We all know sunscreen is essential when it comes to sun protection, but it’s far from the only method dermatologists recommend. The sun’s rays are strong and affect more than just your skin, but also your eyes and hair. For this reason, dermatologists don’t mess around when it comes to packing up for a day spent at the beach or poolside. They turn to an array of products for protection, including UPF clothing, umbrellas and tents, protective eyewear and SPF-containing beauty products such as lip glosses, balms, hairsprays and spritzes. To get a true peek at the specific items and brands they rely on for ultimate sun protection, we asked 13 dermatologists to share the beach bag necessities they can’t live without.
This might sound pricey for a sunscreen, but consider the important role it will play in your skin's health. Dendy Engelman, MD, a dermatologist at Manhattan Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in New York, keeps this one in her medical cabinet at all times. In fact, she claims it is by far one of the best physical UV protection products available "It is made of 11 percent zinc oxide and still manages to maintain a cosmetically elegant, absorbable formula, so you won't have to worry about layering multiple layers and looking white or ashy," she says. "Additionally, this formula contains an encapsulated DNA repair enzyme, photolyase, which helps correct damage caused by UV exposure as well as powerful antioxidants, such as vitamin E to protect against environmental stressors."
Who said dermatologists spend all their money on skin care products? Of course, in addition to a top-notch SPF, Lily Talakoub, MD, owner and chief dermatologist at McLean Dermatology and Skincare Center, always packs this texturizing spray in her beach bag. "We all know that blow-drying your hair before heading to the beach is a lost cause—straight hair gets frizzy, curly hair is even more frizzy—so whenever I know I'll be beaching it, I give into what nature gave me and try to work with it," she says. "I let my hair air dry and spray this texturizing spray which de-frizzes, highlights and sculpts waves and holds the style all day." She claims that it gives her hair those natural beachy waves without unbearable frizz and also builds volume at the crown—always a plus!
When it comes to sun protection, lips often get left out, but they shouldn't! In fact, according to Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip, MD, director of cosmetic dermatology at South Shore Medical Center in Norwell, Massachusetts, lips are one of the most dangerous places to get a skin cancer. "It's a location where cancer can metastasize quickly," she says. Her go-to protection is to use Lip Shield by Hydropeptide, which has a broad spectrum SPF 15 and is waterproof. "It doesn't leave my lips looking chalky white like other lip sunscreens that I have tried and it's extremely hydrating thanks to shea butter and jojoba oil."
Coolibar Women's Chlorine Resistant Bucket Hat UPF 50+, $39.50
UPF clothing is one of NYC dermatologist Debra Jaliman's favorite items for the summer. "Clothing, hats and other fabrics that protect you from the sun have a UPF rating," she explains. "The UPF value is the measure of the amount of UVA and UVB radiation that enters the fabric and reaches the skin." She recommends Coolibar UPF clothing, which has swimwear, casual wear, hats and many other accessories, to both adults and children. One of her favorite items is the Women's Chlorine Resistant Bucket Hat UPF 50+, which she says is great for lounging at the pool or beach, or just walking around in the sun. "Not only does it have a sun protection rating of UPF 50, but it is chlorine- and saltwater-resistant," she says.
