Right now we’re all probably feeling those summer vibes and after the last year or so that we’ve all had, some serious rest, relaxation, and perhaps even some beachside fun might be in order. Just because you’re ready to let your hair down and enjoy a little more of what life and nature have to offer, it’s still hugely important to take proper measures so that your skin is safe from UV damage.

According to the experts, a sunburn happens because there has been too much ultraviolet light (UV) exposure. Where does UV light come from? Well, the sun, of course, but you can also be exposed to UV light from artificial sources, like sunlamps and tanning beds.

What About My Tan Though?

If you have a nice tan this means that your skin’s outer layer has some protection from UV damage (in the form of melanin), however this protection only goes so far. You can still get overexposed to UV light, even if you have a good tan. You can also still get a sunburn with a tan, unfortunately. 

Please keep in mind that you can also get a sunburn on a cool or cloudy day. As a matter of fact, snow, sand, and water can actually reflect UV rays, which can often increase your exposure.

Building Your Beach Plan from Scratch

For those who are fair-skinned and those who have a little more melanin, it’s crucial to have a plan when it comes to protecting your skin from the sun. Too much UV exposure will not only give you a sunburn, but it will also cause the skin to age prematurely.

UV rays can cause wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, leathery skin, liver spots, actinic keratosis, as well as solar elastosis. Not only that, overexposure to UV rays can also cause significant eye problems.

What Time Are You Heading to the Beach?

The time of day you decide to hit the beach is fairly important. The EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) suggests that nearly half of UV radiation happens between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. -- this is the time of day when the sun's rays are the strongest and hold the most potential to do damage. 

We know that 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. is pretty much prime beach time, so we’d never suggest otherwise -- going to the beach outside of these hours might not be for everyone. Just make sure to bring some supplies that will make sure you don’t get caught off guard and end up doing costly damage to your skin and complexion.

Beach Bag Essentials

It’s a good idea to make yourself a beach bag in which you can pack all of your summer skincare essentials as well as some extra items that will make your time at the beach enjoyable without having to get scorched. 

Clothes

When packing your beach bag, you’ll want to make sure to include certain items to protect yourself from the sun, but what you wear is also hugely important. Sure, you’ve probably put some energy into selecting your perfect swimsuit, but it’s also a good idea to pack some garments that will provide you with more coverage and protection. 

Pack a loose-fitting, long sleeve shirt and a pair of bottoms -- something light so you don’t get too hot out there. Dark colors will always provide you with more protection than lighter ones. Have you ever seen construction workers doing their business on a sunny day? Most of the more experienced individuals will generally wear long sleeves and darker colors, this way they can protect themselves from getting burned. 

Step Your Hat Game Up

Make sure to also pack a wide-brimmed hat that provides ample coverage for your face and neck. Sunglasses are also a must -- make sure that you have a pair that provide UV protection. You might have to spend a few more dollars to make sure you get a quality product. It will be worth the price tag in the end.

Shoes

Don’t forget your feet, either. Sandals and flip-flops will generally leave parts of your feet exposed, so you will want to make sure to address this either by packing an extra pair of shoes with a little more coverage -- water shoes will work well for you in this scenario.

Beach Umbrellas

If shady areas are at a minimum wherever you plan on relaxing at the beach, it’s a good idea to pack your own umbrella, a large beach towel, and maybe even a beach chair so that you have a comfortable and safe place to curl up with a nice beach book.

What About Sunblock?

Sunblock will also be one of your beach bag essential items. Make sure to choose a powerful sunblock that protects you against both UVA and UVB rays. Choose a sunblock with a high Sun Protection Factor (SPF). For example, SPF 15 will block around 93% of UVB rays, while SPF 30 blocks around 97% of UVB rays.

How Gin Amber Beauty Can Help Protect Your Skin

Supplemental products that will help your skin are always available at Gin Amber Beauty. Even if you've experienced sun damage before, we can help make sure to minimize the effects and unleash your true beauty within.

Our Hyaluronic Acid Serums are available and will help moisturize the deepest layers of your skin, even after a productive day at the beach. In the end, this serum will help give you softer and more plump skin. Don’t get discouraged by the name, either; Hyaluronic acid is very gentle and does not burn the skin in any way. Gin Amber Beauty uses plant-based hyaluronic acid instead of ascorbic acid.

Lastly, our Vitamin C Booster  (sodium ascorbyl phosphate) is another effective supplement for your skincare routine. This serum will help stimulate new collagen production. Our Vitamin C Booster (sodium ascorbyl phosphate) utilizes bioavailable ingredients, which makes this product more beneficial to your skin -- no dry; no burning. Check out this video to learn more about our Vitamin C Booster. 

Let  us know if we missed anything that you consider an essential beach bag item. Gin Amber Beauty would love to hear more about your own skincare and beauty journey!