Before heading out to catch some waves, make sure you pack your beach bag with products that will protect your skin and hair from the Sun’s harmful UV and UB rays.
If you think #melaninmagic is enough protection from the Sun, you’re mistaken.
A day at the beach in South Florida is notorious for leaving your skin burned and marked by hyper-pigmentation. Be prepared by stashing the right products in your beach bag.
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Liya Kebede in Grazia France. Photo courtesy of Fashion Gone Rogue.
Why Do I Need Sunscreen?
Whether your skin is white, black or a mixture of both, you must practice sun protection. Any dermatologist will tell you that UV rays can penetrate all types of skin, regardless of your ethnicity. Having regular checkups with a dermatologist can help with any skin issues or skin changes that may need addressing or dealt with. Going to such dermatologists as The Devonshire Clinic in London, and ones similar, can be highly beneficial for your skin.
The annual incidence of melanoma is 5 in 100,000 for Hispanics and 1 in 100,000 for African-Americans (compared with 26 in 100,000 for Caucasians), according to the American Cancer Society.
Thus, if you have dark skin you must wear sunscreen.
UVA rays age your skin and cause it to darken. Because UVA rays are not filtered by the ozone, it can penetrate through window glass. Sunscreens with the label “broad spectrum” protect you from UVA rays.
UVB rays are associated with sunburns.
While SPF is the greatest protection you have against UV rays, there are many multi-tasking products on the market that offers you a shield from the Sun.
Liya Kebede in Grazia France. Photo courtesy of Fashion Gone Rogue.
Zinc oxide, an active ingredient in many sunscreens, protects you from UVA and UVB rays.
As the Aussies say, “Slip! Slop! Slap!” when it comes to a day at the beach. Slip on a shirt (or cover up), slop on sunscreen and slap on a hat.
For a sunscreen to work as advertised, you have to use a shotglass worth for unexposed areas, says Dr. Roopal Kundu, a researcher who participated in a study that assesses consumer knowledge of sunscreen labels.
Protecting your skin against the Sun is an important factor in lessening your chances of developing skin cancer.
Does My Hair Need Protection From The Sun?
Did you know that your hair also needs protection from the Sun? UV rays can wreak havoc on your hair–not just your skin.
It takes eight minutes for UV rays to impact your tresses.
A study by the U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health says UV rays can damage your hair’s keratin.
Keratin is a protein and a major component in your skin, hair and nails. Your mane is made up of keratin-related proteins.
Keratin strengthens your hair’s elasticity and gives your locks a youthful, shiny look.
When your hair absorbs radiation in the form of UV rays, it reacts with your hair’s amino acids that are photosensitive. This reaction known as photochemical degradation causes your hair to make free radicals.
Free radicals causes your hair shaft to lose protein, leaving your hair susceptible to breakage and loss of color.
UV exposure can also weaken your hair and give it a dull appearance. Below is a list of 13 products you should consider adding in your beach bag.
100% Mineral Invincible Setting Powder SPF 45 by Supergoop!
1. Issue: Where Can I Find A Setting Powder With SPF?
Product: Supergoop! 100% Mineral Invincible Setting Powder SPF 45
Why You Need It: This refillable, 100 percent mineral, sweat resistant formula is perfect if you wear make up to the beach. You can use it to set your make-up. It also reduces shine on your T-zone while protecting your skin from harmful UV rays.
Price: $30
Where To Shop: Supergoop!
Clarins ‘Eau Dynamisante’
2. Issue: Is There A Deodorant That Soothes Irritated Skin?
Product: Clarins ‘Eau Dynamisante’ Deodorant
Why You Need It: This gentle, plant-infused deodorant helps prevent and neutralizes body odor. It also soothes irritation caused by hair removal with candeia tree, white tea, lemon and ginseng extracts. This long-lasting formula will keep you fresh while relaxing at the beach.
Price: $28
Where To Shop: Nordstrom
SK-II Mid-Day Essence
3. Issue: Is There A Serum That Protects My Skin From UV Rays?
Product: SK-II Mid-Day Essence
Why You Need It: Protect your skin from the Sun while your lounging beach side. SK-II Mid-Day Essence is specifically designed to lock in moisture and protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Its loaded with high levels of Pitera, the active complex ingredient in many SK-II products that rejuvenates your skin. Pitera is rich in vitamins, amino acids, minerals and organic acids that dramatically improves your skin’s appearance.
