Heading to the beach? A little prep goes a long way to ensure your skin is glowing, hydrated, and protected from the sun, salt, and sand. Here’s your expert-backed, step-by-step pre-beach skincare routine for radiant results:
1. Exfoliate for a Smooth Canvas
Start your prep a week or two before your beach day by exfoliating twice a week. This removes dead skin cells, brightens your complexion, and ensures your skin is smooth and ready for sunscreen and moisturizer. Use a gentle scrub or, if you have sensitive skin, opt for a chemical exfoliant with salicylic acid for deep but mild purification. Avoid harsh scrubbing to prevent irritation and always follow with moisturizer (1).
2. Cleanse and Hydrate
On the day of your beach trip, begin with a gentle cleanser to remove oil and impurities. Follow with a hydrating serum or toner containing hyaluronic acid, which locks in moisture and helps your skin stay plump and resilient against the drying effects of sun and salt water.
3. Moisturize Generously
Apply a lightweight, hydrating moisturizer to your face and body. Look for products with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid to attract and seal in moisture, creating a barrier that protects your skin from dehydration. The CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion is a great option for both face and body, leaving no greasy residue.
4. Don’t Forget Your Eyes and Lips
The delicate skin around your eyes and your lips are especially vulnerable to sun and wind. Use an eye cream to protect and hydrate the under-eye area, and apply a lip balm with SPF to shield your lips from UV damage.
5. Apply Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen
This is the most important step! Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 on all exposed skin. Apply it 15–20 minutes before heading outside and reapply every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating. Don’t forget easy-to-miss spots like your ears, feet, and the back of your neck (2).
6. Prime and Protect
If you wear makeup, choose a lightweight, mattifying primer to help your look last in the heat. Opt for water-resistant makeup and a tinted SPF lip balm for color and protection.
7. Pack a Face Mist and Hydrate from Within
Bring a hydrating face mist with soothing ingredients like aloe or cucumber to refresh your skin throughout the day. And remember, glowing skin starts from the inside-drink plenty of water before and during your beach day to keep your skin hydrated and radiant.
Quick Checklist: Your Pre-Beach Skincare Essentials
- Gentle exfoliator or chemical exfoliant
- Hydrating cleanser and serum/toner
- Lightweight moisturizer with humectants
- Eye cream and SPF lip balm
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Mattifying primer (optional)
- Hydrating face mist
- Plenty of water
FAQs
Q: How soon before the beach should I exfoliate?
A: Start exfoliating once or twice a week at least a week before your trip for the smoothest results.
Q: Can I use my regular moisturizer at the beach?
A: Yes, but choose a lightweight, hydrating formula that won’t feel greasy in the heat.
Q: What if I have sensitive skin?
A: Opt for a gentle chemical exfoliant like salicylic acid and avoid harsh scrubs.
Q: How much sunscreen should I apply?
A: Use about a shot glass full for your body and a nickel-sized amount for your face. Reapply every two hours.
Ready for your best beach skin ever? Explore our top-rated sunscreens, hydrating mists, and pre-beach essentials on our website. For more expert skincare tips and summer beauty inspiration, follow us on social media and glow with confidence on your next beach day!
