Going To The Beach? 10 Ways To Keep Your Skin Safe From Damage

Summer will never ever be complete without embarking on a beach getaway. Next, to giving you that nice sun-kissed glow, a quick beach escape can help improve your physical and mental wellness as well. However, you should always be mindful that spending more time under the sun can do more harm than good for your looks and skin health.

Want to enjoy a fun beach vacation without the fear of damage? Here are 10 things you should do for your skin before, during, and after going to the beach.

1. Stop using AHA’s and chemical peels

If you’re anticipating a beach getaway in a few weeks, it’s a must to stop using exfoliants immediately. Or at least 7 days before going to the beach. While exfoliants, like glycolic acid, and other chemical peeling agents help renew your skin, they drastically increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun.

2. Be mindful of your other medicines

Aside from the skin care products you apply topically, you should also check other prescriptions that could be highly photosensitive. Some of the medications that make you extra sensitive to the sun include antibiotics and acne medications. Ask your doctor today about them and what you can do to prevent the damage.

3. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize

The sun + saltwater combo can dry out your skin big time. Make sure to slather on your favorite moisturizer before and after going to the beach keep your skin hydrated. For added protection, pick a moisturizer with SPF (or sunscreen with moisturizer).

4. Sunscreen is a must

If you’re willing to spend extra for that lovely bathing suit, then you should be fine with purchasing a high-quality sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more.

The SPF number is a factor but it’s not the most important thing. It’s how often and generously you apply sunscreen. Apply sunscreen all over your face and body, and make sure to reapply every 2 hours. Make sure to include these commonly forgotten areas: hairline, ears, eyelids, front and back of your neck, behind the knees, toes, and tops of the feet.

5. Protect the skin with sun protection gears

It’s a no brainer – the more covered you are, the less sun damage you’ll incur.

If your skin is extremely sensitive to the sun, then consider ditching skimpy suits and wearing the most stylish rash guard you can find. When taking a stroll along the shore or riding a roofless boat during the sun’s peak hours (10 am – 2 pm), wear full-bodied maxi dresses, hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses, and use umbrellas.

6. Drink lots of water

The perfect mix of the sun, wind, and salt water is enough to dehydrate you. Make things worse by drinking alcohol and other dehydrating drinks, like coffee. Not only you’ll feel thirstier than ever – your dehydrated skin and hair are more likely to incur damage from the sun.

7. Rinse off saltwater thoroughly

In case you didn’t know, saltwater has got some surprising beauty benefits, especially if you’re prone to acne and other skin conditions. The salt in the ocean water wards off acne-causing bacteria works to treat infections, and even promote the healing process. It can freshen your breath too when used as a mouthwash.

However, seawater can also be very dehydrating. Make sure to rinse off after swimming and wash with a refreshing cleanser.

8. Take cool baths

Summer is the best time to skip water heaters and enjoy cool baths. Hot water is notorious for damaging and drying out the skin and hair – something your post-beach state can’t afford to take.

9. Care for your sunburn

Let’s say you went a little careless with your pre-beach skin care routine and got sunburns. Yikes. The worst you could do is to apply products that would aggravate your sunburn even more.

Aloe vera is one of the best remedies for sunburn. The aloe vera extract helps cool down your skin and relieve the burn, whether it’s from a freshly picked plant from your garden or a bottled gel.

Then, make sure to avoid harsh skin care products and cosmetics. Steer clear of any active acne treatment or anti-aging products for now, including exfoliating agents and alcohol-based treatments.

Lastly, always make sure to seal in moisture day and night. Opt for a fragrance-free and non-irritating face and body moisturizer.

10. Don’t forget your hair

Your crowning glory requires TLC too.  Apply an oil spray or leave-in conditioner before immersing in the sea. If you don’t have these hair care products, make sure to wet your hair first with fresh water before jumping in. These tricks help prevent your hair from absorbing sea salt right away.

Post beach care: Wash your hair with a moisturizing and clarifying shampoo. Slather on conditioner too. Lastly, use fresh, cold water when rinsing your hair.

Author Bio: Carmina Natividad is a resident writer for Géniale Skin Cancer Clinic, a medical aesthetic and skin cancer institute, providing top of the line services from industry-leading skin cancer treatments to innovative medical aesthetic procedures. She writes articles focusing on cosmetic, medical, and surgical care, and wellness.