get to that lob, twisting your body to play a backhand and turning to slice the ball over the net. Unlike going to the gym, I don’t even notice the workout because I am so engrossed in the game I’m playing. It’s much more pleasurable experience than a gruelling hour with my personal trainer! As an amateur player (although I hope I can hold my own when I play a game with a semi-professional player) I burn up to 600 calories an hour. I think that’s a fantastic way of staying healthy especially as I’m on court up to 2 hours at a time.

My Heart Loves Tennis…

Playing tennis is good for the heart too. The constant movement helps your heart to pump blood round your body and reduces blood pressure. I find it’s a great stress reliever, if ever I feel a little anxious just one hour on the tennis court helps me to feel refreshed and rejuvenated. This is good for the heart because your heart doesn’t need excessive stress.

My Mind Loves Tennis…

Tennis is a sport which engages your mind, you have to think strategically and make split second decisions. This is excellent for working out your brain as it stimulates it, making it think very quickly. Did you know that it’s a sport recommended for those with early stage dementia or Alzheimer’s disease? This is because our brains need oxygen to work and the more exercise you do, the more oxygen you bring to your brain so tennis helps your brain function better. A healthy brain can help to boost memory and your capacity for learning. Dementia sufferers often report feeling large amounts of stress and tennis soothes a worried mind.

Remember, tennis is very social so it helps with growing social skills too. Not only that, tennis has beneficial effects on mood, helping you to feel positive and happy and I believe it’s great for mental determination and emotional strength.

Staying Safe Playing Tennis

The best part of playing tennis for me is being outside, feeling the breeze, enjoying the sunshine, the handsome tennis club’s building I play at and the scent of freshly mowed lawns if I’m on a grass court. I do play indoors if the weather isn’t good but it’s not quite the same so I prefer outdoor courts. However, living in a hot climate means there are safety risks when it comes to the sun so I play early morning or late afternoon/early evening when the sun isn’t as strong. I never play between 11.00am and 4.00pm as the sun is too dangerous. I am very conscious of the sun’s harmful rays, whatever time of day, so here are my top tips to staying sun-safe while playing tennis:

I always make sure that I am wearing sufficient amounts of sunscreen on all exposed areas and I only use factor 50.
I also make my own flavoured water, I slice strawberries, lemons and limes and drop theme into a 3.5 pint bottle of water. This sweetens the water naturally and stops me from dehydrating. Another tip is to drink before you play a tennis game in hot weather, but don’t be tempted to over-drink because there’s nothing more uncomfortable than running around a court with water sloshing in your belly!
I wear a hat to protect my hair, top of my head and my face.
I wear tennis whites but I choose special clothing which has its own UPF protection. You will see here I am wearing my Nike Dri-FIT UV top with a Nike Tennis Skirt. This skirt has built-in leggings (sometimes called Skapris) keeping my legs cool and protected.
I prefer to wear specialist sunglasses to play tennis, I love my Bolle tennis sunglasses because not only do they look fabulous, they protect my eyes from the sun and because they are specialist, they also give me the ability to see the tennis ball against any background.

Tennis always makes me smile, I believe it’s impossible to play a game without feeling content and even when I’ve had a tough day I feel I lighten the load after a good game. What sport makes you smile?

The Perfect Parasol

Recently, I’ve fallen in love with parasols and it dates back to last year when I spotted Hollywood darling Anne Hathaway carrying her own parasol in New York. She looked so glamorous and sophisticated, a true lady and it’s no surprise her porcelain skin remains unlined and translucent she clearly takes care of her complexion avoiding the sun. I’m also extremely aware of the harmful factors of sun exposure. For quite a few years now I’ve been very reluctant to put my face in the sun because of the danger of UV ray penetration. Everyone knows how these rays accelerate premature aging, not to mention increase risk of cancerous melanoma so I’ve been looking for different ways to protect my skin. A parasol from Californian based Persolé is now my must have item – I can’t leave home without one!

