Your Beach Day Skin Care Routine

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, in our opinion—yes, we’re talking about beach season! Whether you’re planning a weeklong getaway to a secluded resort (lucky you!) or you’re simply taking a day trip with your BFFs, one thing’s for certain: Maintaining your skin care routine while you’re relaxing on the sand and listening to the waves crash behind you is definitely a must. To help you make the most of your beachside beauty routine, below we’re introducing you to your beach day skin care essentials—think: sunscreen, moisturizer, and facial cleanser—as well as tips and tricks to protect your skin from the sun and sand.

BEACH SKIN CARE TIP #1: APPLY BROAD-SPECTRUM SUNSCREEN BEFORE GETTING THERE

OK, so this is probably a no-brainer to you by now, but hear us out. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen before heading to the beach—and taking other sun protection measures—should be your top skin care priority. That’s because spending time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. So, to decrease this risk, regularly use a sunscreen formulated with a broad-spectrum SPF value of 15 or higher and take other sun protection measures, too. These include limiting your time in the sun (especially during the sun’s peak hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and wearing long-sleeved shirts, pants, hats, and sunglasses. (More on these later!).

BEACH SKIN CARE TIP #2: REAPPLY, REAPPLY, REAPPLY

It’s not enough to slather on the sunscreen before going to the beach. Reapplication is super important, too. The Skin Cancer Foundation states that you should reapply sunscreen every two hours. Playing beach volleyball or taking a dip in the ocean? Use a water-resistant sunscreen and reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, plus anytime you get out of the water and towel off. Be sure to stock your beach bag with a tube (or two!) so that it’s easily accessible throughout the day.

BEACH SKIN CARE TIP #3: PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR LIPS

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one area that a lot of people tend to overlook when it comes to sun protection is the lips. So, show your pout some love by applying a lip balm formulated with broad-spectrum sunscreen.

BEACH SKIN CARE TIP #4: GO MAKEUP-FREE FOR THE DAY

Since you’re going to be re-applying sunscreen every couple of hours while you’re out at the beach, skip the makeup. You don’t want anything getting in the way of your relaxation—and having to worry about touching up your makeup every time you reapply sunscreen would certainly do that. If you want to wear a little makeup, we recommend the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Lock Makeup Primer, which blurs imperfections and keeps oil at bay. Perfect for the summer heat!

Editor’s note: Finding it difficult to go without foundation? Read up on How to Wear Sunscreen Under Foundation and How to Reapply Sunscreen so you can still be sun safe.

BEACH SKIN CARE TIP #5: PARK YOURSELF UNDER AN UMBRELLA

Ah, we know that basking in the sunshine feels good in the moment—especially after being cooped up under heavy sweaters all winter long. However, sunscreen alone will not offer you sufficient protection from the sun. It’s important to take other sun protection measures such as seeking shade during the sun’s peak hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Let’s be real though; if you’re not a morning person, the chances of you getting to the beach much earlier than that are probably pretty slim, right? So, stick an umbrella into the sand and park yourself under it for some time in the shade.

BEACH SKIN CARE TIP #6: BREAK OUT YOUR SUMMER ACCESSORIES

Other ways you can help protect yourself from UV rays are by wearing UV-blocking sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat. Consider this your excuse to buy some new accessories! Looking cute while staying sun safe? Yes, please!

BEACH SKIN CARE TIP #7: WEAR A RASH GUARD WHILE YOU SWIM

If you’re a surfer girl—or you just like getting your feet wet—consider wearing a rash guard while you’re in the water. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends covering up with clothing while you’re out in the sun, and you can buy a rash guard with long sleeves to protect more of your skin when you’re taking a dip.

BEACH SKIN CARE TIP #8: BE PREPARED FOR A SUNBURN

Even the most diligent of sunscreen users can have a mishap—we’ve all been there. If you’re at the beach and notice you’re starting to get a sunburn, there are a few measures you can take, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation and the American Academy of Dermatology.

Step 1: Head indoors, ASAP! You don’t want to expose your skin to any more sun right now.

Step 2: Cool things down. It could help to take cold baths or showers. One thing you want to avoid is staying in the shower for too long, as this can be drying. You should also steer clear of harsh soaps, which could irritate your skin further. Applying cold compresses might also help relieve some of the pain.

Step 3: Use moisturizer. Once you’re out of the shower, gently pat your skin dry (no harsh rubbing—ouch!) and apply a moisturizer to damp skin.

