Your Beach Day Skincare Routine
By Wander Beauty | Aug 15, 2022
Are clear blue skies and silky turquoise waters on your schedule this weekend? Get a sunkissed glow without compromising the health of your skin with our top beach day skincare tips and product recommendations.
While vitamin D and “vitamin sea” are good for both your body and soul, too much of a good thing can lead to skin dryness, damage, and signs of premature aging. We’ve all been to the beach, hoping to get a sultry summer tan and effortlessly cool hair waves, only to return home three shades redder and unable to leave the house for the next few days. To avoid this, it’s essential to care for your skin and hair not only while at the beach but before and after too. Voyage with us as we take a look at how to do just that.
Pre-beach preparation
Prep your skin
Because the ocean and UV rays from the sun can dry out skin, your pre-beach basic skincare routine should be geared towards hydration. To prepare your skin for a day of sun, sand, and salt water, use a gentle cleanser followed by a serum or toner that contains hyaluronic acid, such as the Mist Connection Essence and Toner, which can hold 1,000 times its weight in water, helping to stimulate collagen and elastin production while hydrating your skin. Next, apply a moisturizer that contains humectants, which draw water to the skin’s surface and seal in that hydration, providing you with a moisture barrier to protect your skin. Our favorite is the Dive In™ Moisturizer, which is available in a travel-sized version too, so that you can use it whenever you need. Opt for hypoallergenic products so that sun exposure does not cause skin hypersensitivity.<product>1,2</product>
The last step to your pre-beach skincare routine is, of course, sunscreen. If you’re using a face cream with SPF, be sure that it provides a sun protection factor of at least 30. It’s best to apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before you plan on arriving at the beach to give it time to absorb.
Wet your hair
Wetting your hair with fresh water before submerging yourself in the ocean will help prevent your hair from absorbing excessive amounts of salt, which will dry it out. Applying a leave-in conditioner will have the same effect. You can do this in the shower at home, or at the beach if there’s a public shower available. Keep a spray bottle filled with fresh water with you so that you can rinse out some of the salt water after swimming too.
Avoid exfoliating and waxing
You may have heard that exfoliating before going to the beach will help maximize the lifespan of your tan. Unfortunately, this is more likely to increase the likelihood of burn and irritation. Because exfoliation opens up the pores and gets rid of old skin cells, it exposes a new, more delicate skin, which is, in turn, more sensitive and susceptible to burn. While it’s still important to exfoliate, we recommend doing so a few days prior to your beach trip so your skin can settle down.
You’ll also want to avoid any treatment using retinol or AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids), which exfoliate the skin chemically, up to three days before. Waxing 24 hours prior is another big no-no, as it removes an entire layer of skin, which could lead to prolonged discomfort and even skin infections.
Caring for your skin at the beach
Reapply sunscreen regularly
Be sure to reapply your sunscreen every two hours, as well as after swimming (if your sunscreen isn’t water-resistant). When swimming in the ocean, we recommend using a
mineral sunscreen, which has been scientifically proven to be more environmentally friendly than chemical sunscreens. Mineral-based formulas are also the best sunscreen option for people with any skin issues, including acne, eczema, or psoriasis, as well as those with chemical or skin sensitivities.
While it’s always a good idea to invest in the best face sunscreen, don’t make the mistake of neglecting your ears, lips, chest and shoulders, hands and feet, and any other areas of your body that are likely to get sun exposure.
Avoid the sun during the hottest hours of the day
Avoid the desire to bake in the sun, especially during the peak hours between 10 am and 4 pm. Do this by setting up a beach umbrella and enjoying the vibe from the safety of the shade. You should also wear a wide-brimmed hat when walking along the beach, and carry a sarong or kimono with you to keep your body covered while walking around or playing beach volleyball while the sun is at its hottest and most dangerous.
Stay hydrated
Because of the heat, it’s easy to become dehydrated when at the beach. Dehydration will cause the skin to appear dull and increase the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Drinking enough water can help retain skin elasticity, tone, and appearance. Make sure you pack a cooler box filled with fruit and other juicy, vitamin- and mineral-rich foods, as well as plenty of water. Drinks that contain electrolytes, such as coconut water, are even better at optimizing hydration levels.
Post-beach skincare
Cleanse and rehydrate
After your day at the beach, be sure to replenish any lost moisture with a great face cream for women. Start off by gently washing your body and face using the best face cleanser for a dry face (making sure you completely remove all sunscreen and sand), and then applying a face cream for dry skin to hydrate your skin and replenish its natural elasticity. Avoid scrubbing or using loofahs, as your skin may be slightly more sensitive than usual. Antioxidant-rich face and body wash will nourish your skin, so opt for products that contain natural ingredients.
Soothe your skin
If you get a little sunburnt, aloe vera, or products that contain aloe vera extract, will help cool and soothe the skin. Our Sight C-er Vitamin C Concentrate calms the skin with antioxidants vitamin E and kakadu plum extract, and rehydrates with the help of hyaluronic acid complex, giving your skin a plump, radiant appearance. You may also want to apply a hydrating mask, which will quench your skin overnight, so you wake up feeling refreshed and revitalized. <product>3</product>
Do a hair mask
Always wash your hair after swimming in the ocean to rid it of any salt that may have accumulated. Follow your normal shampoo with either a deep condition – leaving the product on for five to 10 minutes – or better yet, apply a hair mask for 20 minutes for silky, hydrated, frizz-free locks.
Enjoy both the beach and beautiful skin with Wander Beauty
Wander Beauty’s Mini Must-Haves and plant-packed formulas give you access to the best-quality skin, hair, and makeup products, wherever you wander. Check out The Wanderess Edit for more expert guidance on all things beauty.