I’m happy to say that I follow a very strict skincare regime. I always cleanse, tone and moisturise twice a day. I use anti-aging moisturiser, a serum underneath packed full with Vitamin C and antioxidants and I apply a light covering of SPF 50 to any exposed areas including my face. So far, I’ve noticed very little aging and any lines I have are extremely feint. I’m pleased that people are often surprised at my age (40) and many of them remark how I could easily pass for younger. I know this is because I am very careful with what I put on my skin and how well I protect my face from the sun.

I don’t avoid sunshine altogether because the feeling of sunshine dancing on my skin is so pleasurable and when you live in a warm climate, it’s difficult not to spend time at the beach or by the swimming pool. However, I always wear my sunscreen and top up regularly and I sit in the shade for most of the time. Additionally, I wear sun sensible clothing which looks fabulous, you’d think it was created by haute couture designers there’s so much choice these days. A hat is imperative when by a swimming pool, to protect my face and my hair. Giant sunglasses complete the look and when I walk around I use one of my Persolé parasols. That’s my poolside beauty covered but since seeing Anne Hathaway donning her parasol I’ve added parasols to my day to day ensemble. I now own quite a few magnificent sun umbrellas or parasols from Persolé not only do they look stunning, they are UV repellent and fashion statements of their own.

A Persolé parasol promises almost 100% protection from UVA and UVB and the fabrics they are created from promise UPF (fabric factor) 50+. If you get caught in a downpour they’re suitable to use as an umbrella too because they are completely waterproof although I wouldn’t advise using them for this purpose too often! You should definitely check them out; they are just superbly made, some of them fashioned from bamboo and covered in divine glistening Swarovski crystals not to mention the stunning jewelled handles. It’s no wonder I’ve fallen in love with them and I keep finding myself looking for new styles to complement my different outfits. It doesn’t matter what I wear, there’s a Persolé parasol to match any outfit, even if I’m just going to the soccer game in my favorite jeans and T-shirt or if I’m dressing up for a smart brunch party with friends. A parasol looks chic and striking and now I’m never without my Persolé. I’m finding I’m buying my parasols and matching outfits to them! I’m particularly in love with Blue Flower with Lucite parasol and when I’m feeling a little more adventurous I bring out the Red Leopard with Red Crystal parasol – one of my absolute favorites.

So if you want to protect your skin from aging, age spots, melanoma and retain your youthful good looks there’s nothing better than plenty of high quality SPF 50 and a fabulously gorgeous parasol to match your outfit. Not only does one of these protect your face, it also keeps your hair away from the sun so there’s no chance of your color lifting or it drying out so a Persolé parasol ticks all my boxes. I don’t feel fully dressed without mine!

Kaftan Tunic Dress

Kaftan tunic dresses offer easy and fashionable sun protection. While I am very conscious about sun damage and seek shade between 10 am and 4 pm, I refuse to be afraid of the sun! The last 30-40 minutes before sunset have the lowest UV index, yet still provide the warmth and soft sun light.

During this time frame I like to take long barefoot walks on the beach, to indulge the salty air and to expose my face to the smooth ocean breeze. I am convinced that these walks increase my overall energy and give me peace, calmness and clarity.

I found this maxi beach kaftan with long sleeves from Calypso to provide good coverage without making me look and feel gigantic. I just throw it on and go. It also looks chic, so after the sun sets I can move to a local cafe for a cool ice cream or a cool cocktail.

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Walk in the soft warmth of the sun

There is a time of the day when the sun isn’t as active and I can go out to enjoy its golden glow. Forty-five minutes before the sun sinks and the evening begins, UV ratings are at their lowest, and the light is friendlier to the skin. During this time, I grab the opportunity for a walk outside and bask in the soft warmth of the sun.

