The full brunt of summer is upon our archipelago, and the heat has been unkind in the past few weeks. What better way to pass these intensely hot days than to head to a beach for a day or two of rest and relaxation? If you’re going to suffer in the heat, might as well do it in a Batangas beach resort where you’ll be surrounded by white sand, clear waters, thriving wildlife, and timeless views of the sunrise and sunset.
However, this brings another item to the table: skin damage. How can you enjoy a day out in the sun—in a secluded and uncrowded beach cove, even—if you’re also contending with over-the-top ultraviolet levels that can cause skin aging and cell damage? We offer you 5 time-tested ways to get a healthy glow as an eco-friendly souvenir from your summer holiday:
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
Summer in and summer out, we’ve always been told to drink more water than we think we need. This is vital not only for making us feel good and full of energy, but also for maintaining good skin condition. Inadequate hydration can lead to tight, dry, and flaky skin, qualities that make the skin more prone to wrinkling. Drinking lots of water—more than 3 liters for adult males and more than 2 liters for adult females—must become a habit for everyone. Water reaches the organs first before the skin, so you need to be consistently well-hydrated to see any noticeable difference in the quality of your skin.
- Sunscreen is your new best friend.
Putting on sunscreen is another habit that you should adopt all year round. Sunscreen protects you from the sun’s ultraviolet rays and their harmful effects. Some sunscreens only protect against UVAs or UVBs, but there are also broad-spectrum ones that address both. If you’re going swimming, make sure to put on waterproof sunscreen that has SPF 30 or higher. Preferably, use reef-safe sunscreen that don’t have oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are toxic to coral reefs and can poison other marine animals. Read and follow the directions in the container when applying the product, and make an effort to reapply when needed.
- Cover up a bit.
In addition to sunscreen, you can give your skin extra protection by using clothes with ultraviolet protection factor (UPF). UPF is like SPF, but it’s a label that’s given to clothes instead of skincare products. UPF clothes offer long-term protection from the sun and are an ideal companion if you’ll be exposed to sunlight for long periods of time. Ideally, your rash guard or water jacket should have at least UPF 50, which is enough to block up to 98% of UV radiation. You can also pair your cover-up with sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat for maximum protection.
- Seek the shade.
Going to the beach doesn’t mean that you have to languish under the sun’s direct heat all day. Find a shade and make it your base of operations. If there are no structures near you, then make an effort to bring an umbrella. If possible, don’t go out between 10 AM to 3 PM when the sun’s UV radiation is at its peak levels. Instead, opt for an early morning or late afternoon swim, which can prove to be more enjoyable for you and healthier for your skin.
- Give your skin some TLC.
Your skin needs a bit of care after intense exposure to the sun. To keep your skin soft and supple, as well as to address damages caused by the sun, apply nourishing creams to it. Also, give your skin time to heal from possible damages and avoid harsh treatments like waxing and shaving for a few days.
Caring for your skin while on a beach holiday shouldn’t take a lot of effort, especially after you’ve turned these little tips into habits. Give your skin the care it deserves, and you’ll come home refreshed, renewed, and relaxed inside and out.
