The most recent legislation (2005) requires all cosmetic products to have a use-by date or a Period After Opening date. After this time the product may not be at its optimum best. Care should be taken when storing sunscreens as exposure to heat and light may cause degradation of the product. As a safeguard, you should discard any product which has developed an unusual odour, or that has become discoloured or watery.

Tanning occurs when melanin is produced in an attempt to protect the skin cells from UV radiation. A tan is therefore a sign of damaged skin. It may offer limited protection from burning, but offers no protection against the effects of radiation, that can lead to skin cancer. The best course of action is to use sun protection, you’ll get a gradual tan that will last longer, as your skin has more time to acclimatise to the sun.

No, you will still tan with a high factor but it will take a little longer. Your tan will be longer lasting as your skin has had more time to acclimatise to the sun.

Children are more susceptible to UV related skin damage than adults. We obtain most of our lifetime’s sun exposure as children and teenagers, and sunburn during childhood may lead to severe skin damage in later years. You should use a specially formulated high factor product for children, such as Calypso Kids SPF50, and ensure it is re-applied, especially after swimming and towelling. Ideally, children should be covered up with loose clothes and wide brimmed hats, and babies under 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight.

Recent legislation (2005) requires all cosmetic products to have a use-by date or a period after opening date. After this time the product may not be at it’s optimum best. Care should be taken when storing sunscreens as exposure to heat and light may cause degradation of the product. As a safe guard you should discard any product which has developed an unusual odour, you know is old, or that has become discoloured or watery.

Sunless tanners and bronzers are applied to the skin like a cream and can provide a temporary, artificial tan. The only colour additive currently approved by FDA for this purpose is dihydroxyacetone (DHA). Application can be difficult, and areas of the skin can react differently, resulting in an uneven appearance. Bronzers stain the skin temporarily, and they can generally be removed with soap and water. They may streak after application and can stain clothes. Sunless tanners and bronzers might not contain active sunscreen ingredi­ents. Read their labels to find out if they provide any sun protection.

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and is the measure of the sunscreens ability to protect your skin from the suns rays, in addition to your skin’s natural protection. Dependent on your skin type, hair colour, eye colour and location, you may be able to stay in the sun for 10 mins without burning. If you apply a sunscreen with SPF 15 this means that you can stay in the sun 15 times longer (150 mins) than you could without sunscreen. However, you must use sunscreen as directed and ensure enough sunscreen is initially applied (35 ml) for maximum coverage. Higher factors should not be used to increase your time in the sun but to increase your level of protection.

The Re-Gen range is specially formulated to help with dry skin. In addition to the normal moisturising effects of the oil or cream the Re-Gen range contains PCL Liquid, a unique ingredient that locks in moisture and forms a protective film that helps prevent the skin from drying out.

Re-Gen is available from many major retailers in the U.K. including ASDA, Bodycare, Home Bargains, Numark Pharmacy, Quality Save, Rowlands Pharmacy, The Co-Operative Pharmacy, Boyes & Co, Roys, Semichem and Trago Mills Ltd. It is also available on-line via Amazon or e-bay as well as through the on-line versions of the retail outlets.

Re-Gen is now available not only as an oil but also as a cream and more recently as a serum, so it is easy to find a suitable product for any specific areas requiring treatment.