This walk along the beach with my family is one such time. Here, I wore a casual tank top with a long, flowy maxi wrap for extra cover. Darker fabrics actually let in less UV, and so this one is just fitting. I accessorized minimally to keep it easy. One is this gold cuff, which adds a touch of edge, and another is a fedora hat with a black bow detail, which lends a bit of drama to the outfit. Hats are another stylish accessory that helps protect from the sun, and these days, they can be worn in places other than the beach. I could talk about that some time.

Spending time at the beach, however, also means having to run the risk of getting sunburns. While the rest of my family isn’t as strict as I am about sun protection, they still like to take extra precautions and stick to general rules that make them avoid UV rays as much as possible. Some of those that we swear by are these:

Create an agenda to avoid the midday sun—which is when it’s most harmful—by doing activities indoors. In such cases where outdoor activities are inevitable, try to prevent sunburn by seeking shade under a tree, a pop-up tent, or simply by using an umbrella.

Covering up the arms and legs—perhaps with a long-sleeved t-shirt, or pants, or maxi skirts—also help. This way, your clothes absorb UV rays and less of them penetrate your skin. Accessories like hats are great for shading the area of the face, as I mentioned earlier. There are, in fact, a variety of styles available that can cover everything from the scalp to the neck.

Putting on sunscreen, of course, is a general sun-protection tip that I do believe everyone must go by, including children. Anything with at least SPF 15, plus UVA and UVB protection are most recommended.

nded.

July 4th Celebration

Have A Sunny, Carefree July 4th Celebration

No doubt you will agree that the July 4^th is a phenomenal day in the calendar and one that I look forward to every year. It’s a genuine privilege to be able to celebrate American Independence and I feel honored to be able to do so with my family and friends in the Hamptons, one of my favorite places! The USA is one of the greatest countries of the world and to live freely is a blessing.

Did You Know?

While we all know what the July 4^th is about sometimes we forget the real history behind it.

As it so happens, July 4^thisn’t the day Americans received independence from England. It is actually the date when the Declaration of Independence (completed by John Adams, Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Robert R Livingston and Roger Sherman) was backed by all the 13 colonies. The declaration was sent to the second Continental Congress. The original first Congress had been formed to try and persuade the British government to recognise the American colonies’ rights but it failed. The Second Congress formed during the American Revolution.

When the American Revolution ended on September 4^th 1784, the date July 4^thwas heralded a holiday because it commemorated day the declaration document was approved by the congress. It is believed to be the most important patriotic day in the US calendar.

How I Celebrate

This year I will join my family and friends at a relaxed, informal BBQ in the Hamptons. It promises to be so much fun, with love and laughter. You’ll agree it’s just what everyone wants on this special date, especially when we live in turbulent times. The food will be abundant and there will be plenty of celebratory drinks to enjoy and no doubt, as is usually the case in the Hamptons – the sun will be shining. Later on there’ll be a magnificent fireworks display – in red, white and blue of course! All of the above makes for a perfect day in a poolside setting and while everyone will be having a super party; it’s still wise to take safety measures in the heat.

The weather in the area in July is usually hot, up to 80°F and while it can be humid, it’s mainly clear. This is why it’s such a fantastic and much sought after destination for New Yorkers and other Americans who travel to the beach for some R&R, escaping the hot, dusty city. It’s all too easy to get caught up in conversation during these exciting celebrations but everyone should be cautious to keep in mind how strong that Hamptons’ sun is. This means taking the necessary precautions to make sure all the family are well protected throughout the day.

Here are my five top tips to help you stay cool – and safe in the sun!