Your Beach Day Skincare Routine
Are clear blue skies and silky turquoise waters on your schedule this weekend? Get a sunkissed glow without compromising the health of your skin with our top beach day skincare tips and product recommendations.
While vitamin D and “vitamin sea” are good for both your body and soul, too much of a good thing can lead to skin dryness, damage, and signs of premature aging. We’ve all been to the beach, hoping to get a sultry summer tan and effortlessly cool hair waves, only to return home three shades redder and unable to leave the house for the next few days. To avoid this, it’s essential to care for your skin and hair not only while at the beach but before and after too. Voyage with us as we take a look at how to do just that.
Pre-beach preparation
Prep your skin
Because the ocean and UV rays from the sun can dry out skin, your pre-beach basic skincare routine should be geared towards hydration. To prepare your skin for a day of sun, sand, and salt water, use a gentle cleanser followed by a serum or toner that contains hyaluronic acid, such as the Mist Connection Essence and Toner, which can hold 1,000 times its weight in water, helping to stimulate collagen and elastin production while hydrating your skin. Next, apply a moisturizer that contains humectants, which draw water to the skin’s surface and seal in that hydration, providing you with a moisture barrier to protect your skin. Our favorite is the Dive In™ Moisturizer, which is available in a travel-sized version too, so that you can use it whenever you need. Opt for hypoallergenic products so that sun exposure does not cause skin hypersensitivity.<product>1,2</product>
The last step to your pre-beach skincare routine is, of course, sunscreen. If you’re using a face cream with SPF, be sure that it provides a sun protection factor of at least 30. It’s best to apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before you plan on arriving at the beach to give it time to absorb.
Wet your hair
Wetting your hair with fresh water before submerging yourself in the ocean will help prevent your hair from absorbing excessive amounts of salt, which will dry it out. Applying a leave-in conditioner will have the same effect. You can do this in the shower at home, or at the beach if there’s a public shower available. Keep a spray bottle filled with fresh water with you so that you can rinse out some of the salt water after swimming too.
Avoid exfoliating and waxing
You may have heard that exfoliating before going to the beach will help maximize the lifespan of your tan. Unfortunately, this is more likely to increase the likelihood of burn and irritation. Because exfoliation opens up the pores and gets rid of old skin cells, it exposes a new, more delicate skin, which is, in turn, more sensitive and susceptible to burn. While it’s still important to exfoliate, we recommend doing so a few days prior to your beach trip so your skin can settle down.
You’ll also want to avoid any treatment using retinol or AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids), which exfoliate the skin chemically, up to three days before. Waxing 24 hours prior is another big no-no, as it removes an entire layer of skin, which could lead to prolonged discomfort and even skin infections.
Caring for your skin at the beach
Reapply sunscreen regularly
Be sure to reapply your sunscreen every two hours, as well as after swimming (if your sunscreen isn’t water-resistant). When swimming in the ocean, we recommend using a
mineral sunscreen, which has been scientifically proven to be more environmentally friendly than chemical sunscreens. Mineral-based formulas are also the best sunscreen option for people with any skin issues, including acne, eczema, or psoriasis, as well as those with chemical or skin sensitivities.
While it’s always a good idea to invest in the best face sunscreen, don’t make the mistake of neglecting your ears, lips, chest and shoulders, hands and feet, and any other areas of your body that are likely to get sun exposure.
Avoid the sun during the hottest hours of the day
Avoid the desire to bake in the sun, especially during the peak hours between 10 am and 4 pm. Do this by setting up a beach umbrella and enjoying the vibe from the safety of the shade. You should also wear a wide-brimmed hat when walking along the beach, and carry a sarong or kimono with you to keep your body covered while walking around or playing beach volleyball while the sun is at its hottest and most dangerous.
Stay hydrated
Because of the heat, it’s easy to become dehydrated when at the beach. Dehydration will cause the skin to appear dull and increase the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Drinking enough water can help retain skin elasticity, tone, and appearance. Make sure you pack a cooler box filled with fruit and other juicy, vitamin- and mineral-rich foods, as well as plenty of water. Drinks that contain electrolytes, such as coconut water, are even better at optimizing hydration levels.
Post-beach skincare
Cleanse and rehydrate
After your day at the beach, be sure to replenish any lost moisture with a great face cream for women. Start off by gently washing your body and face using the best face cleanser for a dry face (making sure you completely remove all sunscreen and sand), and then applying a face cream for dry skin to hydrate your skin and replenish its natural elasticity. Avoid scrubbing or using loofahs, as your skin may be slightly more sensitive than usual. Antioxidant-rich face and body wash will nourish your skin, so opt for products that contain natural ingredients.
Soothe your skin
If you get a little sunburnt, aloe vera, or products that contain aloe vera extract, will help cool and soothe the skin. Our Sight C-er Vitamin C Concentrate calms the skin with antioxidants vitamin E and kakadu plum extract, and rehydrates with the help of hyaluronic acid complex, giving your skin a plump, radiant appearance. You may also want to apply a hydrating mask, which will quench your skin overnight, so you wake up feeling refreshed and revitalized. <product>3</product>
Do a hair mask
Always wash your hair after swimming in the ocean to rid it of any salt that may have accumulated. Follow your normal shampoo with either a deep condition – leaving the product on for five to 10 minutes – or better yet, apply a hair mask for 20 minutes for silky, hydrated, frizz-free locks.
Enjoy both the beach and beautiful skin with Wander Beauty
Wander Beauty’s Mini Must-Haves and plant-packed formulas give you access to the best-quality skin, hair, and makeup products, wherever you wander. Check out The Wanderess Edit for more expert guidance on all things beauty.
