LIFESTYLE@LXG: La Roche-Posay launches Anthelios XL Ultra-Light Fluid SPF 50+ PPD 42

The emblematic Anthelios “shaka shaka” bottle has a new, more modern and portable look! 

The new Anthelios XL Ultra-Light Fluid formula has an optimized version of the brand’s patented filter system, Mexoplex®, which offers very high UVB-UVA protection even against long UVAs. The Persistent Pigment Darkening (PPD) has now been increased from 4 points to 42, offering even more protection to ensure the safety for those with
sensitive and sun-allergic skin.

Thanks to the right dose of new sensorial oils, the new Anthelios XL Ultra-Light Fluid glides easily on application for uniform protection. With sebum neutralizing and instant absorbent action, you can expect a non-sticky, non-oily finish that feels like bare skin (goodbye sticky, icky sunscreens of the past!). The ultra-light fluid texture is suitable for all skin types but especially ideal for combination skin (hoorah for us at LXG!). The optimized filtering system also ensures no white marks! Formulated with soothing and anti-oxidant La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water, this product is hypoallergenic, fragrance and paraben free.  

The new Anthelios XL Ultra-Light Fluid SPF 50+ is priced at $46.90 and will be available at major pharmacies like Watsons, Guardian, Unity and selected hospital pharmacies from July 2014. 

LIFESTYLE@LXG: Finally, A 24hr Sunscreen!

We covered EHA Clinic's Japan-made 24hr Sunshield a while back when it was first launched in Singapore. Today, we are giving it another shout out because its got itself a brand spanking new look and plus we really love this product!

Many of the high SPF sunscreens available on the market today use chemical filters to block UVA rays, but these have been shown to only offer marginal protection. That’s because commonly used UVA filters like avobenzone and Mexoryl, break down quickly and lose effectiveness in the sun unless stabilized. This stabilization process is difficult and few companies have been able to prove that they can do it.

Therefore in the past, the best way make sure you were protected throughout the day was to reapply sunscreen often – at least once every two hours. Even if it offered the best UVA protection, it’s efficacy soon disappeared.

EHA’s Sun Shield 24hr has been proven to block both UV-A and UV-B rays by 99%, for a period of 24 hours, with just one application. Even when applied thickly to the skin, the base - which is equivalent to an SPH factor of 30 - still appears transparent – giving a natural look without the feeling of any make-up application.   

The protecting ingredient also prevents spot generation, keeping the skin cool and resistant against sunburn. Sun Shield 24hr can also be used as foundation base before make-up application. I personally use it in place of foundation or concealer. I love the fact that its subtle tint evens out my otherwise patchy complexion and leaves my skin looking matte and clean.

EHA Sunshield 24 hr is available at EHA Clinic. 1 Scotts Road. #15-01 Shaw Centre.

Singapore 228208. Tel: 6235 3325

EHA Sunshield 24HR is priced at:

30 Ml bottle $98.00

5 ML travel size tube $38.00

STYLE@LXG: Karryl bids her freckles adieu!

Finally, a solution to freckles and dark spots 

I’ve always had a love-hate relationship with the sun. I loved being outdoors, sitting by the pool in my sexy bikini, basking in the sun and the admiring glances of the passing boys. I loved to tan. In my eyes, a tan looked healthy and radiant. Unfortunately my pasty white complexion doesn’t tan easily, and instead of getting that beautiful, glowing bronze hue I craved, I usually ended up, red (and raw – Ouch!).

It didn’t help that I wasn’t a fan of sunscreens either. I hated the sticky feel of lotion on my skin. And although I would get a smattering of freckles  after a day out in the sun, I thought they looked sort of cute. And so I carried on with my outdoor activities with nary a concern for something as dull as sun protection.

As I entered my thirties however, things changed. I spent less time under the sun, and started slathering on the SPF. I grew to love my fair skin and freckles no longer appealed to me. If anything, I found those tiny brown specks embarrassing - I’ve lost count of the number of times "helpful" people thought there was something on my face and tried to rub it off with an; "aiyah girl, you got something on your face lah, come I wipe it for you"

I tried various products to even out my skin-tone, but the results were dismal. Just when I was about to resign myself to the fact that those pesky brown spots were here to stay, I received a bottle of SkinCeuticals Advanced Pigment Corrector from the kind folks at L’Oreal.

For those not familiar with the brand, SkinCeuticals, they are known for their advanced scientific formulas and come highly recommended by dermatologists, cosmetic surgeons and aestheticians.

My sister has tried their antioxidant serum and it worked wonders for her skin, so you can imagine how excited I was to try out their pigmentation treatment.

The product itself is easy to use – after cleansing, I applied a small amount to the pigmented areas, followed by my usual skincare products - morning and night.

So did it work? I’d say yes. It’s been only 10 weeks since I started using the Advanced Pigment Corrector, and while the spots have not completely gone, they are much lighter. My mum has also commented that I look more radiant.

SkinCeuticals recommends using the Advanced Pigment Corrector for at least three months for the best results. I’ve been using it for only two and a half months but I’m already sold. There’s quite a fair bit of the product left, and I’m pretty optimistic that I would get to see further improvements in my skin by the time I’m done with the whole tube. Keeping my fingers crossed!

SkinCeuticals Advanced Pigment Corrector, $198 (inclusive of GST), is available at the following:

·       Freia Medical Aesthetics

Wisma Atria Office Tower #19-03, Tel: 6735 8180

·       Skin Physicians

Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre #11-08, Tel: 6733 6466

·       Spa Artisan

The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, Mezzanine Floor, Tel: 6423 1382

·       The Aesthetic Studio

Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre #12-08, Tel: 6836 8382

·       Cosmopolitan Clinic

25 Lorong Telok #01-01, Tel: 6327 3773

For more information, please visit www.skinceuticals.com.