Basking On The Beach This Summer? Don’t Ditch These 8 Skin and Hair Care Tips

By Akshay Sharma May 13, 2017 LifeStyle

Summer has come in full swing. And you know what that means – fair is out, tan is in. What better way to achieve that natural, toasty, sun-kissed glow for the season than basking on the beach?

Let me guess. You first get ready by hitting the gym and eating kale to trim your waist. You then shop for a sexy, body-baring swimwear online to complete your summer look. And once you’re done with beauty preparations, you now plunge into the beach and feel the burn of the summer heat. However, sacrificing your skin and hair health to keep up with the “bronzed complexion” trend might not be worth the risk.

If overdone, the sun, sand, and so-called “vitamin sea” combo may take a toll on you, damaging not only your looks but also your overall well-being. To avoid such problems during your fun beach getaway, here are some helpful skin and hair tips to keep in mind.

1. Opt for a protective swimwear

Ladies and gents, I know this is the best time to bare some flesh and flaunt your summer-ready physique. But don’t lie to your skin. If you know you’re sensitive to the sun, opt for a bathing suit that provides more coverage, like a modest high-quality one-piece swimsuit, swim shirt, and rashguard. You can have them cropped or cut out to show off a bit of skin while protecting a majority of your body from sun damage and other irritants.

2. Care for your hair

Turbans and hats aren’t just fashionable – they can protect your tresses from drying out while you’re taking a walk on the shore. But how about your hair protection when you’re submerged? You might love the idea of chic and decorative swim caps. Utilized by professional swimmers, swim caps can also make your swim easier and faster.

If you want to protect your hair without covering it, you may apply a bit of coconut oil, which is packed with vitamin E as well as lauric and capric acids. These components work together to keep your hair nourished and strong.

3. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

The harsh heat, along with the salty wind and sea water, is a recipe for dehydration. Combat it by drinking lots of water before, during, and after your exposure to the beach to prevent your skin and hair from getting dried out. Staying hydrated also boosts your body’s ability to recover from the sun and heal possible sunburns.

4. Be generous with sunscreen

Applying sunscreen before going to the beach is a no-brainer. However, some folks disregard dabbing some layers of sun protection because of several myths, like (1) it stops you from tanning, and (2) it’s okay to not wear it when you’re in the shade or when it’s cloudy.

Sunscreens don’t keep you from tanning. They can only protect your skin from the sun’s UV radiation that hit even when you’re hiding under a giant beach umbrella or a tree.

You should apply a hefty amount of sunscreen, whether or not you plan to get a tan. Also, it’s just not about the SPF number. It’s about how often and how generously you apply that is crucial. SPF 30, which is best for sunbathing, should be reapplied as often as every hour. Don’t forget areas, like hairline, ears, tops of the feet, and eyelids. For your lips, however, use a good lip protector.

5. Wear some mineral makeup

Going for a blushing no-makeup look? Well, it doesn’t mean you have to leave your face completely bare. Dusting your face with some mineral foundation or powder with an SPF rating of 20 creates a finished look without being too heavy. Mineral makeup also provides additional protection from sun damage.

6. Fight sun damage with superfoods

Eating a bowl of veggie salad to shed off some pounds? You might as well add some superfoods to boost your epidermal armor against the sun. Foods including tomatoes, carrots, citrus fruits, kiwis, berries, watermelon, red apples, almonds, deep dark vegetables, dark chocolate, and dark chocolate have the power to guard skin from damage caused by sun’s UV radiation.

7. Watch your meds and beauty products

Are you taking medications for a common illness or using various skin care products? Before getting exposed to the sun, read the product labels. You might be using medications comprised of certain chemicals that increase sun sensitivity thus, contribute to sunburns.

Watch out for medications including antibiotics (tetracycline, doxycycline or Bactrim), acne medications and exfoliants (Accutane, Benzoyl Peroxide, Alpha Hydroxy Acids), antidepressants, and cholesterol medications.

8. Don’t forget post-beach care

Just because you did you your pre-beach beauty rituals doesn’t mean you’re done. Caring for your skin and hair should continue after you step out of the ocean. It’s critical to help your skin recover and heal after getting exposed to environmental threats.

After swimming, rinse off with cool water to get rid of the remaining salt which may contribute to dryness. Using a cold moist towel can also soothe your skin. If you developed sunburns, use a moisturizing product with aloe to heal and reduce the pain. You can also use cucumber or potato slices to soothe your face or sunburned areas.

Author:

Carmina Natividad is one of the writers for Swimprint, a go-to shop for swimming enthusiasts, specializing in swim caps in the UK. While she’s fascinated in writing articles focused on sport fashion, health, and wellness, she swears to never give up pizza.