Who doesn't love a little fun in the sun? The beach can be a perfect way to spend the day and get some skin care benefits in return. By remembering a few steps, you can be sure your skin will thank you, as will your mind when your come back completely refreshed.
1. Shower and Moisturize
You've undoubtedly applied layer upon layer of sunscreen, and swam around in the salty ocean; it's time to clean your body to get rid of the build-up. Don't use a drying deoderant soap, opt for a hydrating natural bar of soap or hydrating shower gel.
Immediately upon drying off, apply a moisturizing body butter to your entire body. The salt and sun can be very drying to your skin, so you need to rehydrate it. When you apply it right after you dry off, you seal in all of the moisture in your skin from the shower.
If sun burn is an issue, using Clarins: SOS Sunburn Soother is a must. I keep a jar on hand all summer for any sun burns that might occur.
2. Moisturize Your Feet
You know how great it can feel walking around in the sand without your flip-flops? (Well, at least in the cool wet sand!) You're actually giving your feet a fantastic natural exfoliation. So if you don't typically kick off your shoes, start doing it; sand is the perfect natural exfoliator. When your wading in the water, take some time to rub your feet in the sand, swirling them around to get all angles.
The important step you can save for the car or at home: moisturizer! It's a must! You've exfoliated the dead skin, soaked them in salty water, unless you moisturize them, they are going to be a mess. One you apply it, you'll notice your feet feel like you just had a pedicure.
3. Don't Let Your Hair Frizz Out
Your hair can take a real beating when you are out on the beach. A quick tip pre-water: apply a spray in hair conditioner such as Goldwell Moisture Definition Detangler Spray. (compare prices) This will help keep your hair tangle free, and gives it a bit of a protected layer. Also, a product you can apply before you leave is a UV protectant for your hair. Think of it as sunscreen for your hair. Secret Professional UV-Aqua Spray (buy direct) is a good choice.
When you get home from the beach, give it a thorough washing and apply a deep conditioner for a good 5-10 minutes. Make sure to use a wide tooth comb when combing it out.
4. Take Gentle Care of Your Face
Depending on how windy your day is at the beach, your face might have been included in the natural exfoliation from the sand. The last thing you want to do is come home and exfoliate. Use a gentle face cleanser to wash off all of your sunscreen, and then apply a hydrating moisturizer or night cream.
5. Soothe Your Lips
Hopefully you applied a lip balm with SPF in it throughout the day. Lips can easily sunburn, and this will be a big step in taking care of your gentle lip area. But no matter if you did or didn't, your lips will be feeling a bit dry and abused. Apply a thick lip balm or even simple Vaseline to your lips and let them soak it in. They'll instantly feel hydrated and soft.
6. Water, Water, Water
It's hard to remember to drink your eight glasses of water when you're looking so cute in your bathing suit sitting on the lounge chair. But now that you're home you can stock up from where you left off before you went to the beach. Drink a few glasses for good measure; I promise you'll feel better because of it.
