Your Summer Beach Day Skin-Care Guide

Nothing says summer like a day spent relaxing at the beach. While the warm weather lends itself to time spent outdoors, the sun’s harmful UV rays can wreak havoc on skin that’s not adequately protected. To ensure your beach trip goes according to plan (read: not ruined by an awful sunburn), you’ll want to ensure that you have the right skin-care products to protect yourself.  

Skin Care Before You Hit the Beach

Before you head out to the beach on a beautiful summer day, you’ll want to prep your skin for a sun-filled day, starting with hydration. After showering and cleansing with a gentle face wash, reach for a daily facial moisturizer and body lotion and slather them on liberally. We recommend Vichy Aqualia Thermal Dynamic Hydration Rich Cream and Kiehl’s Creme de Corps.

Once you’ve moisturized, it’s time for some broad-spectrum SPF. Having a base layer of sunscreen can help ensure your skin is protected on your way to the beach, but depending on how long it takes you to actually get there, you may need to reapply. It can also be beneficial to apply your sunscreen before slipping into your bathing suit, as it is easier to miss a spot after you’re already dressed. In addition to a face and body sunscreen, such as La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Gentle Lotion, you’ll want to apply a lip balm formulated with SPF, like Kiehl’s Butterstick Lip Treatment SPF 30.

Skin Care at the Beach

Your pre-beach sunscreen application won’t last the entire day — it should be reapplied at least every two hours — so keep your SPF handy. If you notice that your skin feels a little dry throughout the day, reach for a bottle of aloe vera gel or body lotion and apply as needed.

While lounging on the sand take additional sun protection measures, like seeking shade under an awning, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and putting on protective clothing.

Skin Care After the Beach

Between the sun and the wind, your skin will certainly be in need of a little pampering at the end of a beach day. One of the first steps in post-sun skin care is cleansing to remove dirt, debris and other impurities. Reach for a refreshing cleanser with cooling properties, like Kiehl’s Cucumber Herbal Conditioning Cleanser, to calm your complexion. Follow up with a hydrating body lotion, butter or after-sun elixir, like CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, to quench skin’s thirst.

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