Beauty & Style: Save pain, wear sunscreen

I have learned an important lesson. Last week while on holiday I made the most of the beautiful weather in Rotorua and thought I would get my tan on.

Lying outside my house in the sun without sunscreen but with baby oil to speed up the process - yes I wanted to fry my skin and having done this before, I did know it wouldn't be a wise move.

I did it anyway and was stoked when, after a few hours in the sun, I was pretty dark.

A couple of days later I noticed my arms and thighs coming up with an impressive rash.

It's itchy, weirdly coloured and of course totally ugly - not the look I had hoped for.

I knew this would happen as I do it every summer and regret it ... will I ever learn the importance of wearing sunscreen? I think I honestly have now.

Anyway, to cater for my itching skin I went to my trusty health store to pick up my favourite repair cream - East Cape Manuka Cream. I swear by this cream when I have a skin irritation. I call it a miracle cream.

Once the rash calmed down, the skin on my arms and thighs was still pretty dry.

To combat this and add a healthy glow, I've been using Nutrimetics Nutri-Rich Oil with Apricot Kernel Oil. It smells yummy, feels yummy and leaves your skin softer, smoother and intensely hydrated. Perfect for dry skin.

However, while looking after your skin after-the-fact is great, the lesson I have learned is to invest in sunscreen, apply it and use it, avoiding any more heat rashes and ugly skin issues this summer.

Having sensitive skin, I usually use sunscreen for toddlers, but it's often not strong enough.

I have now discovered Clarins Sun Wrinkle Control Cream for Face SPF 50+. It's nice and light, easy to apply and the bonus is that is smells yummy.

It gives high protection, moisturises skin and helps prevent sun-induced ageing - another bonus.

With my three favourite products right now, I'm sure to have healthy skin this summer.

My must-haves for summer:

East Cape Manuka Cream. If your skin becomes irritated by sunburn or bites, give this cream a go. It has worked wonders for me and I always have a tube on me. You can pick them up from health shops.

Nutrimetics Nutri-Rich Oil with Apricot Kernel Oil. For dry skin, indulge with this yummy product. It's perfect to hydrate dry skin. I carry it in my handbag at all times.

Clarins Sun Wrinkle Control Cream for Face SPF 50+. It's high protection, which is perfect for sensitive skin or skin exposed to a large amount of sunlight. You can even use it on your young ones.