Beach & Vacation Skincare: Sun, Sand & a Happy Glow

Vacations are for relaxing, soaking up the sun, and making memories but they can also be rough on your skin. Between saltwater, sunscreen reapplications, and hours under the sun, your skin needs extra love to stay healthy and glowing. Here’s how I learned to enjoy beach days without coming home with sunburns and breakouts.

Sunscreen is Your BFF

On my first beach trip to Bali, I thought reapplying sunscreen once in the morning was enough. Spoiler: it wasn’t. By sunset, I looked like a lobster. Now, I use a broad-spectrum SPF 50 and reapply every two hours (or right after swimming). Trust me, your future self will thank you.

Before hitting the sand, I slather on a lightweight, hydrating moisturizer. Saltwater and sun can dry out your skin fast, so this little step makes a big difference.

One time, I forgot lip balm with SPF, and my lips got so burned they peeled for a week. Not cute. Now I always pack an SPF lip balm and oversized sunglasses to protect my eyes and the delicate skin around them.

Heavy makeup at the beach? Nope. Sweat, sunscreen, and foundation don’t mix. Instead, I go for tinted sunscreen or just bare skin it feels freer and my skin breathes better.

After-Sun Soothe

After a long day of swimming and sunbathing, my skin sometimes feels tight and hot. Aloe vera gel or a calming moisturizer is my go-to for soothing and rehydrating. It’s like giving your skin a cold drink of water.

During one beach vacation, I sipped on endless piña coladas but barely touched water and my skin showed it. Now, I balance cocktails with plenty of water (and sneak in coconut water when I can) to keep my glow going.

Evening Recovery Ritual

At the end of the day, I double cleanse to wash away sunscreen, sweat, and sand. Then I treat myself to a hydrating mask before heading out for dinner. It feels like hitting reset on my skin after a full day in the sun.

What Keeps Me Glowing: Beach and vacation skincare is all about protection, hydration, and recovery. Pack smart, stick to the basics, and your skin will stay just as happy as you are on holiday.