It’s a fact: The ocean is one big sun reflector. You’re more at risk for sunburns and sun damage on the shore than anywhere else.
Here’s my expert tips to keep your skin safe this summer:
- Discontinue use of AHA’s: Using exfoliants regularly (such as Glycolic Acid) have been shown to increase sun sensitivity by 45 percent. It’s best to discontinue use of AHA’s seven days prior to the beach.
- Sunscreen: It’s not the SPF number that is as important, it is how often and generously you apply. When it comes to SPF, I prefer SPF 30 reapplied as often as every hour.
- Be aware of oily skinned areas: The areas of your face where you have larger pores will always produce more oils. These natural oils can breakdown sunscreens more quickly, so pay attention and reapply more often. For example, the nose area acts as a natural reflectant. Pay attention to your nose, or any area, that is getting shiny…
- Apply sunscreen in forgotten areas: hairline, ears, tops of feet, toes, eyelids.
- Don’t think you are safe in the shade: You still get sun under an umbrella, especially by the ocean. Because the water reflects light you still need to apply and reapply sunscreen. The umbrella is not a safety net.
- Wear a hat and sunglasses: If the goal is to help protect your skin from premature aging, a hat and sunglasses can be the extra coverage you need for your face.
- Got acne? Go for a swim: The salt in the ocean water helps destroy bacteria, which can clear up your breakouts. Renée Rouleau Daily Protection SPF 30 is a great sunblock for oily, acne-prone skin.
- Rinse off the saltwater: The same water that is destroying bacteria is also very dehydrated (great for blemishes, not for dry skin). Make sure to rinse off before leaving beach. When you get home, wash with Renée Rouleau Luxe Mint Cleansing Gel—so refreshing for summer!
- Wear mineral makeup: For extra protection, most mineral powders have an SPF rating of 20 and will give you a finished look without being too heavy for the beach. I personally use and recommend ColoreScience SPF 50 mineral powder available for purchase here.
What if you applied sunscreen but still got a sunburn? It is a case of misapplication. The most common problems are:
- Too little sunscreen applied
- Not applied every hour
Sunscreens wear off, sweat off and wash off. Applying liberally and often makes all the difference. If you want to look young, avoid the sun. A little sun means a little damage; a lot of sun means a lot of damage. The choice is yours.
Summer means fun at the beach – relax and enjoy but be safe with your skin!
For expert skin advice, check out Skin Source–the A-Z guide on all things skin. Also sign up here for our skin tip e-newsletter, follow Renée Rouleau on Twitter and like our Facebook page. You’ll be your own skin care expert in no time!
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www.ReneeRouleau.com, a website with skin care tips, products based on nine skin types and advice from skin care expert and celebrity esthetician, Renée Rouleau.
Thank you Renee! I’m hitting the beach in Cali for the first time in years, this summer and taking my Renee Rouleau SPF 30 with me.
I was wondering about the reapplication frequency so thank you so much for this post! I’ll put more on every hour head to toe.
Discovering your SPF30 has been a lifesaver since I cannot use most products on the market, and my previous SPF that I’d used for years was discontinued. As long as you keep your SPF 30 on the market I’ll be faithful to it, it is excellent! And it’s the perfect size to take several in my carryon
Posted on Fri, 25th Jun 2010 7:23 am by Jena
I’m hearing a lot of anti-sunscreen stuff lately. People saying things like “You’re just baking chemicals into your body”. I wish I can get a professional’s opinion about that.
Posted on Fri, 25th Jun 2010 12:03 pm by Peace Omen