Summer must haves from SkinCeuticals, Jack Black, Avon and Calvin Klein!

You may or may not be aware that 90% of visible aging is cause by environmental damage - mainly UVA and UVB exposure but what you may not know about is Infrared Radiation (IRA) exposure which is responsible for accelerated skin aging.

Studies suggest that IRA penetrates the skin more deeply than UVA and UVB causing free radical damage which  accelerate signs of aging. Which means not only do you need a sunscreen but also something to protect from free radicals.

No worries, SkinCeuticals has topical antioxidant serums that work below the skin's surface to neutralize UV and IRA induced free radicals that cause environmental skin damage such as fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots and lost elasticity. By strengthening skin's natural defense system against free radicals not blocked by sunscreens, they help protect the epidermal and dermal layers from the inside to correct visible premature aging.

Choose from: C E Ferulic - 30ml - $152 - increases firmness and replenishes lipids to reduce wrinkles and is ideal for dry, normal and sensitive skin; or

Phloretin CF - 30ml - $160 - diminishes hyperpigmentation and accelerates cellular renewal to help retexture skin and is ideal for oily, problematic and normal skin.

And of course don't forget your sunscreen: Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50 - 50ml - $39 - a weightless, mattifying fluid great for all skin types - even very sensitive, oily and acne prone! (or if you like a tint try Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 - 50ml - $39)

Available from dispensing doctors, medical spas and high-end spas. Check out www.skinceuticals.com/canada to find one near you.

You can also feel good knowing that over the next three years SkinCeuticals will donate over $225,000 to Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA) to fund an innovative young researcher in the field. From May 13^th to June 30^th SkinCeuticals Canada will donate funds raised from the sale of its antioxidants ($3) and its sunscreens ($1) to MRA. SkinCeuticals Canada has also introduced an awareness campaign in addition to raising funds to support MRA’s research. On its Facebook page (www.facebook.com/SkinCeuticals.Canada), SkinCeuticals Canada Facebook fans are urged to share their thoughts or experiences with melanoma and their wishes for a cure. SkinCeuticals Canada will donate $20 for every video and $2 for every story fans share on SkinCeuticals Canada Facebook wall. Just click the tab on the left hand side of the page, “Prevent, Protect, Get Checked.”

Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25 in Grapefruit - 7g - $8.50 - enriched with superior skin conditioners and antioxidants to soothe and relieve dry, chapped irritated lips this emollient balm penetrates quickly to provide instant relief.

Sure it's meant for men but I don't care because not only is it super moisturizing with a high SPF, it's grapefruit - and y'all know how I feel about my citrus! Because lip colour tends to just slide right off me in the warmer months, I use a lipstain (right now I am loving Pixi Lip Blush in Energy a light coral apricot shade) and then a layer of Jack Black over top. It keeps the stain from feeling dry and protects my lips from the sun - all while smelling delicious - triple win!

Available at Sephora and Holt Renfrew.

Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Icaridin - 118ml - $14 - strong and dependable protection with time-release technology that creates an invisible barrier of protection to repel mosquitoes (up to 5 hours) and deer ticks (up to 7 hours) that is DEET free and best of all, it doesn't stink!

Available from your Avon rep - 1-800-265-AVON or online at www.avon.ca

Calvin Klein CK One Summer - 100ml EDT - $58 - with top notes of waterfall effect, watermelon, crushed leaves and zesty citrus; heart notes of water lily, cucumber, caraway and watermint; and base notes of moss, blonde woods and musk - as far as I'm concerned it's not summer without CK One Summer and while this isn't my favourite edition of the scent (2011 still gets my vote for that) it is a nice refreshing, crisp and cool scent perfect for those warmer months!

- Lisamarie -