PRACTISE SAFE SUN
Where do we stand on tanning? Well, after years of governmental campaigns telling us just how harmful the sun’s rays are, we’ve been programmed to be very anti, but recent research in California (ironic really, considering the climate there) has shown that we may have gone too far the other way and lost sight of some of the benefits of a bit of sensible sun-worshipping. And that’s the key word: sensible. Because too often at this time of year we have a couple of fair-weather days and think, “Oh, it can’t be that hot” and before you know it we’re burnt to a cinder and ketchup-coloured. “The best way to tan safely is to build up gradually,” says Sam Kirby of Consol Suncenter. “We’ve forgotten that some sun is actually good for us. It’s like red wine: it can be beneficial in moderation. Just don’t go to excess.” There’s compelling evidence that controlled sun exposure can be helpful for a whole host of health issues. It strengthens the cardiovascular system, bloody circulation is improved and moderately high glycemia and cholesterol levels can be normalised. Under sunlight, the skin synthesises vitamin D, which makes calcium absorption for stronger bones more affective as well as improving liver and kidney function and, for years now, studies have shown that the sun improves mild depression and insomnia. So, we no longer have to feel guilty about 20 minutes in the garden or the odd cheeky sunbed session because in moderation it’s actually good for us. For more about safe tanning call the Consol Suncentre Helpline: 0845 450 9100 or see www.consol.uk.com


The Greek And The Good
Amidst the raft of new shops opening recently in Cardiff, an outpost of the Greek grooming brand Korres has also set up camp in the capital. Combining the olde-worlde feel of an apothecary with a more industrial contemporary look, the store fits in nicely with its newly nip-tucked city centre surroundings. When George and Lena Korres set up the company in 1996 their ethos was to use their joint pharmaceutical and biochemical engineering backgrounds to hatch a unique brainchild that uses the principles of homeopathy to create an organic and ethically-sound skincare range. Plundering nature’s larder for their ingredients, the products not only look and smell great, they actually work. Try their themed mini-kits that are an excellent, easy-on-the-pocket intro to the brand.
Korres, St David’s Dewi Sant, Cardiff
www.korres.com

 

Jason Jones has a spring in his step