After a day at the beach, your skin is usually in need of some serious TLC. The combination of sun, saltwater, and wind can leave your skin feeling dry, irritated, and in need of replenishment. Over the years, I’ve developed a skincare routine that helps restore my skin and keep it healthy and glowing after a long beach day. Here’s how I take care of my skin after a trip to the beach.

1. Remove Saltwater and Sand Gently

The first thing I do when I get back to my accommodation is remove all the saltwater and sand from my skin. The salt can be very drying and irritating, so it’s important to cleanse properly. I use a gentle, hydrating cleanser that won’t strip my skin of its natural oils. I avoid anything too harsh, as my skin is already stressed from sun exposure and the saltwater. A cream or gel-based cleanser works best for me because it helps replenish moisture while thoroughly cleansing my skin. I make sure to be gentle, as scrubbing too hard can cause irritation, especially when there’s sand or grit on your skin.

For my face, I use a micellar water or cleansing wipes to quickly wipe away any remaining sunscreen and salt before washing my face. These are great because they don’t require rinsing, making them ideal for on-the-go cleansing. I always make sure to cleanse my face and body as soon as I can to remove salt, sunscreen, and sand before they have a chance to irritate or dry out my skin.

2. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

After sun exposure, hydration is key. The sun and saltwater can leave your skin feeling dry, so the first step in my post-beach skincare routine is to replenish moisture. I start by drinking plenty of water to rehydrate my body from the inside out. The heat and the salty air can dehydrate you, and it’s important to replenish fluids to keep your skin looking its best. Drinking water will help restore hydration to your skin and prevent it from looking dull or tight.

For external hydration, I reach for a hydrating toner or facial mist. These products help balance your skin’s pH levels and give it a quick refresh. I love using a cooling, aloe vera-based mist because it calms the skin, providing a cooling sensation after a day in the sun. Aloe vera has natural anti-inflammatory properties and is great for soothing any redness or irritation caused by sun exposure.

Next, I apply a rich moisturizer to lock in that hydration. A thick, emollient cream helps restore the moisture barrier, keeping your skin smooth and plump. I tend to gravitate toward moisturizers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides. These ingredients are great at drawing moisture into the skin and preventing moisture loss. If my skin is feeling particularly dry or irritated, I’ll also apply a soothing face oil for added nourishment. Argan oil or jojoba oil are my go-to choices because they’re lightweight yet highly moisturizing and help balance my skin’s oil production.

3. Soothing After-Sun Care

After being in the sun for hours, it’s important to use products that can help soothe and calm the skin. Aloe vera gel is a must-have in my post-beach skincare routine because of its natural cooling properties. I apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel all over my face and body to calm any redness or inflammation caused by sun exposure. Aloe vera helps cool the skin, reduce inflammation, and even speed up the healing process if your skin is a bit sunburned. For extra moisture, I sometimes mix aloe vera gel with a few drops of lavender oil or chamomile oil, both of which are known for their soothing and calming properties.

I also love using a hydrating sheet mask after a day at the beach. Sheet masks are a quick way to deliver intense hydration to the skin. Look for masks that contain hyaluronic acid, aloe, or green tea extract. They’ll help your skin feel refreshed and nourished while giving it that extra boost of hydration it needs. I usually leave the mask on for about 20 minutes and let it soak in all the goodness before removing it and gently patting the remaining essence into my skin.

4. Targeting Sun Damage

Even if you’ve diligently applied sunscreen throughout the day, it’s impossible to completely avoid the effects of UV rays. That’s why I like to apply a repairing serum that’s designed to target sun damage. Vitamin C serums are great for brightening up dull, sun-exposed skin and helping to fade any spots caused by the sun. Niacinamide is also another ingredient I reach for, as it can help reduce redness and pigmentation caused by sun exposure.

For my body, I use a calming body lotion that has a blend of soothing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and chamomile. These ingredients are great for calming and moisturizing the skin, especially if it’s feeling a little tight and dry after a day in the sun.

5. Gentle Exfoliation

Once my skin has fully hydrated and calmed down, I like to exfoliate the following day. After a beach trip, the skin can feel a bit rough or flaky, especially if there was prolonged sun exposure. I reach for a gentle exfoliating scrub or exfoliating acid like lactic acid or glycolic acid. These ingredients help slough off dead skin cells and encourage cell turnover, revealing smoother, brighter skin underneath. Just be sure not to over-exfoliate, as this can cause further irritation, especially if you’ve had sun exposure.

6. Night Care for Repair

Before heading to bed, I make sure to apply a nourishing night cream. The night is the best time for your skin to repair itself, so I opt for something rich in antioxidants and hydrating ingredients. Retinol or bakuchiol (a gentler alternative) is also a great addition to your night routine to help with collagen production and promote skin repair. These ingredients help reverse the effects of sun exposure over time, improving texture and reducing signs of aging.