The beach bum's guide to skin care

Spending time at the beach this summer? Learn how to care for your skin before, during, and after a beach trip with our beach bum’s guide to summer skin care, ahead.

Nothing says summer like a day spent relaxing at the beach. And while the warm weather lends itself to time spent outdoors, the sun’s harmful UV rays can certainly can wreak havoc on skin that’s not adequately protected. To ensure your beach trip goes according to plan—i.e. is not ruined by an awful sunburn—you’ll want to ensure that you have the right skin care game plan to protect your body’s largest organ. Curious to know more? Keep reading for our beach bum’s guide to summer skin care. 

BEFORE YOU HIT THE BEACH

Before you head to the beach on a beautiful summer day, you’ll want to ensure that you have not only packed your beach bag with sun care essentials—i.e. an umbrella, a sun hat, aloe vera gel, and most importantly Broad Spectrum SPF—but you have also prepped your skin for a sun-filled day, too, starting with hydration. After showering and cleansing your complexion with a gentle face wash, reach for your daily facial moisturizer and body lotion and slather them on liberally.

Try: Vichy Aqualia Thermal Dynamic Hydration Rich Cream ($31 MSRP) & Kiehl’s Creme de Corps ($11-$75 MSRP)

Once you’ve moisturized, it’s time for some Broad Spectrum SPF. Now, depending on how long it takes you to actually get to the beach, you may need to reapply sunscreen by the time you get there. But, having a base layer of sunscreen can help ensure your skin is protected on your way there. Also, it can be beneficial to apply your sunscreen before slipping into your bikini, as it can be easier to miss a spot after you’ve dressed. So, before you throw on your swimwear, make sure you apply sunscreen on all areas that will be exposed to sunlight throughout the day. In addition to face and body sunscreen, you may also want to consider applying a layer of lip balm formulated with SPF to protect your pout, too.

Try: La Roche-Posay Anthelios AOX Daily SPF 50 Sunscreen (42.50 MSRP) & La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 60 Spray Sunscreen (35.99 MSRP)

Now that your skin is moisturized and protected with Broad Spectrum SPF, it’s time to hit the beach!

SKIN CARE AT THE BEACH

Think your pre-beach sunscreen application will last the entire day? Think again! Sunscreen in general should be reapplied often (at least every two hours). To ensure that your skin is protected, you should reapply sunscreen after every dip and as often as recommended on the back of your sunscreen bottle 

If you notice that your skin is a little dry throughout the day, reach for a bottle of aloe vera gel—or, your body lotion, if you remembered to toss it in your bag—and apply it to the areas that need it.

Try: Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Light-Weight Body Lotion ($25 MSRP)

Editor’s note: There’s currently no sunscreen on the market that can fully protect your skin against harmful UV rays. For the best line of protection, we recommend pairing your sunscreen applications with additional sun protection measures. Seek shade under an awning, wear a wide-brimmed hat and protective clothing, and avoid peak sun hours when the rays are most powerful.

SKIN CARE AFTER THE BEACH

Between all that sun and wind, our skin could certainly use a little pampering after a day at the beach.

One of the first steps in post-sun skin care is cleansing. Cleansing your skin after a day at the beach helps remove dirt, debris, and impurities that can wreak havoc over time. Reach for your favorite gentle facial cleanser and get to work. Don’t forget to extend the cleansing love to your body skin in the shower as well! 

Try: Kiehl’s Cucumber Herbal Conditioning Cleanser ($24 MSRP) & Kiehl's Bath and Shower Liquid Body Cleanser ($20-$48 MSRP)

Once your skin is clean, reach for a cooling face mask and apply it to your complexion. While your face mask does its thing, apply a hydrating body lotion, butter, or an after-sun elixir to the rest of your body. After the recommended amount of time, remove the face mask and move on to your usual skin care regimen.

Try: Biotherm Sun After Body Cream ($35 MSRP) & SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Masque ($57 MSRP)