TRAVEL KIT (SUN PROTECTION) 

By Pamela A. Campbell

LA ROCHE-POSAY'S PRESENTS A NEW LINE-UP OF PRODUCTS FOR SUNSENSITIVE SKIN

We welcome the changing seasons with joy and at this time of year new growth, warm sunshine and longer days generate happy feelings for all of us. Summer is here and we can enjoy the outdoors to the fullest. There is just one reminder, exposure to harmful UVBs and UVAs can cause irreversible damage.

I have just been introduced to La Roch-Posay's latest range of sun protection and would like to pass along my impression of this innovative line-up now available in Canada. I put them all to the test during my recent Sahara trek, which was quite an accomplishment for me and for La Roche-Posay.

A WORD ABOUT ROCHE-POSAY

One of the key contents of these products is water that originates in La Roche-Posay, a town located between Tours and Poitiers in Touraine, France. La Roche-Posay has gained popularity as the "European capital of thermal spring dermatology" and continues to nurture its centuries old reputation of dedication to relieving sensitive skin problems.

Every year La Roche-Posay welcomes 10,000 visitors who have discovered its waters - the only thermal water containing significant quantities of selenium in the entire country. It effectively soothes, softens, decongests and cicatrises skin, and studies reveal the inhibiting action of the water on skin inflammations and free radicals makes it a natural active principle.

ANTHELIOS "L" PRODUCTS

The Anthelios (anthe-against, helios-sun) products have been developed to prevent sunburn, photosensitive dermatoses (10% of women are affected by this condition), phototoxic reactions, photoallergies and photo-induced aging. Its unique photostable filtering system (Mexoryl SX and Parsol 1789/Eusolex 6300) blocks UVBs and UVAs, while La Roch-Posay's thermal spring water provides soothing relief to affected parts of the body.

I have recorded the above background information to "fill in the blanks" lest the product content be misunderstood by potential users.

TOTAL BLOCK LOTION FOR SUN REACTIVE SKIN

This lotion is no ordinary sunscreen and I, like many travelers, must pay particular attention to products being marketed for sun sensitive skin. The formula for the Total Block Lotion has been recognized by the Canadian Dermatology Association.

For example, people on certain medications become photosensitive to the sun and must take special precautions to block the dangerous ultra violet rays. The lotion filters over 99% of UV rays with a UVB index of 60 and a UVA index of 12 and provides maximum protection against photodermatoses (sunlight intolerance, benign sun-induced skin allergies, burns, pregnancy mask and the aforementioned medication related photosensitivity).

SUNBLOCK CREAM

Here is the ideal product for the active set including children, especially if you indulge in water sports. It is highly resistant to perspiration (water in oil emulsion), contains no preservatives and has a UVB index of 50 and a UVA index of 10.

ANTHERPOS CERALIP SUNSCREEN

Crossing international date lines, trading seasons to get to various travel destinations induce jet lag and wreak havoc on skin, and lips are no exception (remember those chapped and cracked lips that almost threatened to ruin your trip?)

This conveniently packaged 15 ml tube of sunscreen gel is a marvelous lipsaver, great for replenishing and moisturizing dry lips. Perfume and preservative free, Ceralip has a UVB index of 50 and a UVA index of 10.

AUTOHELIOS MOISTURIZING SELF-TANNING CREAM

Let's face it - we would all like to have that tanned look especially during warmer weather, but some skin conditions prohibit exposure to the sun. This self-tanning cream for the face and body is suitable for all skin types. A natural even tan is the result of a high content of shea butter, offering moisturizing protection for the sensitive epidermis. Note, Autohelios promotes a tanned complexion, but does not offer UV protection and should be used in conjunction with the Antelios L SOF 60 Total Sun Block Lotion (use the former in the evening and the latter during the day).

PROSTHELIOS AFTER SUN REPAIR CREAM

It's a good idea to keep this cream handy as we sometimes (inadvertently or unavoidably) remain in the sun longer than we intended. In my case, crossing the desert by camels and horses increased my risk of exposure, and the cream offered welcome relief.

It has been formulated with active ingredients to restore and re-hydrate sun damaged skin - soothing La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water, hydrating Shea Butter and Glycerin and Aloe Vera, which helps calm overheated skin.

Editor's Note:

La Roche Posay is available in 25 countries worldwide.

In Canada check with the pharmacist for availability and information at Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharma Plus locations throughout Canada.

For more information, please visit their web site at : www.larocheposay.com