Prepping your skin for the sun’s blaze needs to start well before you lace up your bikini top. Beauty expert Jenn Falik advises that the best way to quench skin’s thirst is to add moisture while cleansing. “Use a body wash that is going to nourish your skin instead of strip your skin,” says Falik.
Designed to promote skin’s elasticity and strength, this body wash provides skin-softening moisture while you shower.
$8.29, available at drugstore.com
After spending a long day in the sun, it’s tempting to want to take a long hot shower. According to Falik, high water temps in the shower can actually do more harm than good, especially on skin that’s been in the sun all day. “Keep the hot showers to a minimum,” says Falik. “I would say a good four to five minutes is nice. If you’re under the hot water too long, you’re contributing to drier skin.”
The new My UV Check iPhone app uses location-based services to assess the strength of sun rays, which makes choosing the correct SPF factor simple and easy. You can also use the app to find nearby drugstores in case you forget your sunscreen while on-the-go. Download My UV Check for free in the iPhone app store
It’s easy to remember to slather on sunscreen before you head out to the beach or backyard, but if you’ll be gone for more than an hour, don’t forget to grab your SPF for mid-day touch ups. Apply a new layer of sunscreen at least every two hours if you’re outside in direct sun.
This sunscreen has a lightweight formula and non-whitening texture with very high UVA/UVB protection. We love that it’s water-resistant, which makes it ideal for outdoor and beach use.
$32.95, available at Walgreens.
Before you hit the beach in short-sleeved tops, it’s time to show your elbows a little extra TLC. Believe it or not, one of Falik’s favorite elbow-smoothers involves something you can grab from the fridge. “Cut a lemon in half and stick your elbows in it. That’s my favorite trick,” says Falik. “There’s something about the citrus that helps exfoliate the skin. It works wonders.”
A long, cold winter may have wrecked havoc on your pedicure schedule, but now’s the time to get back on track. Make your pedicure go the distance by reapplying a clear top coat every three days and keeping heels hydrated with your favorite foot cream or oil before bed. Feet can get sunburned too, so while in the sun, make sure you don’t overlook them when applying SPF.
Toss this in your beach bag and swipe on a quick-drying coat while relaxing poolside.
$12.00, available at Ginger + Liz.
It’s easy to underestimate how dehydrated you can get while mingling with friends in the hot sun and having a martini (or two). Before you hit the pool, pack a platter of fresh fruit for you and your guests to enjoy. Not only will you have something healthy to nosh on, but you’ll be upping your water intake, too.
If you’ll be using your long weekend to work in the garden or prep your deck for fun summer nights, be sure to wear gloves to protect your nails and keep hands soft.
After a long day of yard work or handling the grill, soothe your hands with this rich, indulgent hand cream.
$2.99, available at drugstores.
If you’re reaching for SPF 30 and thinking that you’re getting double the protection of SPF 15, think again. An SPF of 15 screens 93 percent of UVB rays, while a 30 screens 97 percent— just four percent more. What matters most is that you apply and reapply every few hours to make sure you’re protected.
