The sea means sun, salt water and sand. Three things join your base routine: long-lasting sun protection, recovery afterwards, and washing off salt and chlorine. Here's how to keep your skin from paying for the holiday.
At the beach the key item is SPF 30+ broad-spectrum, water-resistant, reapplied every 2 hours and after swimming. Sand reflects some UV, so apply sunscreen in the shade too. After sun a cool shower and a moisturiser with aloe or soy. Wash off salt and chlorine, and use a lip balm with SPF.
01Protection: SPF and reapplication
For the beach, choose broad-spectrum SPF 30+ labelled water-resistant and apply it generously 15 minutes before going out. Reapply every 2 hours, and also after swimming, towelling and heavy sweating. Sand reflects a noticeable share of UV, so you need protection even under a parasol. More in sunscreens: chemical or mineral and why you need SPF.
- SPF 30+ broad-spectrum, water-resistant; generously and 15 minutes before going out.
- Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming or towelling.
- Apply in the shade too: sand and water reflect UV.
- Lip balm with SPF; a cap and sunglasses help.
02After-sun and washing off salt
In the evening wash off salt and chlorine they dry and tighten the skin. If skin has overheated, a cool shower, gentle patting and a moisturiser with aloe or soy on slightly damp skin help. Don't apply "-caine" products (benzocaine and the like) to irritated skin. Put active exfoliation and acids on hold while you're tanned.
03Common mistakes
- One SPF application for the whole day. Protection doesn't hold after swimming and sweating.
- Sunscreen only in the sun. In the shade, sand and water still reflect UV.
- Scrubs and acids while tanning. They raise sensitivity and the risk of pigmentation.
- Ignoring lips. They're among the first to burn.
04Common questions
How often should I reapply SPF at the beach?
Every 2 hours, and right after swimming, towelling and heavy sweating even water-resistant formulas lose protection over time.
What should I put on skin after the sun?
A cool shower, gentle patting and a moisturiser with aloe or soy on damp skin. For real discomfort, 1% hydrocortisone as directed; "-caine" products aren't recommended.
05What to pack
SPF 30+ broad-spectrum, water-resistant
Generously, reapplied every 2 hours.
Link coming soonGel or cream with aloe / soy
To soothe and hydrate after the beach.
Link coming soonGentle cleanser
Wash off salt, chlorine and leftover SPF.
Link coming soonLip balm with SPF
Against burning and dryness on the lips.
Link coming soonDirect purchase links aren't available yet — the affiliate programme is still being set up. The product names and ingredients are listed, so each one is easy to find in the shop's search.
The sun-protection and after-sun guidance draws on materials from the AAD and WHO:
This material is educational and does not replace a consultation with a dermatologist.