We sat down with Medical Skin Therapist Bryony to chat about all things SPF and her favourite suncare range! 

What makes Heliocare stand out against other SPF products? 

Heliocare, as a stand-alone sun protection brand, is committed to independent testing of their products to ensure they are of the highest standard and offer a range of products catering to different skin types and concerns. 

All the Heliocare products contain their patented antioxidant Fernblock; an extract from Polypodium Lectomos, a South American fern. It has multiple clinical data papers on its effect to aid in increasing sun protection.  It decreases skin erythema associated with UV radiation and decreases cellular damage to DNA, thereby preventing pigmentation and the acceleration of aging associated with environmental stressors. Most sun protection products on the market offer broad spectrum protection against UVA and B, though the addition of Fernblock shields against Infrared and Visible light, both of which cause cellular damage.  

Why are Antioxidants so important to include in sun protection? 

Antioxidants are ingredients that help to protect against oxidative damage caused by environmental factors. The damage disrupts cell signalling and increases inflammation. Collagen breaks down at an accelerated rate, fast-tracking the aging process.  The skin can become sensitized, dry, vulnerable and less able to defend itself against further damage. 

The addition of antioxidants not only helps with the reduction of inflammation but provides a range of other benefits that support skin health. 

What are your favourites within the Heliocare range? 

It’s a bit like asking who your favourite child is! I love them all but yes, I definitely have favourites. They all have a place depending on your activities, preferences of texture and skin conditions. 

My all-time favourite is the Pigment Solution Fluid. Ironically, I do not have concerns about pigment, though it offers a range of ingredients that help with controlling pigment but equally are great additional antioxidants alongside their Fernblock technology. The product has an iridescent light reflection which is my go-to for the weekend, giving a nice glow and I hardly feel the need to wear makeup on top.  Second to that is AK Fluid, which I use when I know the UV index will be high. It has the highest level of protection alongside the GenoRepair complex, made up of 3 enzymes, that actively aid the repair of sun damage.   

Apart from wearing SPF, what other things can we be doing to prevent sun damage? 

No matter what tools you are using to help protect against UV and environmental damage, nothing can completely block out or fully repair the damage.  Being sun smart and making sure we are not spending lengthy amounts of time outdoors when the UV index is high is crucial. 

With that being said, it’s inevitable that we will all race outside to enjoy the sunshine when it finally arrives! 

Use hats, sunglasses and SPF, reapplied two hourly should be the bare minimum. I keep the Heliocare Oral Capsules on hand to take when I know I will be outside for long periods.  They have been developed to work alongside topical SPF to reduce cellular damage caused by UV. 

What is a simple piece of advice you wish more people took on board regarding skin health? 

I see clients daily trying to repair damage and though they are committed to their homecare and treatment journey, they still get complacent with their sun protection. There is a  big misconception that you only need SPF when it is sunny. You are unlikely to burn during the cooler months of the year, but the constant exposure to light causes damage that accumulates over the course of years.  

I liken it to eating an Amano croissant daily….you may not notice it initially but it may eventually catch up with you. 

The best investment is a good quality sun protection product, one you are happy to wear daily and reapply. NO, it does not work sitting in your bathroom cabinet.  And less is not more! If you apply half the recommended amount  (½ teaspoon for your face and neck), you will get half the protection.  

SPF products are to be applied after your skincare and before your makeup. 

With such a range to choose from, there is really no excuse as to why anyone would go without sun protection, all year round!