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From Frizz to Fabulous: Your Guide to Managing Dry Hair

Whether you have naturally dry hair, or the condition has deteriorated over time due to products and dye, getting it back to its best must be a priority. Even the frizziest hair can be brought back to its best with the right hydrating products, dry scalp treatment and haircare routine. Read on for our top tips for caring for even the driest tresses.

Understanding dry hair

Dry hair is often characterized by split ends, dullness and an itchy scalp. You may also have dandruff. Dry hair can be how your hair naturally is or it can be caused by damage from chemicals or heat. Dry hair can look extremely unhealthy and finding ways to remedy dry hair is a common issue. Finding out how to manage dry hair matters so you can feel confident, comfortable and proud of your luscious locks.

Top tips for managing dry hair

With the right hair care routine and specially selected products, even straw-like hair can be nourished and rejuvenated. These tips will help:

1.    Condition regularly

A good conditioner is an indispensable part of your dry hair kit. A hydrating conditioner such as Philip Kingsley Moisture Extreme Conditioner has an oil-rich formula designed to nourish and hydrate the hair every time you wash.

2.    Find a hydrating hair mask

On top of regular conditioning, you should give your hair some extra love with a weekly hair mask. A deep conditioning and hydrating mask can usually be applied to dry or damp hair and will help nourish deep into the roots. If you’re looking for an effective dry scalp treatment at home you could try Philip Kingsley’s Soothing Scalp Mask or Rahua’s Omega 9 Hair Mask.

If your hair needs regular hydration then you can also use a specifically formulated hydrating shampoo.

3.    Opt for leave-in products

Just as certain chemical hair products may exacerbate dryness, there are alternatives that prioritize the use of organic, cruelty-free, and natural ingredients in their formulations. These conscientious choices not only steer clear of potentially harmful chemicals but also promote healthier hair. Leave-in conditioners and similar products exhibit a remarkable ability to penetrate the hair, effectively nourishing both the strands and the scalp. The result? Lasting benefits that extend beyond superficial improvements.

4.    Repair damage

The driest hair may need rescue treatment in the form of a damage repair product. These products have even more of the nourishing properties and hydrating benefits of regular dry hair products. Damage is a common cause of dry hair so if you repair the damage, the dryness soon goes away too. Natural oils such as Organic Argan Oil can be ideal for repairing damage to your hair and bringing it back to life.

Trust ELUXURA to care for your dry hair

We seek out and stock the finest luxury hair care products for every kind of hair type and problem. Explore ELUXURA’s full range to find plenty of products designed to transform dry hair into something fabulous. You can also check our blog for more tips.

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SPF, UVA, and UVB, Oh My! A Beginner's Guide to Sunscreen for Your Face

When it comes to choosing the best sunscreen for your face, it’s not a case of just what SPF you’ll need. More than that, today’s sunscreens can be physical or chemical, and some will offer broad-spectrum protection. Modern formulations can even offer skincare benefits tailored to your skin type, and blend make-up with advanced sun protection. Read on to make sense of it all, and find out how to choose a product that’s right for you.

How Do I Choose the Right Sunscreen?

The SPF factor of a sunscreen is a good place to start when choosing your sun protection product. A sunscreen’s Sun Protection Factor indicates how much longer it would take for the sun to redden the skin vs no protection. It is recommended to use a minimum of SPF30 on the face every day, even if the sun isn’t shining. SPF30 offers up to 97% protection against UV rays, and provides a good baseline for everyday needs.

For more intense sun exposure, if you’re lucky enough to be sunbathing or out in strong direct sunlight, it’s wise to hit the SPF50. SPF50 is also recommended if you’ve experienced sun damage in the past, or if you have a history of skin cancer. SPF50 allows 50% less UV radiation through than SPF30, and that extra protection makes a real difference on a sunny day.

Modern high-tech skincare will often come with SPF built in, so look for ones designed to suit your skin type for extra benefits. Oily skin will benefit from mattifying products, while moisturising sunscreens will suit drier skin. Most of us appreciate some anti-ageing benefits, and happily there exist plenty of sunscreens packed with ingredients to keep skin looking young!

UVA vs UVB- Why does Broad-Spectrum Matter?

While SPF describes how long before your skin reddens in the sun, that’s only half the story. The two types of Ultraviolet rays have different effects and capabilities, and broad-spectrum sunscreen is required to protect against both.

UVB rays are primarily responsible for skin reddening and burning, and SPF ratings are based upon preventing this. These shorter UV rays are easily filtered physically, and can be blocked by glass. Their intensity fluctuates, being strongest in the middle of the day.

UVA rays by contrast are longer and more deeply penetrating rays, getting through clouds and windows at consistent levels throughout daylight hours. They penetrate skin far more deeply than UVB rays, causing tanning but also genetic changes to cells which result in certain skin cancers. UVA light is responsible for prematurely ageing the skin, triggering sun spots and solar elastosis, where the skin goes leathery.

Opting for a broad-spectrum sunscreen ensures that you’re protected from the harmful effects of both UVA and UVB rays.

Chemical vs Physical Sunscreens- What’s the Difference?

A physical sunscreen reflects and physically blocks the harmful UV rays of the sun. They are typically mineral-based, using ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. While old-style physical sunscreens could often look chalky, modern formulations use microparticles to ensure no residue and an even application.

Since physical sunscreens sit atop the skin creating a physical barrier, they risk triggering breakouts in people prone to acne. They do need to be reapplied throughout the day, as that barrier can wear thin, especially after swimming or washing.

People with more reactive or sensitive skin types tend to prefer mineral-based sunscreens and tolerate them better. But current generations of chemical sunscreens are advanced enough that even sensitive skin types can enjoy them free of irritation. They work by absorbing UV rays, essentially converting them to heat before releasing it from your skin. As they don’t sit on the surface of the skin like physical sunscreens, chemical sunscreens also need to be reapplied less frequently.

How to Apply your Sunscreen

Of course, choosing the best sunscreen for your face isn’t going to help much if it’s not applied properly! Before going outside, apply a generous amount onto clean skin, making sure to remember your neck, chest, and ears. Allow it to absorb for a minimum of 30 seconds, ideally longer, before applying any make-up. Use up any excess on the backs of your hands, as these face constant exposure to the elements.

A chemical sunscreen should be applied before using any moisturiser, as it needs to be absorbed into the skin. Physical sunscreens on the other hand need to sit on the surface of the skin, so moisturise first and let it sink well in before applying your sun protection.

Dermatologists recommend you reapply your sunscreen every 2 hours when in direct sunlight, and every 3-4 hours otherwise. After activities like swimming, strenuous workouts, or washing you should also reapply, as these can compromise the level of protection.

Sunshine can lift everyone’s mood, bringing joy and vibrancy to life. By choosing the right SPF to best protect your skin, you can ensure you enjoy the sunlight and all its benefits safe from harm. And if you're looking for a reliable and effective sunscreen, look no further than ELUXURA. Visit their website today and discover their range of beauty products, including sunscreens and everything you need to keep your skin healthy, glowing, and protected from the sun's harmful rays.