wonders

HISTORY fans should keep their phones close for a special TV series that will air with extra augmented reality tonight.

7 Wonders of the Ancient World will transport viewers with a simple QR code each episode to scan for virtual and immersive experiences delivered by Snapchat.

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People will be able to “explore” world-famous ancient sites across the Mediterranean and Middle East from the comfort of their living room.

This includes the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, and the Statue of Zeus at Olympia.

The show is hosted by renowned historian Bettany Hughes.

“The past is a living place, a place that’s relevant to all of us,” she said.

“Using this meticulously researched augmented reality allows viewers at home to explore right inside these ancient wonders.

“It’s an immersive experience that we hope will bring the past to life for millions.”

The three-part series launches on 5 tonight at 6.30pm.

Ecuador in South America is a country steeped in culture, rich in history and bursting with natural beauty – yet it doesn’t see many tourists. Here’s why it should be on your list

Fancy a getaway to an under-the-radar destination? Though bursting with cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, the South American gem of Ecuador tends to slip under the tourist radar but truly deserves a spot on your bucket list.

In 2023, Ecuador welcomed just shy of 1.5 million wanderers to its shores. In comparison, with a whopping 125 million holidaymakers flocking to Spain in the same timeframe, Ecuador certainly isn’t topping the charts as a travellers’ favourite. Yet, adventure gurus from Adventure Life have dished out all the insider info on why you should be writing Ecuador into your next adventure itinerary, reports the Express.

READ MORE: ‘I’m a beauty writer – the new ghd curling wand gave me perfect waves in 15 mins’

Things to do

“The archipelago consists of 19 islands and numerous smaller islets, each offering a unique glimpse into nature’s unparalleled creativity, as this unique ecosystem hosts a variety of species not found anywhere else in the world.”

The Galápagos Islands promise remarkable encounters with the animal kingdom – snorkel alongside playful sea lions or watch in awe as giant Galápagos tortoises roam their native turf. Curious explorers can join expert-guided excursions, delving into the mysteries of the islands and their extraordinary residents.

A volcanic past has sculpted the islands into an extraordinary geological tapestry, from Sullivan Bay’s black lava flows to Bartolomé Island’s spatter cones – the terrain is as diverse as its furred and feathered inhabitants.

Rainforest

The Ecuadorian Amazon, a treasure trove of biodiversity, offers guided tours through its lush greenery where visitors can marvel at exotic orchids, ancient towering trees, and an array of wildlife including vibrant macaws and the elusive jaguar.

Tourists have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture of the Amazon’s inhabitants, learning about their use of rainforest resources, traditional cuisine, and age-old ceremonies.

For the more adventurous souls, there are options to kayak along serene rivers, trek jungle paths, or zip-line across the rainforest canopy.

Nature

Nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike can ascend the formidable Cotopaxi volcano, one of the planet’s highest active volcanoes, or traverse the Quilotoa Loop with its breathtaking volcanic crater lake.

Adventure Life highlights the cultural vibrancy of the Andes, especially during the many festivals that dot the calendar. “The Andes are also alive with cultural richness, evident in the numerous festivals that fill the calendar. One of the most vibrant is the Inti Raymi, or Festival of the Sun, which celebrates the Inca sun god and marks the winter solstice with music, dancing, and ritual ceremonies,” they say.

A trip to the Andes wouldn’t be complete without delving into its market towns. Otavalo boasts one of South America’s largest and most renowned indigenous markets, brimming with handcrafted textiles, jewellery, traditional musical instruments, and artwork.

History

“You can explore significant architectural landmarks such as the ornate La Compañía de Jesús, which is adorned with gold leaf interiors, and the imposing San Francisco Church, which houses masterpieces of the Quito School of Art.”

Quito’s vibrant culinary scene is another highlight, offering everything from upscale restaurants that showcase local staples like Andean potatoes and exotic Amazonian fruits to street vendors serving up traditional empanadas and hornado.

The capital’s proximity to nature is best experienced at the nearby TelefériQo. The cable car provides stunning views over the city and ascends towards hiking paths on the Pichincha Volcano’s slopes.

“Ecuador seamlessly blends a rich history, unparalleled natural beauty, and vibrant cultural expressions into a journey that feels both timeless and essential,” according to Adventure Life.

“For those looking to explore beyond the familiar, Ecuador presents an unmatched choice of activities and scenery in which to immerse yourself.”

A BEAUTY buff has shared how she banished her forehead wrinkles for good after ageing her skin with sunbeds.

Despite long being linked to cancer and banned in countries such as Australia and Brazil, sunbeds are still popular in the UK – and in fact, it seems that their use on the rise.

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Last year, a survey by the charity Melanoma Focus found that 28 per cent of UK adults use sunbeds, rising to a whopping 43 per cent among 18 to 25-year-olds.

In another study from Skin Health Alliance, 60 per cent of young people admitted to sunbed use, with 25 per cent using them on a frequent basis.

But while just one sunbed session can increase the risk of developing squamous cell skin cancer by 67 per cent, it’s also worth remembering the skin ageing factor.

Sunbeds emit extremely high levels of UV radiation, which damages the skin’s collagen and elastin fibres, leading to wrinkles and a loss of elasticity, warned Public Health Agency.

The faux golden glow can also cause increased melanin production, leading to the formation of sun spots or age spots, which can appear as dark patches on the skin.

One former beauty buff, Chloe White, recently took to TikTok where she showed the damage caused by soaking up the harmful UV rays – as well as how she drastically improved the appearance of her skin.