Price: $80
Where To Shop: Nordstrom
Eir NYC Cooling Lip Balm
4. Issue: Is There A Lip Balm That Protects My Lips From UV Rays?
Product: Eir NYC Cooling Lip Balm
Why You Need It: Salt water causes your lips to peel and look unsightly. Eir NYC Cooling Lip Balm moisturizes your lips with coconut and olive oils. This tingly mint lip balm contains zinc for sun protection.
Price: $5
Where To Shop: Eir NYC
Valentino Donna Hair Mist
5. Issue: Is There Perfume For My Hair That Covers The Smell Of Salt Water?
Product: Valentino Donna Hair Mist
Why You Need It: Never worry about your hair smelling like salt again. Valentino Donna Hair Mist is a conditioning spray that keeps your mane smooth. Your mane will smell of rose, bergamot, iris pallida ad vanilla essences instead of salt water.
Price: $60
Where To Shop: Nordstrom
Lait Luminescence Detangling Milk Spray
6. Issue: Is There A Rich Leave-In Conditioner For Coarse, Dry Hair?
Product: Leonor Greyl Lait Luminescence Detangling Milk Spray
Why You Need It: Salt water reeks havoc on coarse, dry hair and curls. Nourish your locks and protect it from UV rays with Lait Luminescence Detangling Milk Spray. This formula is enriched with plant extracts, vegetable oils and UV protection to condition your hair while surf side.
Price: $48
Where To Shop: Nordstrom
Clarins Sun Care Milk Lotion Spray SPF 50+
7. Issue: Is There A High Performing SPF Spray?
Product: Clarins Sun Care Milk Lotion Spray SPF 50+
Why You Need It: Shield your skin from harmful UV and UB rays from the Sun. Sun Care Milk Lotion Spray SPF 50+ moisturizes your skin with aloe vera and kiwi fruit extract. This formula is water and perspiration resistant.
Price: $36
Where To Shop: Nordstrom
Supergoop! Defense Refresh Setting Mist SPF 50
8. Issue: Is There Setting Spray With SPF?
Product: Supergoop! Defense Refresh Setting Mist SPF 50
Why You Need It: Don’t sweat off your make up or moisturizer while at the beach. Use Defense Refresh Setting Mist SPF 50 that sets your make up, controls oil and refreshes your UV defense,
Price: $20
Where To Shop: Supergoop!
Evian Facial Water Spray
9. Is There A Cooling Mist I Can Use?
Product: Evian Facial Water Spray
Why You Need It: Cool off your skin with Evian Facial Water Spray that contains a specialized balance of magnesium, calcium and phosphorous.
Price: $21
Where To Shop: Nordstrom
Nikiani Baby Large Weighted Waterproof Blanket
10. Where I Can Find A Large Beach Blanket?
Product: Nikiani Baby Large Weighted Waterproof Blanket
Why You Need It: This blanket comes with a sturdy beach bag. Don’t worry about ruining your blanket with water. Nikiani Baby Large Weighted Waterproof Blanket is a lightweight waterproof blanket that includes a pocket to stash your phone, keys or cash while relaxing at the beach. If your blanket gets sandy or wet and you’re worried about preserving your item, visit a website like https://loveblankets.co to get some handy tips!
Price: $68
Where To Shop: Nordstrom
Cristina Sabaiduc Metallic Blue Tucked Robe
11. Where Can I Find A Chic Cover Up?
Product: Cristina Sabaiduc Metallic Blue Tucked Robe
Why You Need It: This 100 percent silk and polyester robe is light enough to keep you cool at the beach. It comes with a waist tie and the back has an open seam that is pinned to create billowing when you walk along the sand. You can dry clean it or hand wash.
Price: $898.63
Where To Shop: Cristina Sabaiduc
House of Lafayette Almond Cream & Black Wide Brim Hat
12. Where Can I Find A Wide Brim Hat?
Product: House of Lafayette
Why You Need It: Protect your tresses with this hand made wide brim hat courtesy of House of Lafayette.
Price: $305
Where To Shop: House of Lafayette
Sea Folly Laguna Black Sunglasses
13. Where Can I Find Sunglasses?
Product: Sea Folly Laguna Black Sunglasses
Why You Need It: Shield your eyes from the Sun with Laguna Black Sunglasses by Sea Folly.
Price: $89.95
Where To Shop: Sea Folly