With the summer season upon us, it’s time to start preparing for our self-care after those long sunny days at the beach! Being in the sun and the salt water all day can be a bit harsh on the skin, so it is important to give extra care at the end of the day.
I recently just got back from visiting Florida, and from personal experience of super long days spent at the beach in the sun, the following tips are essential!
Here are a few ways you can take care of your skin and hair post-beach day:
Take a cooling shower
A cooling shower with gentle yet effective products will remove sunscreen and buildup from the day, yet not stress the skin out with warm/hot water. If you can’t stick to a strictly cooling shower, you can alternate between warm to cool water.
Apply a rich and soothing moisturizer
A rich and soothing moisturizer replenishes the skin with nourishing ingredients after a day that has caused some stress on your skin. You can find nourishing products formulated with high quality ingredients online, such as a the Blue Lagoon cream for dry skin that is made with seawater rich in minerals. There is also the focused ‘hydrating cream’, a more lightweight cream, as well as a rich rejuvenating cream.
Apply an oil and leave in conditioner to hair
Hair oil and leave-in conditioner are ultra-enriching and hydrating products to use to give your hair some love after a day at the beach. They are leave in products so your hair can absorb it over time after application. Depending on how thick or fine your hair is, use a weighted product accordingly so that you nourish your hair but don’t weigh it down. You can put your hair in a loose braid with a loose tie afterwards so it doesn’t contribute to breakage while it’s absorbing the product and recovering from the day.
Soothe lips
First things first, don’t forget to wear lip sunscreen as well! There are dedicated products for those so you aren’t using your face sunscreen but a dedicated product and degree of protection for your lips. After time in the sun, salt water and sand, incorporate a gentle cream or oil-based wash to remove the sunscreen from your lips, then apply your favorite occlusive lip balm or oil to add in hydration.
Make sure to drink lots of water
Water is SO essential, especially when you are spending significant time outside in the sun. Drink lots of water after your day at the beach to rehydrate, and also remember to do so before and during as well! Your skin and hair (not to mention the rest of your body and health) are significantly impacted by your level of hydration, so this is essential.
While these are some helpful skin and hair care tips to use for after a day at the beach, it is critical to remember throughout the day to wear sunscreen and protect your skin. You can also get a dedicated hair care product with SPF in it. Even if you take care of your skin and hair incredibly well after a day at the beach, the damage can already be done and difficult to recover from if you don’t apply and reapply sun protection accordingly. You can also use a sun hat for a fashionable piece that provides added sun protection!
*Written with M. Johnson
