What Would A Skin Guru Do?

Because the pros know about smart routines and ingredients, we asked them how they shield themselves from the suns rays.

- Beth James

THE SCIENTIST

Frauke Neuser, principal scientist for Olay

TRUST IN VITAMIN B3

Frauke has been involved in cutting-edge science and products for brands such as Olay for 18 years. And she has worn a moisturiser with SPF every day of it. Her must-have ingredient, other than sunscreen: niacinamide (aka vitamin B3). Among its superpowers, the vitamin can increase the skin’s natural defence against UV rays, research shows. In one of Olay’s studies, for example, women who applied lotion with niacinamide daily for two weeks and were exposed to an average amount of UV rays showed less damage compared to those using a placebo cream. “We know niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier and boosts cell metabolism and energy, all of which the skin needs to protect and repair itself,” she says.

RELAX A LITTLE

As a surfer, Frauke applies thick water resistant mineral sunscreen and is obsessive about reapplying. But regular workdays are a one-and-done approach. “Olay did a study a few years ago that looked at what happened to an application of SPF15 during a normal indoor workday,” she says. “After eight hours, it was still an SPF15. Unless you’re sweating or wiping your face, it doesn’t weaken.” A handy tip “I keep a bottle of sunscreen by the door and rub it on my hands before I leave,” she says. “When you drive, your face isn’t always exposed, but hands on the steering wheel are – and they can show the most sun damage.”

THE SKIN CANCER SPECIALIST

Dr Deborah Sarnoff, president of the Skin Cancer Foundation and clinical professor of dermatology at New York University School of Medicine

THE NAKED TRUTH