Finally, you are at the sea, and you can, with a clear conscience, lie on the beach, swim and not think about anything at all, except for relaxation. Although something is still worth thinking about: how to provide the skin with such care so that you can tan beautifully and not harm your health.
Skin care before the beach
In the list of indispensable procedures before the beach – skin peeling. ©Getty Image
Start preparing for a beach holiday not the day before the trip, but at least a couple of weeks in advance. Here’s what you should definitely do.
Exfoliate the body
Scrubs are suitable for peeling at home, which, in addition to abrasive particles from apricot kernels, salt and sugar crystals, have caring components:
valuable oils (Olive, shea, jojoba, coconut oils are especially good – they soften and nourish the skin);
caring and protective components (zinc, allantoin, panthenol have an effective restorative effect);
moisturizing and softening ingredients (vitamin E and other antioxidants fight age-related skin changes, neutralize the harm of ultraviolet radiation).
Whatever the “star” composition of the scrub, you should not use it every day. The norm for dry skin – once a week, for oily and combination – twice a week.
Body Scrub “Precious Beauty Scrub”, Garnier
The crushed shell of the fruit of the argan tree gently removes dead cells. Argan, almond, macadamia, rose oils nourish, soften, and make the skin velvety.
Soft body scrub with soy milk and honey aroma, Kiehl’s
Contains chamomile extract, aloe vera juice and coriander oil, gently exfoliates the skin, makes it smooth and does not overdry.
Enhance hydration
This is the number one item in summer skin care, especially if you are going to hot countries.
“For effective moisturizing, it is important that the composition of the cosmetic product includes moisture-retaining components (glycerin, hyaluronic acid), as well as components that restore the protective barrier of the skin and thereby prevent excessive evaporation of water,” says Natalia Medvedeva, dermatologist, medical expert of the brand CeraVe.
Moisturizing gel for an even tone and smooth skin texture Brightening and Smoothing Moisture Treatment, Kiehl’s
Vitamin C brightens the complexion, while glycolic acid effectively exfoliates the skin. Can be used both in the evening and in the morning. But then do not forget to use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least SPF 50.
Moisturizing lotion for dry and very dry skin of the face and body, CeraVe
Thanks to its light texture, the product is evenly distributed and instantly comforts the skin. The formula with hyaluronic acid and ceramides moisturizes and restores the skin throughout the day.
Beach Skin Care
Apply body sunscreen 20 minutes in advance. before leaving the house. ©Getty Image
The first days in the sun are the most pleasant (a whole vacation is ahead), but also the most dangerous in terms of our relationship with ultraviolet radiation. You can read about how to sunbathe properly in this article. And to make the process as safe as possible, do not forget to put sunscreen in your beach bag. Reapply protection every two hours and after every swim, especially if towel dried.
When choosing a product, or rather, the degree of protection, remember: for the first few days you will need a high SPF 50+ factor, and as soon as the skin is covered with a light tan, you can use a cream with SPF 20 or 30.
Also, don’t forget what matters:
your phototype;
skin type;
actual problems (pigmented spots, acne, irritation).
Anthelios Ultralight Facial Fluid, SPF 50+/PPD 46, La Roche-Posay
Protects against broad spectrum radiation (rays types A and B), withstands 4 baths of 20 minutes each, prevents photoaging and photodermatitis.
Sunscreen Ambre Solaire “Expert Protection”, SPF 50+, Garnier
A non-greasy, waterproof face and body cream that protects sensitive skin with a hypoallergenic formula. It is perfectly absorbed, does not leave a greasy film.
Skin care after the beach
Try to take a shower right after the beach to wash off any salt and sunscreen leftovers. ©Getty Image
Take your time to run about your business right after the beach. Take a shower first. There is an opinion that if every time after the sea to clean the skin of salt, sand and sunscreen with a soft washcloth, then each subsequent layer of tan will lie down more evenly and last longer. At the same time, do not forget about additional skin hydration.
And don’t be fooled by the fact that you haven’t been burned because your skin hasn’t turned red.
“There may not be a sunburn, but there is still inflammation, since it is at the site of the inflammatory reaction that the long-awaited bronze skin tone is formed,” explains Elena Eliseeva, medical expert at Vichy.
Be sure to use after-sun cream when you are on vacation. Typically, these products contain powerful moisture-retaining and emollient active substances.
Revitalizing after-sun face and body Posthelios, La Roche-Posay
Restores the skin of the face and body after the sun. Apply immediately after shower.