Whether it’s on the chilly east coast or the temperate west coast, surfers, bodysurfers and handboarders alike are enjoying the swells this holiday season. No matter what ocean you jump into, that dry, irritated skin seems to stick with you long after you dry off. Use a few of these skin care products before and after your time out in the water, and your skin will feel rejuvenated, refreshed and ready for the rest of your day.
Pre-Surf Care: Sunscreen
Nothing is more important that protecting your skin from the sun’s damaging rays. While frolicking in the surf is an awesome way to spend your day, the UV rays will take a toll on your delicate skin. Make sure you lather a health amount of quality sunscreen to your face, neck and ears before jumping into the water. There are two sunscreen brands out there that will give your skin excellent coverage while keeping it healthy.
Raw Elements Eco Protection Sunscreen: What makes Raw Elements one of the best sunscreens on the market is what it’s made of. It is made up of only natural and certified organic ingredients. Raw Elements protects against both UVA and UVB Rays, and it’s good for the environment too. It’s biodegradable and never tested on animals. The sunscreen won’t run, get in your eyes or sting while you’re out catching waves. Plus, Raw Elements gives your skin a serious amount of certified organic moisturizers and antioxidants without clogging your pores. You can use it on both your face and body, providing you with the ultimate organic sun protection.
Neutrogena Face Sunscreen: Neutrogena dry-touch sunblock has the power to protect you from the elements while being ridiculously light on your skin. The sheer, ultra dry protection has an SPF of 45 and protects with Parsol 1789, which is advanced protection that covers both UVA and UVB Rays. Special dry-touch technology was used to make this stuff, which means your face won’t be shiny when you’re done applying, and you won’t slip on your board when you’re out in the lineup. Neutrogena sunscreen is sweat-proof and waterproof, but it won’t clog your pores. The sunscreen’s bounty of A, C & E vitamins will help your skin stay nourished and protected against environmental damage, including sun and salt.
Post-Surf Skin Care
That dry, chapped, itching sensation you get after playing in the ocean means that the wind, sun and sea have gotten the best of your skin. There are many excellent products out there to help alleviate your skin after a long day in the water.
The absolute best thing you can do for your skin right when you get home from a day at the beach is to jump in the shower and rinse your body with fresh water. The water will help get rid of any extra dirt and salt that’s still on your skin. You can also exfoliate with a scrub of your choosing to help remove those pesky dead skin cells that can end up blocking your pores. Just don’t try to exfoliate if you’re sunburned! Ouch! Salt scrubs are usually recommended for those with oily skin, while sugar scrubs are great for those with dry, sensitive skin.
After your rinse and exfoliating, it’s time to replenish your skin with some essential vitamins and moisture!
Shea Butter: Shea Butter lotion will hydrate and renew dry, depleted skin. It’s extracted from the nuts of the African Sea Tree, and can soothe sunburn-plagued skin. Shea Butter contains revitalizing A and E vitamins, and doesn’t leave oily or greasy residue after you apply it.
Aloe Vera: The Aloe Vera plant is part of the lily family, and does wonders for your skin. This super plant contains vitamins, including Vitamins A, C and E, folic acid and Vitamins B1, B2, B3 and B6. It also contains a number of beneficial minerals, like iron, potassium, calcium and magnesium. It’s known as a vulnerary, which means it helps to heal wounds such as burns or scrapes, not to mention it soothes while it works! Jason Aloe Vera Gel is a good example of something you can buy at the store and have ready and waiting for your dry, irritated skin as soon as you get home from your day at the beach.
Therapeutic Balm: Balms like Surfer’s Salve help to heal any cuts, rashes and stings your get, whether they are from reefs, jellyfish, bugs or anything else you may encounter at the beach. It will also soothe chapped lips and help refresh those serious patches of dry skin you can get from the sun’s harsh rays.
Guest Blogger Sarah grew up in Santa Barbara, California and started swimming competitively when she was eight years old. She attended the University of Southern California where she was on the women’s swim team and earned a Bachelor’s degree in journalism. Sarah currently writes for Venice-based, emerging surf brand Slyde Handboards slydehandboards.com, where she focuses on topics such as surf-related “how-tos”, current surf events and the “best-ofs” of the wave-riding world.