"When you go to the beach, everyone always remembers to bring their sun protection, but usually forgets about their after sun care," says Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center. "Especially when you have been out in the sun, the skin can become inflamed and the barrier disrupted." To help treat the skin after being in the sun, he recommends light moisturizers, especially those with aloe vera. "They help hydrate and protect skin barrier without weighing the skin down and preventing heat from evaporating," he says.
Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Heat / UV Protective Primer, $28
Don't forget that your hair. Just like your skin, hair is affected by the sun's harsh rays. Angela J. Lamb, MD, director at Westside Dermatology Faculty Practice, relies on hair protectants like this one from Bumble and Bumble. "It's not made for the beach, but you can spray it on prior to being in the sun to give your hair great UV protection, shine and moisture to protect it from the elements," she says. "You also want to try to minimize heat (blow-drying) when spending long days at the beach or pool because the wind, chloride and salt can already do damage."
For Shelley Fox, DNP at All Island Dermatology, Plastic Surgery & Laser Center in New York, sunscreens with SPF lower than 50 won't cut it, which is why she turns to this 60-SPF sunscreen by La Roche-Posay. "Despite its high SPF, it feels extra light and soothing when applied, making it a great option for patients with sensitive skin," she says. "It's also paraben-free, so you can feel good about applying it to your skin." Aside from sunscreen, her best recommendation to patients headed to the beach is to wear UV protective clothing and swimsuits. One of her favorite brands is Lululemon, which has a large selection of athletic wear and bathing suits offering UV protection.
"This supplement isn't a substitute for sunscreen, but a great complement to it," says Melanie Palm, MD, dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon, medical director of Art of Skin MD and assistant clinical professor at University of California San Diego. "It's a fern plant extract from the plant Polypodium leucotomos and provides a powerful systemic dose of antioxidants that has been clinically shown to reduce the severity if taken prior to sun exposure." According to Palm, these capsules also provide the equivalent of an SPF of about 46. She recommends it to all of her weekend warriors, skin cancer survivors, melasma patients, outside workers and athletes. "I take it daily and double up during days of sunny vacation or long periods of anticipated sun exposure," she adds.
Dove Soothing Moisture Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, $4.88
If wearing a hat is impossible (or undesirable), Francesca Fusco, MD, NYC dermatologist at Wexler Dermatology, recommends Dove DermaCare Scalp Soothing Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner, which contains zinc pyrithione. One study published in the Korean Journal of Physiology & Pharmacology found that applying zinc pyrithione on skin that's been, or is exposed to UV light can help prevent damage. "Apply it in the morning before heading to the beach on your scalp and hair and slick it back," she says. "When you rinse upon the end of your day, your hair will be nourished."
