Words by Thomas Lee Brooks — Junior Fashion Editor
The sun is out, lockdown is easing, and summer is here! We all get excited for the iced teas and the once a year opportunity to tan our bodies under the UK heat. However, as always, I will be harping on about what matters most for 365 days of the year, especially during this season: sun protection.
Catching up from the previous article with Bioderma’s Pigmentbio range, it is becoming clear that hyperpigmentation is being emphasised this year. In the UK, we hardly have the seasons to enjoy any exposure to the sun, with Esthederm’s Bronz Repair range, we have been able to tan safely and UVA/B‑free. However, Estherderm has now introduced a new line focusing on hyperpigmentation: The Photo Reverse. It’s hidden in the name – this product helps those with sensitive skin not only be safe from sun exposure, but from photoaging. What is photoaging, you say? Photoaging is a process whereby one is aging extrinsically. Extrinsic ageing is caused by external factors to your dermis, whether it is pollution, cigarette smoke and most importantly ultra-violet radiation. The opposite of this is intrinsic aging, simply the declination process of your skin that is genetically determined. You may be inclined to explore Esthederm’s Photo Reverse and Bronz Repair range further if you google the photographic differences between both intrinsic and extrinsic aging.

What makes Photo Reverse even more special is Esthederm’s Global Cellular Protection Technology. This patented technology sits at the heart of every product that Esthederm produces, maintaining your skin’s life and qualities. This is the technology that takes the range a step further to tackle photoaging. For further information on this, click here.
At OVERDUE, we had the opportunity to try their Tinted Moisturisers for both Photo Reverse and Bronz Repair. Interestingly, having two products with different aims gave me an idea. My skin type doesn’t suffer from hyperpigmentation from sun exposure, however my mother, who is South East Asian does occasionally suffer from this. Thus, to play with these products fairly, my mother wore the Photo Reverse Tinted Moisturiser whilst I wore the Bronz Repair Tinted Moisturiser. This worked perfectly as I had darker skin than my mother too! During the hottest days, it was prime time to take these products for a test drive.

What was my verdict for Bronz Repair? The Tinted Moisturiser was very easy to blend with even coverage, having spent 6 hours outside, I had no irritation to my skin. I was able to remain sun kissed without reaping the harsh consequences of UV rays. The most important verdict was my mother’s. The Photo Reverse range takes a step further than Bronz Repair; the range targets those who are very sensitive to the sun. To paraphrase my mother, she felt confident using the Photo Reverse Tinted Moisturiser, although she isn’t used to wearing tint to the skin with such ease – this was a delight for her! Not only could my dear mother halt photoaging and those darn dark spots that appear during the hot days, she felt more confident with a bit of tint to the skin whilst maintaining a natural complexion.
These products are available in the UK, such as Look Fantastic.
The perfect sun protection products from Esthederm and sister brand Bioderma, suggested by OVERDUE:
Bioderma Sun Mist Protective Body Lotion Protective Face Care Bioderma Aquafluid for sensitive skin.
Esthederm UK — @esthedermuk
Bioderma UK — @biodermauk