Dermatologist-Approved Post-Beach Skincare Advice
With summer in full swing, beach outings become a staple. However, the combination of UV exposure and saltwater can make your skin dehydrated and damaged. Despite this, many people overlook post-beach skincare, with nearly half of Americans worringly skipping SPF, according to a recent study. What’s more, summer glow can quickly fade without proper skincare.
Don’t be part of the 50% skipping SPF. Prioritize post-beach routines to keep your skin hydrated and protected. Your skin will thank you. Here are 5 essential post-beach skincare tips to protect and soothe skin after a day on the seaside.
Rinse with micellar water
Sunscreen mixed with saltwater, sweat, and sand forms a sticky film that the ordinary face wash doesn’t break down. Before you jump in the shower, swipe micellar water over your face, neck, and chest with a cotton pad.
It dissolves oil-based residue and physical grime so that your actual cleanser can do its job instead of sliding over sunscreen sludge. It’s especially important if you reapply sunscreen multiple times, which you should have, because that builds up like crazy.
Ice your face
Heat and UV exposure trigger inflammation even if you don’t necessarily burn. But not to worry, a single ice cube wrapped in a soft cloth, moved slowly across your face for a few minutes, can reverse a lot of that. It constricts blood vessels and reduces swelling.
If you’re prone to post-sun breakouts, this treatment can prevent acne from forming. Do it before you layer anything else on your face so your skin’s fully calmed and ready to absorb.
Use a serum with licorice root
If you want to prevent blotchiness or dark patches that show up days after sun exposure, licorice root is the thing you need. It targets melanin production at the root, which prevents the uneven tone and spots the sun tries to sneak in.
A serum with licorice extract or its active compound, glabridin, works deeper than surface-level soothers. It’s gentle enough to use right after sun exposure but potent enough to make a visible difference. Use it at night, right after cleansing, while skin is still slightly damp, so it sinks into the dermis and doesn’t just sit there.
Repair your skin barrier
Moisturizing isn’t the same as repairing, but many confuse the two. After UV exposure and saltwater, your skin’s protective barrier is ruined with tiny cracks and a higher risk of moisture loss, so you need to take extra care of your skin.
Look for a night product that includes ceramides and fatty acids, as these are the building blocks your skin uses to repair itself. Layer it over a hydrating mist or essence to mimic the skin’s natural structure. That combo helps lock in water and rebuild your natural barrier.
Don’t forget your lips and ears
We ignore these areas a lot during both sun protection and aftercare, yet they’re super sensitive to sun damage and dryness. So I suggest using a gentle lip scrub or just a damp washcloth to exfoliate, then follow with a lip balm that contains ceramides or shea butter.
For your ears, swipe on some micellar water, then pat on a lightweight hydrating serum or moisturizer to soothe and protect. This should be effective enough.
Written by Olga Skydan, licensed cosmetologist and dermatologist at the Face Yoga app Luvly