Wear Factor 50 sunscreen. Put it on all exposed areas before going out in the sunshine. Some people think that just by putting on sunscreen they are protected all day but that sun is exceptionally strong so top up every half an hour, paying particular attention to children who have delicate skin. The UVA and UVB rays penetrate even through cloud so if by chance there’s a cloudy day in store don’t skimp on sunscreen. While the sun is good for everyone in moderation (it increases Vitamin D stores and feels good), it is dangerous and sun damage could lead to cancerous melanoma, sunburn, age spots and premature aging.
Take a pretty parasol. I am a big fan of parasols especially the Persolé collection as they are bright colourful and sassy – perfect for an outdoor BBQ and always make a great conversation piece. You should also stay out of the sun as much as possible, escaping every half hour or so indoors to give your skin the chance to recover from the heat.
Wear a protective hat which stops the top of your head from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays and keeps your hair color from lifting. Hats are never boring – WOW your friends and family with a large brim straw hat perhaps with a colorful sash or a wild print. Hats are always in fashion and look stylish especially when you put a large pair of UV protective sunglasses on too (another must-do). This is a look favored by many of our famous film-stars, old and new – it’s such a gorgeous way of adding some Hollywood glamor to the suburbs of New York!
Drink plenty of water. The sun is very dehydrating and as well as damaging skin it can lead to headaches, nausea, muscle cramping and confusion if you become dehydrated. July 4^th celebrations normally last all day and into the night so keep an eye on your water intake and be sure to drink at least 3.5 pints. If you do drink alcohol, alternate it with a glass of ice-cold water to counter the effects as alcohol acts as a diuretic which increases the chances of dehydration.
Wear sun-sensible clothing. There are plenty of beautifully made, high quality protective clothes which repel the sun’s harmful rays, keeping skin well-protected while looking stunning. In breathable and soft fabrics, they are cool to the skin and even on the hottest days skin is well-protected. Natural fibres are best to prevent perspiration, cool cotton, soft silk and lightweight linen for example.

What I Plan To Wear

For the July 4^th celebration I’m attending I’m going to be wearing my favorite Piamita “Edith” floral dress, which is made of silk, a completely natural and breathable fibre so will keep me nice and cool. I’ll also have my useful Marc Jacobs ¾ sleeve embellished denim jacket close to hand for when it cools down in the evening, I wouldn’t want to miss out on the array of colorful fireworks by standing inside! Additionally, always close by, I’ll wear my sunglasses and a hat and carry my brightly patterned Persolé parasol. What will you be wearing to celebrate American Independence Day?

Striped Maxidress

It’s no secret that the French have got it down when it comes to timeless fashion. Back in 1917, Chanel took inspiration from seafarers and introduced the Breton stripes to the rest of the world. Flash forward to 2016, the craze for stripes still hasn’t died down, and it has even flourished into so many new styles for the Spring/Summer 2016 collections.

Dolce and Gabbana, for one, rolled out striped dresses in a spectrum of playful, candy colors. Jonathan Saunders smashed together stripes of different shapes and orientations for an interesting, bold look. Prada made a statement by showing off a combination stripes in different sizes and contrasting hues on coats and suits, resulting in outfits that are funky and sleek at the same time.

Why stripes are an effortless print that has rocked the runways over and over is no wonder. The pattern exists on that level of versatility where you can wear it from casual errands under the sunny weather to dressier, cruise holidays during the summer. It’s always fresh and crisp. So for a spring outfit, I wore a classic striped maxi dress from J. Crew. The combination of cotton and jersey fabrics made the dress soft and lent it just the right flow so that it created a flattering silhouette. I especially loved the back split of the dress: it made it easier to walk and move around in.

I wore this dress with T-strap shoes from Chanel. Usually, T-strap shoes give off a vintage appeal, but I love how it made my ensemble look so much more chic and put-together. These shoes are actually an old pair; I’ve had it for around 5 years now, but it still works with so many outfits. I’m honestly in love with the way Chanel imbues that quintessential charm in their pieces.

Right off of Chanel’s Spring/Summer 2016 collection is the tweed tote backpack I carried with me. The burgundy and navy colors are a royal pairing, and it really stood out against the navy-and-white stripes of my dress. The crest and pin embellishments gave the bag that robust character, too. The best part? It’s not just about the bag being stylish. True to the traveler theme of the collection, this bag can pack all the necessities. I can fit in more things than I initially thought I could—everything from cardigans, to umbrellas, to my sons’ snacks. It’s practical and fashionable at the same time!

