Beauty expert Mary O’Donnell of the Cosmetic and Hair Restoration Clinic at the Bon Secours in Tralee, has advice on skincare and the treatments available at the Clinic…

THEY say a summer body is made in winter, the same can apply to skin care.

A lot of people work on pigmentation and age spots in the winter to be summer ready. Pigmentation is the natural colour of a person skin and is related to melanin production.

This is the perfect time of year to work on hyperpigmentation as sun is not an issue. Hyperpigmentation is characterised by the increased production and accumulation of melanin, which causes a darkened appearance to the skin in small or large areas.

Melanin protects skin cells and their DNA by absorbing the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Age spots seem to cause the most concern to people. They are caused by years of UVR exposure. Larger than freckles, they don’t fade in winter.

In the Cosmetic And Hair Restoration Clinic (CHRC) at the Bon Secours in Tralee, we have many products and treatments that work on this issue.

A consultation is the initial stage to determine the amount of treatments and suitability. IPL is particularly effective.

Normally 4-5 treatments are required and a good sunscreen is essential. We recommend to avoid a chemical sunscreen. Physical filters are more stable and maintain their ability to filter UV rays.

Physical filters sit on top of the skin and reflect and scatter most UV radiation, converting it to heat energy. One of my favourites is Alumier moisturiser matte as it has a sheer tint and gives the skin a healthy glow.

Everactive C&E +Peptide, which is a potent antioxidant serum to reduce the visible signs of ageing for all skin types.

The unique delivery system ensures 15% Vitamin C is always optimally active. Skin appears brighter and it improves skin tone and texture.

Use in the morning as the antioxidants protect and neutralise free radicals from the sun and pollution.

Eventone is the second product in the kit that contains naturally powerful pigment inhibitors and prevents new pigment formation.

This can be applied at night or morning after cleansing on face and neck and décolleté in an upward motion. Always followed with SPF in the morning.

The kit is available in CHRC for €135.

The Christmas club is now open for you to reserve your products (to give as a gift or to keep for yourself), pay towards them every week and collect nearer the big day, beautifully wrapped for Christmas. For more check out www.bonsecourschrc.ie