Headed to the beach? You’ve probably got your magazines, towel and sunglasses all ready to go, but if you want to have equally healthy skin at the end of the day as you do right now, there are a few more things you’ll want to throw in that beach bag of yours:

Antioxidant Moisturizer

Applying a topical antioxidant can be a great way to begin your day at the beach. Before sunscreen, lather on lotions that contain antioxidants like vitamins C and E and green tea. Doctors believe that topical antioxidants can help prevent skin-aging and cancer-causing free radicals from forming on sun-exposed skin. Some sunscreens even contain antioxidants—check ingredients.

Sunscreen, Sunscreen, Sunscreen!

Everyone should be vigilantly protecting their skin from the dreaded UVA and UVB rays, and the best way to do that is with sunscreen. Apply a substantial SPF 30 minutes before you get in the sun to ensure proper absorption. Then, apply sunscreen every two hours and every time you towel off—even if it’s waterproof.  And don’t be shy about it! Experts say most people only use 25% to 50% of the recommended amount, so read directions carefully to make sure you are getting covered.

A Fabulous Hat and Cover-up

Well, okay—technically, it doesn’t matter if they are fabulous, but it sure makes it more fun. If you are planning a full day in the sun, it’s important to give your skin a break. The hours between 10am and 3pm are when the sun is at its most intense, so try to work in some shade time. A tunic made of tightly woven cloth and a rimmed hat will help the cause.      

Face Wash To-go

If you don’t have time to go home between a day at the beach and a night out, many skin care lines carry disposable cleansing cloths. Some just need water to lather up and some are already damp so you can have a fresh face, even after a day of sun, sand and water. Finish off with antioxidant moisturizer.

Aloe Vera

Technically, if you followed all the above steps, you shouldn’t need this. Surely you are only burned because you missed a spot when you were applying your SPF 45, right? Regardless of how you got burned, you don’t want it to get worse.  A thin layer of aloe vera can provide relief.  Note: do not use thick creams or lotions, as these actually trap heat in the skin, literally allowing the skin to continue burning.

Related Articles
	Summer’s Here! What’s in your Cosmetics Bag? Some of the beauty supplies that you carry with you from work to evening events will remain constant no matter what the time of year. Others may find a place during one season, but will be hopelessly out of place the next. If you have not summerized your beauty bag yet, it is not too late to get   ...Read more		Keeping Your Skin Safe This Summer The lyrics from that old Nat “King” Cole song remind us that we wish that summer would always be here. The warm weather, vacations, the beach - There are all sorts of great memories associated with this time of year. And then there are the nightmares – sunburn, wrinkles, and the worst one of all   ...Read more