Headed to the beach? While you’re basking in the sun by the ocean, you’re more at risk for sunburns and sun damage than anywhere else so your skin and hair need extra TLC. Get set for summer fun in the sun with these skin, hair and makeup-saving tips that will help you stay gorgeous effortlessly on your next seaside escape!
1. Don’t Exfoliate – When you’re going to the beach, stop using exfoliating treatments a few days before. While sloughing off dead skin cells has major benefits to skin, you have to be extra careful when you’re out there baking in the sun. Using exfoliants regularly (such as Glycolic Acid) have been shown to increase sun sensitivity,making skin more susceptible to sunburns so it’s best to discontinue use of AHA’s 7 days prior to the beach.
2. Sunscreen – While sunscreen should be a year-round commitment, it’s a Must-Have at the beach. It’s best to slather on your sunscreen before getting dressed, preferably in front of a mirror so you won’t miss a spot. Be sure to apply sunscreen in the forgotten areas: hairline, ears, tops of feet, toes, eyelids. When it comes to SPF, choose an SPF 30 (I prefer a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide/titanium dioxide) and don’t forget to reapply as often as every 2 hours (even if you are sitting under an umbrella) especially after every time you hit the water. Sunscreens wear off, sweat off and wash off – applying liberally and often makes all the difference.
Still got an accidental sunburn? Soothe skin with a cold compress of equal parts whole milk and ice water until the stinging subsides. The proteins in the milk help calm inflammation.
3. Don’t neglect your scalp – Your hair is just as sensitive to sun as your skin, especially if it’s color treated or already damaged. The sun’s rays can do a number on your hair – it can fade your color, burn your scalp and even break down keratin fiber in your hair (read brittle, straw-like hair). One of the easiest ways to shield your hair and scalp is to invest in a protective UPF hat but it’s also a good idea to sun-proof your hair at the beach by using SPF sprays and stylers that will shield your scalp and strands from the damaging summer sun. Try Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil
4. Scale back your makeup – When it comes to hitting the beach, a full face of makeup is not only a big no no, it’s also very impractical, especially if you plan on going into the actual water. Trim down your makeup routine to 2-5 products, applied 15-20 minutes after sunscreen : sheer foundation/BB or CC cream, a waterproof mascara, and a tinted SPF lip balm. I actually prefer mineral makeup powders with SPF for beach days – perfect to squeeze in extra SPF and get a polished look without being too heavy for the beach. Leave high-shine glosses at home—they can actually magnify UV rays, damaging delicate lip skin.
5. Base tan myth – Think you’re protecting your skin before hitting the beach by getting a “base tan” at the tanning salon? The concept is a myth. The base tan doesn’t protect you. It’s similar to a sunscreen protection factor of 2 to 4, which is nothing. The fact is using a tanning bed for any purpose has serious health risks. So hit the beach with your natural skin color – and plenty of SPF.
Also, check out these Beach Beauty Essentials to throw in your beach bag!
Image credit – Dmitry Sunagatov; Dreamstime.com
Great tips! I have to remember the first tip about exfoliating.
You’ve reminded me that I need a new sun hat! Thank you! 🙂
Miss L Thank you!
BeHappyPolish Glad you liked the post!