”I used to use the sunbeds and it aged my skin a lot quicker than I wanted to,” the young woman said in the video where she also shared a snap of her wrinkly forehead.

As well as saying goodbye to sunbeds, Chloe began to take better care of her skin – which also included using retinol.

Ideal to start incorporating into your routine as you approach your mid to late 20s, retinol increases skin cell production.

As well as unclogging pores, it also exfoliates your skin and increases collagen production, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving your skin a fresher, plump appearance.

While the high street is full of different retinols to suit every budget, there are also more affordable options – such as
The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion Serum, £15.20 at Boots.

”Look at my forehead now – compare to that picture.

”I was actually thinking about getting Botox and I thought ‘Before I start injecting my face with things, why don’t I just try this?’

”And it was worked so, so unbelievably well for tightening up my skin.”

The blonde beauty went on: ”The only thing that I didn’t know when I started using it is that you do have to wear SPF as well, because it makes your skin more sensitive to the sun.

”But yeah, it’s worked amazing compared to what my wrinkles used to look like,” said Chloe, adding it too her just two weeks to see results.

”I actually promise I have no filter on my skin, my sister in law came over and she’s in her 30’s BEST SKIN EVER and that’s what she said she uses, never looked back,” said the TikTok who posts under the username @chloe.w.hite.

Risks of sunbeds

THE promise of a constant glowing tan is too tempting for some people to deny.

But while popping to the sunbed shop may seem harmless, people who use tanning beds should be aware of the risks.

Approximately 10 per cent of the population of Northern Europe use sunbeds on a regular basis, the World Health Organization says.

Some people use them for years on end, accumulating risk of serious disease.

We are here to give you the lowdown on sunbeds and if they are safe to use.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), sunbeds are as dangerous as smoking.

Like the sun, they give out harmful UV rays that damage the DNA in your skin cells.

Over time, this may lead to malignant melanoma – the deadliest form of skin cancer – studies have shown.

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), there is significant evidence to show that using tanning beds causes melanoma.

They report that sunbeds increase the risk of skin cancer by up to 20 per cent, and also state that they have no positive benefits to our health.

Cancer Research back this statistic, adding that ” there is no such thing as a safe tan from UV radiation”.

One study found that sunbeds can almost double the risk of cancer compared to never using them – with women 83 per cent more likely to develop the disease.

While some people think tanning beds are safer than sitting out in the midday sun, according to Cancer Research, the risk is still twice as high when compared to spending the same amount of time in the Mediterranean sun at lunch time.

The Sunbed Association claim there is not enough evidence to link sunbed use with melanoma, adding: “It is over-exposure and burning that will increase a risk of skin cancer, not responsible UV exposure.”

But the WHO says: “The majority of tanning parlours provide inadequate advice to their customers.

“The use of eye protection such as goggles or sunglasses should be mandatory.

“However, as sunbed users aim to have an even tan, they often decide against protecting any part of their body.”

Referring to the link with skin cancer, the world health experts add: “Sunbeds for self-tanning purposes have been available for the last two decades and due to the long latency period for skin cancer and eye damage it has been difficult so far to demonstrate any long-term health effects.

“Even though the causes of malignant melanoma are not fully understood, tumour development appears to be linked to occasional exposure to intense sunlight.

“Sunbeds subject their users to intermittent high exposures of UVA and UVB radiation – this may provide the ideal setting for the development of malignant skin cancer.

“However, the few epidemiological studies that have been carried out to date have not provided any consistent results.”

Despite the WHO’s cautious stance on the skin cancer link, it discourages the use of sunbeds, quoting an expert who said the use of tanning parlours is like “an industrial-scale radiation exposure experiment”.

Regardless of skin cancer, sunbeds don’t just have long-term health risks.

Users have reported a range of short-term symptoms including itching, dryness and redness of skin, freckling and photosensitivity.

Common outcomes in the longer term, especially in fair-skinned people, may involve blistering of the skin.

“Sagging and wrinkling of the skin are an almost certain price to be paid by frequent sunbed users”, the WHO says – not quite the outcome you hope for when going to the sunbed shop for a beautiful, youthful look.

How to use retinol?

The beauty bag must-have, a form of vitamin A, is to be added to your evening skincare routine – and never in the morning.

Before you use a retinol product for the first time, do a patch test on a small area of your skin to see if you have any negative reactions.

If, after a couple of days, your skin patch isn’t very red or itchy, you can safely add it to the skincare regimen.

Fabulous’ Beauty Editor, Tara Ledden, explained how to safely use this beauty bag must-have to reap the benefits.

Once you wash your face in the morning, pile on the nourishing products, too. 

The golden rule is that less is more. Less product – a pea-sized amount should cover your whole face, using more won’t make it work faster – and less frequently.

Start with one night a week, then after a few weeks, once you know your skin is tolerating it, scale up to twice a week for a few more weeks and so on.

Don’t be disheartened if your skin can only handle it every other night, you’ll still be reaping the rewards and it’s better to use it consistently over a longer period than ramp it up and have to take a break because your skin reacts.

Avoid sensitive areas, like around your eyes and lips, as that’s almost guaranteed to cause problems, and our skin is porous so enough of the product will creep towards both when applied further away.

If you’re impatient, retinal works faster than retinol – yes, one letter makes all the difference.

Both have to convert into retinoic acid before unleashing their skincare benefits, and the former is one step further in that process, which many dermatologists I’ve spoken to mean it’s also kinder to skin, and better tolerated by those of us with sensitive complexions.