With summer quickly approaching and the weather starting to heat up, I (like many others) can’t wait to have beach days! Living in Southern California, I can assume everyone loves a good beach day or summer day in the sun. My favorite thing to do on a beach day is tanning and going to the ocean with my friends. While tanning is amazing because who doesn’t want amazing tan lines, the powerful UVs that make you bronzed are also super harmful to your skin. Sunscreen and sun aftercare are super important to keep your skin safe throughout the summer months.
Sunscreen:
With so many sunscreens on the market, it can be hard to pick the right one for you. My favorite sunscreen for my face is the Coola Classic Face sunscreen (SPF 50) because it is lightweight, non-greasy, and doesn’t leave your skin with a weird white cast. The EltaMD UV Clear Sunscreen (SPF 46) is the best if you have super sensitive skin. My favorite overall body sunscreen is the Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen lotion (SPF 50) because it is great for sensitive skin and is 80 minutes water resistant. I also personally love the smell of all Sun Bum products. They smell summery, tropical, and coconut-y. The regular Sun Bum spray version is a great alternative if you don’t like lotions for your body. Another line I love is Supergoop! I love their (Re)setting Refreshing Mist (SPF 40) and (Re)setting Mineral Powder (SPF 35) because these products are great for days when you are wearing makeup but need to re-apply sunscreen without ruining your makeup. If you are looking for a sunscreen and makeup combo, I love the Supergoop! Glow Screen (SPF 40) or IlIA Super Serum Skin Tint (SPF 40). Both of these products offer great skin protection and give the skin light coverage to even out the skin tone. Another thing to remember is to purchase a chapstick with sunscreen in it because your lips are also super vulnerable to the sun. Sun Bum has a great sunscreen chapstick that comes in lots of fun colors and scents.
Tanning:
While tanning can be harmful to your skin, if you choose to do so, I have some great products to maximize your tan in a shorter amount of time. My favorite tanning oil is from a store called Brunae Body, which is their accelerated tanning oil. It is an Australian-based brand, and its line of products helps you tan darker faster and keep it longer. I have only tried the oil, but I can’t wait to try all their other products too. Another favorite of mine is the Hawaiian Tropic Protective tanning oil (SPF 15) because it helps you tan faster and provides you with some sun protection. This product is great because it is a spray, making it much easier to apply and re-apply. Carroten is another line with great tanning products. The Intensive Tanning Oil is great and helps you develop a very dark tan fast. It is also super easy to purchase off Amazon.
Sun Aftercare:
After a long day in the sun, it is important you continue to take care of your skin. Being in the sun all day hydrates your skin, so applying body lotion or body oil is important. My favorite body oil is Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula body oil because it really helps dry skin and absorbs quickly. My favorite body lotion is Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer in shades from Medium to Dark. Not only does this lotion help moisturize your skin, but it also lightly tans it, which helps maintain and add to your tan. Sun Bum has great products for after-sun skin care. Their After Sun Cool Down lotion, gel, and spray are all great because they help cool the skin with aloe vera and vitamin E, providing a soothing and comforting experience for your skin. Hawaiian Tropic also has a great After Sun Exotic Coconut body butter that helps your burned skin and makes you smell amazing.