Wage A War Against Skin Damage With Peaches

There’s a reason we have a saying “peaches and cream complexion”, firstly, those blessed with smooth and creamy skin with a little rosiness in their cheeks are seen to be beautiful. There is another reason though and it’s because peaches are one of nature’s natural antidotes. Adding a peach to your daily diet will go a long way to combat sun damage and help to restore your skin’s natural glow, without any chemicals in sight. As well as that, it will help you with your overall general health. So next time you are at your grocery store add a few gorgeous peaches to your shopping basket then whenever you feel like something sweet and succulent – enjoy one, you’ll savor its delicious flavor and your skin and body will thank you.

Peaches and Skin Health

Peaches are full of nutrients which are kind to your skin. As far as your skin is concerned, every day it is under attack, from free radicals, this means the sun, petrol fumes, industrial fumes, other people’s smoke and more. Your skin needs natural antioxidants to fight against these free radicals and a juicy peach is just one of the things you can add to your diet to enable your skin with the weapons it needs.

A peach contains vitamins A and C as well as selenium. Vitamin A is vital because it helps to renew skin cells, stimulating them to repair and vitamin C is incredibly important to combat skin aging. Used in lotions, moisturisers and serums this vitamin targets wrinkles and fine lines, plumping and hydrating. Consuming vitamin C in fruit especially peaches will help to boost your skin’s resistance to aging. Even more importantly, collagen is formed using vitamin C so make sure you’re consuming enough.

It’s not just vitamins in peaches which fight the harmful battle with the sun’s rays; other nutrients in peaches include vitamin K, beta carotene, magnesium and potassium which are excellent at building protection against ultra violet rays.

As well as eating peaches, you can also rub the fleshy area on the underneath of your eyes because actually peaches are great for reducing dark shadows. So if you’ve had a late night and you feel your skin isn’t looking its best, split a peach in two, eat one half and rub the other under your eyes gently. Rinse off with cold water, pat dry and apply your moisturisers as normal – you’ll look bright eyed in minutes.

Peaches also help to improve skin texture, softening it while gently firming and improving elasticity too. It’s no coincidence you find lots of skincare with peach extract such as facial scrubs, face masks, cleaners and toners. It’s because peaches are known for their ability to tighten pores and refresh skin.

Peaches and Cancer

We now know how good peaches are for anti-aging but they have another huge health benefit too. Peaches are so rich in antioxidants it’s believed they could help to discourage cancerous melanomas. Studies show that peaches can help the body’s protection against other cancers such as lung, colon and oral and the phenolic acids, lycopene and lutein inside peaches indicate the ability to halt breast cancer from growing. Additionally, if you are concerned about heart disease a peach is an excellent preventative because of these aforementioned ingredients which work hard to aid heart health.

Peaches and Eye Health

While peaches are well-known to be a good source of vitamins and help to boost a flagging complexion – they have other huge benefits too. They are excellent for ocular health especially in slowing macular degeneration which is usually age-related. Just three servings a day could help to give ailing vision a much-needed boost and this is because of the high beta carotene content.

Peaches and Stress

If you feel you are under stress, cut up a peach and enjoy its juicy, sweet taste. You might find yourself relaxing immediately and this is because it contains fiber and potassium, known to reduce the risk of stomach ulcers which can occur in those who suffer with regular stress. If you think you might be susceptible to ulcers, try a peach a day and keep that ulcer away. You don’t need to worry about the calories either because just one regular size peach contains approximately 40 calories and no fat – just good all that good fiber mentioned, meaning they are excellent for digestive health.

So, along with your SPF 50, a great looking hat and some fabulous sun sensible clothing add a peach a day to your diet for overall body health and you’ll further benefit by having glowing skin too, the essence of a peaches and cream complexion.