Product watch: better skin for the new year

Make these lifestyle changes now for better skin in 2014, says Rachel Marie Walsh.

Get SPF-Obsessed

UV-damage is the number one skin-ager and prevention means wearing sun protection every day, rain or shine. Foundation with SPF15 isn’t enough to shield Irish skin, for which the Irish Skin Foundation recommends broad-spectrum SPF30 or higher. Choosing the right product for your skin type is also important. If you have combination skin, use a lightweight sunscreen that provides slight hydration and a matte finish, such as Marini Physical Protectant SPF 45 by Jan Marini Skin Research, €38 @strawberrynet.com. Oily types should try layering a foundation with sunscreen and a pressed powder with sunscreen, applying both liberally. To avoid irritation, sensitive types should choose fragrance-free sun creams that only use titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide as the active ingredients. Dry skin is safe with a rich SPF moisturiser, such as Estee Lauder DayWear Advanced Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant & UV Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50, €47.