Summer is just around the corner, and you have been waiting all year for it! But before you head out to enjoy your first day at the beach, make sure that you prepare your skin.
This blog post will discuss how to prepare your skin for a long summer beach day to avoid sunburns and other problems.
Moisturize
Use a moisturizer to create an additional barrier on the skin. A good rule of thumb is to choose lighter products in summer as they will not be too heavy for your skin and are better for outdoor activities such as swimming or hiking.
Moisturizers are a must-have for keeping your skin healthy, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin, so make sure to keep one in your bag at all times!
Apply Sunscreen
It’s surprisingly easy to forget, but sunscreen is the number one defense against sunburns and skin cancer. Even if you’re only going outside for an hour or two, you must apply your favorite SPF before heading out the door.
This is especially important for people with fair skin and light-colored hair, as they’re more susceptible to red sunburns. If you know that your time outside will be longer or if it’s a cloudy day, think about applying sunscreen every hour.
The best sunscreens are ones that are high in SPF, broad-spectrum coverage, and water-resistant. Broad-spectrum protects against UVA and UVB rays, which can age your skin or cause cancer, respectively. Water-resistance is essential because you should apply every hour–if not sooner. So, if you’re putting yourself at risk for sweat, rain, or pool water, then make sure to reapply after those activities too.
Exfoliate Your Skin
Your skin’s surface is covered in a top layer of dead cells that gradually wear away as you go about your day. Dead skin can clog pores and trap oil, which creates pore blockages and blackheads. Exfoliation is one of the best skincare steps that removes the outermost layer of dry, flaky patches – like sand from beach-worn feet – to reveal the smoother, fresher and younger skin beneath.
Exfoliation also allows for better absorption of moisturizers and other treatments because it creates a “blank canvas” to apply your products. To exfoliate, wash your face with warm water or use a gentle cleanser appropriate for your sensitivity level, dry your skin, gently massage a gentle exfoliant over the face and neck in an upward motion with circular movements.
Pay close attention to areas such as the T-zone, where pores are more prone to becoming clogged. Let it sit for about 30 seconds while you relax before rinsing off thoroughly. Finish with a cool water rinse to tone the skin. Exfoliate every day, even if you’re not wearing heavy makeup that needs removal!
Shave or Wax if Necessary
The first preparation is to shave or wax if necessary. If you have a lot of hair, it’s going to be uncomfortable no matter what sunscreen you use. Shaving will make your skin feel smooth and protected before hitting the beach.
It also reduces irritation from sand building up on coarse hairs that poke out through clothing throughout the day. And if you’re a guy, waxing is an excellent option. It’ll feel great and reduce the amount of sand getting wedged between your toes!
If you don’t like the idea of shaving or waxing before going to the beach, it’s possible to do them after returning home as long as they don’t get wet.
Moisturize and Reapply Sunscreen Throughout the Day
If you can’t moisturize before leaving home, try to do it as soon as possible once you arrive at a sunny destination and reapply throughout the day. Sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin against UVA and UVB rays which cause sunburns, cancerous tumors, wrinkle formation, and damage to collagen and elastin.
Use sunscreen with a high SPF number on all exposed skin every two hours or after swimming in the ocean or being out for an extended period. Reapply often as well, so you don’t risk over-exposure.
More prolonged exposure to the sun can also lead to skin aging and discoloration, which is why it’s essential to wear sunscreen daily if you are an outside person or spend a lot of time in direct sunlight. You may not notice drastic changes right away, but they will happen over time. If you already have skin discoloration, it’s best to choose a sunscreen designed specifically for your skin type to protect against further damage and provide some coverage.
Be sure to protect your skin from sun damage by wearing sunscreen every day. You should apply it generously and reapply as needed, wear sunglasses or hats when outside in direct sunlight, drink lots of water to stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol consumption as it can dehydrate your skin. Remember that you are accountable for the condition of your skin, so follow these tips! You’ll be glad you did!