12 Beauty Tips for Spending Time in the Sun

12 Beauty Tips – With summer coming up faster than you think, many people are already planning their beach vacations and spending more time in the sun. While being out in the sunshine may feel great, it can also dry out your skin and hair and contribute to premature signs of aging. Here are 12 beauty tips for spending time in the sun while still looking your best:

Apply sunscreen every day.

If you are going to be outside, then you should apply anti-aging sunscreen of at least SPF 30 to all areas of exposed skin. This includes not just your face, arms, and legs but also your hands, feet, and other commonly missed areas. Reapply the sunscreen each two hours and after getting out of the pool or ocean, since water and sweat wash away the sunscreen.

Choose your sunscreen wisely.

If you are going to be outside, we recommend choosing a water-resistant sunscreen formula that will hold up to sweat and water. We also suggest choosing a formula that absorbs quickly, which will make it more pleasant to use. After all, if the sunscreen is difficult to apply or results in a bad white cast, you won’t be incentivized to apply it, which totally defeats the purpose of a sunscreen.

Wear sunglasses and a hat.

The skin around your eyes is very delicate, not to mention that the sun will make you squint, so you should definitely be wearing sunglasses anytime you are outside. You should also wear a hat, ideally a wide-brimmed one, to protect your face and neck from sunburn. If you do this in addition to wearing sunscreen, that will go a long way toward slowing down visible signs of aging.

Try out UPF clothing.

If you are going to be doing an outside activity such as hiking or running, we recommend looking into UPF clothing that will protect your skin from the sun. Unlike sunscreen, UPF clothing doesn’t have to be re-applied, and the fabric provides a stronger barrier against UV rays. If you are going to be spending prolonged time in the sun, UPF clothing will help to keep your skin safe.

Seek out shade when possible.

When it comes to protecting your skin from sun damage, sunscreen and clothing aren’t the only tools you can use. You should also seek out shade whenever possible, especially during the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun shines the brightest. If you are headed to the beach or pool, be sure to bring an umbrella or canopy with you so you can create your own shade!

Moisturize and hydrate your skin.

All that sun exposure, water, and sunscreen can be very drying for your skin, which is why it’s extra important to prioritize hydrating and moisturizing products in your summer 3-step skincare routine. Make sure that your moisturizers are heavy enough, and consider adding some hydrating toners or serum to your routine for an extra boost.

Exfoliate once or twice a week.

If you notice your skin getting dry and flaky after you spend time in the sun, you might be tempted to double down on the exfoliating products. Unfortunately, this can dry out your skin even more and compromise your skin barrier. Instead, take it easy by only exfoliating once or twice per week; this will be often enough to get rid of flaky patches, but not so frequent that it will over-dry your skin.

Lighten up your makeup.

If you must wear makeup outside, try not to apply a full beat unless absolutely necessary. Sweat and water may cause it to run, not to mention that applying sunscreen over makeup can be tricky. Instead, opt for lightweight products, such as tinted moisturizers, and apply fewer layers than normal. Choosing makeup with SPF protection is never a bad idea either, but keep in mind that it’s no replacement for sunscreen.

Remove sunscreen at night.

Once you’re done having fun in the sun, you’ll need to remove all that sunscreen and clean your skin. Leaving residue can clog your pores and make your nighttime skincare products less effective, so a cleansing balm or oil is an absolute must for removing multiple layers of water-resistant sunscreen; micellar water or makeup wipes just won’t cut it. Be sure to follow it up with a facial cleanser to leave your skin fresh and clean.

Don’t forget about your body.

For those days when you wear multiple layers of sunscreen, you might find it helpful to start with an oil-based body wash to remove all the residue. Then follow it up with a gentle, hydrating body wash that doesn’t strip your skin. Once you get out of the shower, apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp to help prevent dry skin and leave it feeling soft instead.

Take care of your hair.

Your skin gets most of the attention, but being out in the sun and water all day can also do a number on your hair, turning it into a dry, frizzy mess. Give your hair a break from additional heat styling and instead embrace your natural texture. Prioritize gentle shampoos, nourishing conditioners, and moisturizing hair masks that will restore some of the hydration to your hair.

Get a glow with a sunless tanner.

You can still get a sun-kissed glow this summer without the risks of sun exposure or tanning beds. Instead, opt for a sunless tanner treatment, either at a professional tanning salon or in the comfort of your own home. These treatments use a chemical called DHA to temporarily darken the top layer of skin to turn you into a bronze goddess in only a few hours.

What are your other top beauty tips for spending time in the sun? What about your favorite skincare products to use during the summer? Let us know in the comments below!