Holidays at sea: the pros and cons for the skin

While you are relaxing on the beach, the skin is not very happy: sea water dries it, the sun’s rays provoke photoaging. Although not everything is so simple – there are sea holidays and pleasant surprises for the skin.

How does a beach holiday affect your skin?

In general, vacations at sea have a positive effect on the skin. But any whole has particulars, we will deal with them.

Sea water

If you have ever been on a boat trip, for example, on a boat, then you definitely remember this feeling of fresh skin. The sea air has a beneficial effect on her.

But after swimming in the sea, it is not in vain that it is recommended to take a shower to wash off the sea salt. Otherwise, you risk getting a feeling of tightness and dryness.

Sun

In the relationship of the skin with the sun, too, not everything is clear. On the one hand, ultraviolet light synthesizes vitamin D. On the other hand, it is the sun’s rays that are the culprits of photoaging and the main cause of age spots. You have to defend yourself.

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Summer vacation for different skin types

To get a beautiful tan, choose the right sunscreen ©Getty Image

You are probably already familiar with the concept of phototypes (if not, read this article). But skin type is equally important. If it is dry, then at sea it will need additional moisture; sensitive – with a high degree of probability will require soothing formulas, combined will require special care, depending on whether it begins to show a tendency to a dry or oily type.

Normal skin

Perhaps, after swimming in the sea and sunbathing, the skin experiences dryness. This is unpleasant, but understandable: while you are drying on the shore, water, evaporating from the skin, draws water from its surface. And microcrystals of salt also work like a magnifying glass, exacerbating dryness.

To get the most out of sea baths, rinse with fresh water immediately after swimming, and apply sunscreen to prevent sunburn. When choosing, be guided by the SPF value and the letters PPD or UVA on the package. this label means that the product protects the skin from type A rays as well.

Spray veil for face and body Anthelios XL 50+ with a very high degree of protection, SPF 50+ / PPD 37, La Roche-Posay

The filter system, together with antioxidants, guarantees photostable protection against the negative effects of UVA/UVB rays. Contains La Roche-Posay thermal water rich in selenium.

Ultra-light facial fluid Anthelios, SPF 50+, La Roche-Posay

Provides comfort and a high degree of protection thanks to the Mexoplex broad spectrum solar filter system. The formula is supplemented with tocopherol and thermal water.

Ambre Solaire “Perfect Tan”, SPF 30, Garnier

Promotes the production of melanin in the skin and, in addition to sun protection, provides an even and quick tan.

Oily and problematic skin

It would seem that for such skin the sea is a friend and helper. Minerals contained in sea salt strengthen and heal, help to minimize inflammation. But in fact, it is people with oily problem skin who, after vacations on the coast, face troubles: acne can worsen, new inflammations appear.

Doctors blame the sun for everything, which reduces skin immunity and causes hyperkeratosis (thickening of the stratum corneum of the epidermis). So if your skin is prone to problems, then it is better to choose a vacation route more northerly.

If you still decide to go south, do not forget about sunscreen cosmetics.

  • Choose products labeled “for oily skin”.

  • Update protection every 2 hours.

  • Be sure to wash off the rest of the cream when you return from the beach.

  • Immediately after this, apply products that soothe the skin and restore its hydrolipidic mantle. In their composition, look for aloe extract, vitamin E, allantoin, urea.

Anthelios Mattifying Sun Gel Cream, SPF 50+/PPD 21, La Roche Posay

Provides maximum sun protection, combats shine & prevents imperfections.

After-sun spray with cactus extract Ambre Solaire, Garnier

Easy to apply, quickly absorbed, soothes and moisturizes the skin for 24 hours. Delicate texture is very refreshing.

Sun lotion for face and body Activated Sun Protector for Face and Body, SPF 30, Kiehl’s

Contains a sun filter system fortified with vitamin E. As a result, it provides broad spectrum protection against short and long UV rays (UVA/UVB). Helps retain moisture in the skin.

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What are the rules to follow while on vacation?

  • Go to the beach from 8.00 to 11.00 or after 17.00. In between, solar activity is too high.

  • Apply SPF generously. Renew your sunscreen every two hours and after swimming.

  • Choose waterproof products with SPF that protect your skin while you bathe. Water refracts rays and enhances the effect of ultraviolet radiation.

  • Take a shower after swimming in the sea.

How to choose a sunscreen, says Vichy expert Ekaterina Turubara.

  • The abbreviation UVA in a circle or the inscription Broad Spectrum on the package indicates that the product protects against sun rays of types A and B. That is, it prevents not only burns, but also photoaging.

  • Sunscreens include both mineral and chemical filters. The recommendation of dermatologists is to choose formulas that contain both types.

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