Vichy Aqualia Adds The All-important SPF

We beaut.ies heralded last summer's Vichy Aqualia launch. A broad-spectrum hydrating solution, it was designed for anyone who needs that extra little kick of moisture. That'll be most of us, so.

I went to France for the launch of the range, and it was incredibly exciting - at one point we were even helicoptered down off a dormant mountain from which the Vichy water springs, and we were wined, dined and treated to therapeutic treatments in the famous Vichy spa.

But one thing was missing. An SPF. At the time I asked the question, and we were told that products with SPF would be coming on-stream within the next year. And here they are - very timely for all our recent chats about sunscreen, eh?

Aqualia Thermal UV, at €22.50, is a light oil-free moisturiser that provides a protection factor of 15. So why should we be using products with sunscreen? Dr Kay Baxter, Dermatologist at “Foundation Skin” Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, points out that as skin is exposed to UV radiation on a daily basis, SPF is essential. "Adequate protection is especially important as both UVA and UVB radiation can damage the skin. UVA has a longer wavelength than UVB and penetrates the skin deeper. UVA can also pass through windows in the home or in the car", she reveals, adding, "ensure your daily UV protection product offers good protection against both types of UVR. UVB protection of a product is indicated by its SPF (sun protection factor) and its UVA protection by the PPD (permanent pigment darkening)".

So, there you have it - and in particular, this is a great product for those in their 20s who don't yet need heavy duty anti-agers, but who will definitely benefit from extra hydration plus the inclusion of the SPF.