Step 4: Say hello to aloe vera. When applied to the skin, aloe vera can help provide soothing relief if you have a sunburn.

Step 5: Put on loose clothes. Wear loose, soft, breathable clothing to help avoid uncomfortable rubbing between your clothes and sunburned skin.

BEACH SKIN CARE TIP #9: STASH SOME ESSENTIALS IN YOUR BEACH BAG

Ready to head out for the day? Put your best face forward by packing a few handy skin care and makeup products in your tote. If you and your crew have dinner plans post-beach, refresh your look with the following routine.

Step 1: Cleanse skin with micellar water

At the end of a surf- and sand-filled day, you may find your skin needs a thorough cleansing. Micellar water is a great on-the-go cleansing option because there’s no rinsing involved—all you need is a cotton pad! Saturate a pad with your micellar water of choice and wipe it across your face. The L’Oréal Paris Micellar Water Complete Cleanser - Normal to Oily Skin purifies and mattifies, the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Water Complete Cleanser - Normal to Dry Skin hydrates and soothes, and the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof – All Skin Types intensely purifies. Micellar water is powered by tiny micelles—oil molecules—that act as a magnet to lift dirt, oil, and makeup up and away from the skin, no rinsing required.

Step 2: Apply a serum

After soaking up some sun, your skin will likely need an extra boost of hydration. Apply a hyaluronic acid serum like the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum, which enhances skin's own moisture-retention for lasting hydration.

Step 3: Moisturize

Once you’re done cleansing, try a water-based moisturizer for lightweight hydration. The L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Oily Skin, L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Dry Skin, and L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Extra Dry Skin are formulated with hyaluronic acid and aloe water to help provide long-lasting hydration.

Editor’s tip: Still daytime? Then you’ll still want to protect your skin. Again, reach for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and take other sun protection measures. If you’re strapped for time, you can use a moisturizer formulated with broad-spectrum sunscreen. The L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Day Lotion SPF 30 is formulated with glycolic acid, vitamin C, and Pro-Retinol to help brighten the look of your complexion, as well as broad-spectrum sunscreen to help protect your skin from UV rays. Of course, you’re also going to want to take other protection measures such as limiting your time in the sun, covering up, and reapplying sunscreen every two hours.

Step 4: Fake your tan

As much as we love a summer glow, we’re not so huge on sun damage (as you’ve probably figured out by now). Stash a self-tanner in your bag for a faux sun-kissed glow, like the L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Water Mousse.

Step 5: Help cover up the look of redness

There’s just no need to pile on heavy foundation and concealer after your day at the beach. If you’re seeing red after a day spent in the sun, use a green-hued BB cream, like the L’Oréal Paris Magic BB Anti-Redness. It’s formulated with color-transforming pigments suspended in an ultra-light lotion to help counteract redness. Consider this BB cream your one-stop shop product: It neutralizes the look of redness, corrects skin for an even-looking complexion, hydrates for all-day moisture, and perfects your complexion. Use the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender to gently blend it onto your face for a seamless finish. For more targeted color-correcting, try the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Color Correcting Crayon in Green.

Step 6: Dab on some highlighter

Maintain that beach glow during your evening plans by using a cream highlighter. Simply pop the top off the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Longwear Highlighter Shaping Sticks and swipe as desired. Think about putting it on places where the sun would hit, such as above your brows, on your lids, down the bridge of your nose, on your cupid’s bow, and in the center of your chin. It comes in two fun colors: Gold Is Cold and Slay-In-Rose.

Step 7: Apply mascara

Nothing ties a look together quite like the right mascara. The L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara Mystic Black can help create a dramatic look. Just place the brush at the base of your lashes and gently sweep up to the tip. And, if you really want to pump up the wow factor, preface your mascara with a swipe of the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara Primer/Base.

Step 8: Get glossy

Add a high-shine hint of color to your lips with the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Shine Lipstick, available in 16 pretty shades. For summer, we’re particularly digging Luminous Coral and Glazed Pink.

Step 9: Refresh and set your look

Midday and post-makeup look, your complexion may need a boost. Spritz on the L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Shake & Glow Dew Mist as needed for a refreshing boost of healthy hydration that’ll refresh your look.

By following a few simple tips, you can help protect your skin from the elements while you’re at the beach. Next, focus on après beach skin care. Here’s How to Revive Your Skin After a Day at the Beach.