Summer is officially here! Whether you're heading to a beach vacation or planning day trips to your local shore, it’s crucial to protect your skin from harmful sun damage. While the sun feels lovely and a bit of vitamin D is beneficial, remember that sun exposure is the leading cause of premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer. Enjoy the sun, but arm yourself with these beach essentials to avoid potential burns.
My Must-Have Beach Essentials for Skin Protection
1. Sunscreen (SPF)
The absolute must-have. Regardless of how well you tan, all skin types and ethnicities can burn and should use a broad-spectrum SPF, reapplying every 2 hours. Make sure that your sunscreen has an SPF of at least 30 and says UVA/UVB broad spectrum on the packaging. Opt for a physical, zinc-oxide-based sunscreen, which has anti-inflammatory properties to soothe the skin while blocking harmful rays. Some recommended brands are ELTA MD and ISDIN, both offering lightweight, tinted and non-tinted options ranging from SPF 30-50, suitable for all skin types.
2. Hat or Visor
A visor or a broad-brimmed, tightly woven straw hat with no visible holes is essential. Wear a hat along with SPF when under direct sun, especially if you have pigmentation, melasma, or rosacea. A personal favorite is DeLaHeart visors, and for a more stylish option, hats from Eric Javits or Maison Michel can elevate your sun protection (and fashion game).
3. Mini Fan
Keeping cool is crucial, especially if you suffer from melasma or rosacea, as these conditions can worsen with increased body temperature. A portable mini fan can help keep your face cool and prevent flare-ups. Consider this comfortable mini fan for beach days: Wearable Mini Fan.
4. Sunglasses
Protect your eyes and the delicate skin around them with high-quality sunglasses that block UV rays. Do not opt for cheap sunglasses that do not actually block any UV rays and are just an accessory piece.
Beach Skincare Essentials
In addition to the list above, here's what I recommend packing to refresh your skin throughout the day:
- Oxygenating Spray Toner: Use an oxygenating spray toner like L’Eauxygénante to refresh your skin throughout your day.
After the beach, here’s what I recommend your skincare routine should look like to reduce inflammation and optimize post-sun care:
- Gentle Cleanser and Makeup Remover: Use micellar water or Lait VIP 02 to carefully remove SPF and daily residue from your face.
- Vitamin C Serum: Use Environ’s Mela-Even Cream for antioxidant protection after being out in the sun all day.
- Healing and Nourishing Masks: Use Crème Masque Vernix to heal and Masque Visoelastine to nourish your skin.
- Hydrating Serum: Use Amniotique Serum to hydrate your skin after a long day in the sun.
- Cryo Sticks: Cool and reduce post-sun inflammation by massaging cold cryo sticks into your skin.
- Creams: Use Crème VIP 02 to oxygenate and revitalize the skin, and Crème PIGM 400 to brighten and manage pigmentation.
Avoid using exfoliating lotions like P50 during the day (swap it with the oxygenating spray) and only use it in your PM routine.
For a refreshing skincare routine after the beach, leave masks and cryo sticks in the fridge and use them cold after a long day in the sun.
By following these tips and using these products, you’ll be able to have your beach day or day out in the sun while keeping your skin protected and healthy. Enjoy!
