A story from one mum to the next and beyond…
Growing up in the 60’s and 70’s, my mum (above) was a little radical – well, she still is, actually! Currently, in her 90th year, her annual trip to the skin specialist is now almost 3 monthly. Her face is fine, it’s her lower legs that have caught the brunt of her life’s relationship with the sun. She should have listened to herself and treated her legs as she did her face!!
She was radical for back then because she was forever nagging us kids to cover up, to put on our hats, to use the sunscreen and to sit in the shade! For those of you too young to know, this was not ordinary mum behaviour. You need to understand that back then the creation of a tan over Summer was the goal of every “normal” boy and girl. We’d get so burnt we could have competitions to see who could peel off the largest piece of skin in one go – fun!
So, my mum tried to keep us as white as she could.
When I was little and she had control, I (mainly) did as she said, but once I had the freedom to roam as I wished – no more staying white, no more hat and shade and lots of peeling skin, which I discovered wasn’t, after all, so much fun! When I had my children, of course, I became my mum. However, by then I had research to back me up, so my kids did as I told them!! Made easier by the national by-line: Slip, Slop, Slap!
So, what have I taught my children, my babies, that now have their own babies?
That’s myself, my mum, my daughter and her newly born daughter. Four generations!!
We all pass on the messages my mum gave me:
- UV’s are only good for giving us Vitamin D, so limit your exposure
- Hats, shade, sunscreen
Of course, being a skin care specialist I also add:
- Nourish your skin topically – a day outside means extra Vitamin C, as well as extra moisturisation
- Only put good quality products on your skin – no nasties
- Physical UV blockers are nicer to you than chemical ones, unless you have a day in the sun and water – then chemical ones stay more effective for longer
- Makeup with SPF on hot days or prolonged time outside is not enough protection. Top it up with a spray SPF or a makeup brush SPF.
- Know the spots on your body and have them checked if you notice any changes at all
- Keep your under one-year-olds OUT of the sun and only use a zinc-based physical sunblock on their delicate, more sun-sensitive skin. Read why here.
Lessons learnt – you only have ONE skin so look after it!
Some Advice From Other Mums…
Meg
70 + years old
Mother of three, Grandmother of six
“You need to start looking after your skin and body early as repairing it is hard. Find sun protection that feels nice to use everyday – so you actually use it, and consider nice creams a long term investment.”
Carolyn
55 years young
Mother of three
“I taught my children to protect their skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays, because that is the most important thing you can do to keep your skin healthy and youthful.”
Stephanie
27 years old
New mother of one
“If there was one thing I’ll teach my daughter about skincare, it would be the importance of using natural products that are gentler on her skin and the earth.”
Mirna
59 years old
Mother of four
“I taught my girls to start looking after their skin early. To wash their face every morning and night and to always remove makeup. And to invest in good quality skin care products. The better care you take of your skin, the better it will look as you age.”
Rosie and her Mum
“My mum taught me to always wash my makeup off before bed.”
Key Skin Care Products for a Mum of Every Age
As we get older, our skin needs different things to keep it looking it’s best. Here we’ve outlined the best products for each age that will give your skin the key ingredients it needs at that time. They also make great gifts for Mother’s Day (nudge, nudge!).
20’s Aspect Dr Active C
30’s Aspect Dr Hyaluronic Serum
40’s Aspect Dr Exfol A Plus Serum
50’s CosMedix Eye Genius
60’s Aspect SMC
70’s+ CosMedix Rescue Balm
Other little luxuries for Mum – Wrinkles Schminkles wrinkle-removing pads, PCA Skin Perfecting Neck and Décolleté cream, Colorescience Sunforgettable Brush SPF50 Mineral Powder or a Gift E-Certificate!
Still not sure?
If you need more help or would like personalised advice, book now for your consultation with a skin care advisor. Offering information on what skincare products are best for you. Check out our range of in-clinic services today.
Otherwise fill in the Online Skin Consultation. Our skin care advisor will happily help you. Choosing the right treatments and products for your skin type or concern.
Check out our latest Specials!
Leave a Reply