In a candid new interview, Tana Ramsay, the wife of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, has opened up about living with a lifelong skin condition, sharing a mortifying experience that occurred at a pharmacy.
The Pharmacy Question That Left Her Mortified
Tana, 51, spoke to The Times about her experience with melasma, a common condition causing brown or grey-brown patches, typically on the face, which can be triggered by sun exposure. The mother-of-six recalled the unforgettable moment her condition was pointed out in public. "I’ll never forget going into a pharmacy and the woman behind the counter asking what the stains on my face were," she revealed.
Melasma predominantly affects women and can be caused by hormonal changes, genetics, and sunlight. Reflecting on her past, Tana offered stern advice for her youngest daughter, Tilly: stay out of the sun. "Gordon and I used to bake. Now I have melasma," she stated, highlighting the condition's potential link to past sun exposure.
A Family Affair: Skincare and Strict Routines
This experience has made Tana vigilant about sun protection. She now never leaves the house without applying Klira The Dayscript SPF50. Her commitment extends to a steadfast beauty routine; once she finds a product she loves, she rarely deviates. "It’s impossible to get Mum to change anything. She has worn the same things for ever," said her 24-year-old daughter Tilly, who acts as the family's "product discoverer."
The Ramsays' skincare is a collaborative effort. Tilly has introduced her parents to newer trends like Rhode Peptide Eye Prep patches and Sarah Chapman sheet masks during trips abroad. Gordon Ramsay even humorously interrupted their girls-only Zoom call for the interview, popping his head in to comment on "those scary white sheet masks!"
"Dad can’t cope that he’s not invited to this interview," Tilly laughed. Tana admitted these modern rituals are new to her. "We never did anything like that when I was growing up, but now people pose with them on Instagram. And I think, all right, maybe I can."
Managing Melasma: Medical Advice and Personal Wishes
According to the British Association of Dermatologists and the NHS, managing melasma involves a combination of precautions and treatments. Key advice includes:
- Using high-SPF sunscreen daily.
- Wearing protective clothing and avoiding peak sun hours.
- Medical treatments like prescription creams containing hydroquinone or retinoids (avoided in pregnancy), azelaic acid, or vitamin C.
- Procedures such as chemical peels or laser therapy, performed by qualified professionals (typically not available on the NHS).
- Skin camouflage creams to hide patches and improve quality of life.
On a lighter note, at the top of Tana's personal wish list are the sold-out Victoria Beckham The Foundation Drops (£104). Despite being friends with the designer, who attended her eldest daughter Holly's wedding to Adam Peaty, Tana insisted on waiting to buy them properly rather than seeking a favour.
Gordon and Tana Ramsay have been married since December 1996 after meeting in the early 1990s. They share six children: Megan, Holly, Jack, Tilly, Oscar, and Jesse James, and often offer the public glimpses into their close-knit family life.
