ABCs for Sunbathers
It is 34º C in the shade in Sardinia, with one pristine beach after the next. What could be more inviting than lounging in the sun, listening to relaxing music on your iPod, paired with the occasional crashing of waves, and perhaps sharing this moment with the one you love? Even if you’re not at the beach, this summer is guaranteed to bring a few precious days of sun; lakes and local swimming pools will lure sun worshippers to soak up some rays. Many womensnet readers have booked their summer holidays. Whether it is an all inclusive getaway to the Dominican Republic, a week in Mallorca or travelling with a backpack to Europe’s coasts, one thing is for sure: The most important thing beach accessories are good sun protection and the right beauty care!
With these ABCs for sunbathers, you will be well prepared for a day at the beach and can enjoy the sun without a guilty conscience.
A for apply sunscreen! – Sunscreen is the most important thing to remember when sunbathing. Even darker skin types shouldn’t be tempted to linger unprotected in the sun. We recommend a waterproof sunscreen. And remember that more is more! Reapply even waterproof sunscreen after each time you swim and pay particular attention to sensitive skin areas like the décolleté, nose and ears. Often forgotten are also those difficult to reach areas like the shoulders, sides of the torso, hollows of the knees and feet (first remove sand with a dry towel). It is always better to seek out a shady spot under an umbrella or a tree than in direct sunlight. But even in the shade: The more sunscreen, the better! Don’t worry, you’ll still get plenty of colour, it will happen more slowly and be gentler to skin. Your tan will also last longer.
B for bikini – Already in spring, beauty magazines are crammed with the latest fad bikini diets and beach fashions. It is therefore high time to get rid of a few extra pounds and reward yourself with a stunning new bikini. Remember: basic nutritional changes are always much more effective than a miracle diet. In choosing a bikini, there are a few tricks for making your problem areas ‘disappear.’ Hot pants got their name because they are really only for women with model-perfect figures. Their wide bottoms may at first look like they will hide a few pounds, but their straight cut actually serves to “shorten” the leg, making the body appear stocky. These are only for women with long, lean legs and a firm bottom. Try instead: bikini bottoms with a higher cut leg. These optically extend the leg and lengthen the silhouette. As for bikini tops, it helps to try on as many styles as possible. If you are not a woman blessed with even breasts and a nice, round shape, it is best to try out different styles. Whether triangle top, bustier or classic halter-style neck, the most important thing is that you feel good and your bosom is well supported.
C for cleansing – After sunbathing, gently free sensitive skin from traces of sunscreen, sweat and dirt using a sensitive facial toner or cleansing milk. Damp cleansing towelettes (e.g. from Diadermine) are ideal for on the go. The package is resalable, so that the towelettes stay moist and are always within reach.
D for drink water – Despite the proximity to water, we often forget to drink plenty of fluids. But the heat and unusual exertion of activities like beach volleyball or Frisbee often causes the body to dehydrate. Remember to bring along enough water while sunbathing. Still water is best because it still tastes good even if it is somewhat warm. 2-3 litres a day are necessary for replenishing the loss of fluids.
E for eyelids – The area of skin around the eyes is very thin and delicate. Intensive sun radiation can quickly cause sunburn. Therefore, protect this tender skin by applying a specially formulated eye cream with a high SPF (between 30 and 50, depending on skin type). Sunscreen for babies is extra sensitive, perfume free and often without preservatives. Always remember to wear sunglasses. They provide the best protection against harmful UV rays.
F for fresh fruit – You won’t catch Mediterranean types ordering a pizza or French fries in the midday heat. Fresh seasonal fruit or a light, refreshing salad will fill you up but not leave you feeling bloated. Besides, the pizza will taste just as good once you are back at home!
G for grill party – Summer is the perfect time to bring friends and family together for a fabulous dinner in the great outdoors. So fire up the grill, and bring up your appetite!
H for hair – What can be fun for you often can be torture on your hair. Saltwater, sun and wind—especially these in combination—place great stress on your hair. It tends to dry out and become dull and brittle. Reversing this damage requires special care. If there is a freshwater shower at the beach, rinse out your hair after swimming to remove the saltwater. Then comb through carefully with a wide-toothed comb. Then at home or your hotel, you can step up your care regime. The BC Sun range from Schwarzkopf Professional is formulated specifically for the needs of stressed hair and offers sun therapy in three stages: aloe vera extract revitalises the hair and rebalances its moisture level. Due to integrated UV protection and vitamin E, hair is protected from bleaching and harmful UVA and UVB rays are filtered out. Step 1: Refreshes and cleanses with aloe vera extracts and rebalances the moisture level of the hair. Stage 2 Protects against UV-damage and discoloration with a combination of UVA- and UVB-filters and Vitamin E. Step 3: Repairs the weakened inner hair structure with amino acid glycine and re-hydrates with aloe vera extracts. Hair once again becomes healthy, smooth and shiny. Ideal for your next holiday: the BC sun guardian travel kit.
Find out more about BC sun products…
I for ice cream – There is nothing more refreshing in the hot summer sun than enjoying this delicious treat. Go ahead and indulge yourself!
J for jogging – Aside from the beautiful view, jogging on the beach offers many health benefits. The sand provides greater resistance and thus requires more effort than when you walk or jog on a hard surface. It also works muscles that are not used to be stretched. When jogging on the beach, make sure to protect your feet with sturdy shoes, put on a hat, and reapply your sunscreen once you begin to sweat—after all, the sun not only reaches you from above, but reflects off the sand from below.
L for litter – Unfortunately, this is often a part of the beach experience—water bottles, candy wrappers, cigarette butts. Everything that accumulates during a day of sunbathing belongs in the trash! This is pretty self evident during these environmentally-friendly times, but not everyone has caught on yet. If nothing can be carried away in the ocean breeze, the beach will look just as inviting the next day.
M for mile swim – Bored by another trip to the gym? The perfect weather allows us to get out and exercise in the fresh summer air. Our recommendation: Combine relaxation with exercise and cool off with an invigorating swim. Swimming is a great low impact activity; it burns calories, tones your muscles and increases endurance. Of course, it doesn’t have to be a mile—even doing laps for twenty minutes a few times a week will work wonders.
N for new discoveries – Whether enjoying the colours of a beautiful beach sunset or trying out a new swimming hole, summer is a time for discoveries. Be adventurous!
R for refreshment – You come home sticky from sunscreen, saltwater, sand and sweat and look forward hitting the showers. Try a shower gel with invigorating summer fruit and blossom extracts, paired with natural vitamins (such as the Fa care line*). Revitalising formulas and inviting fragrances make the perfect end to a long day of sunbathing and will make you ready for an evening out!
S for sandcastles - Activities that are fun for kids also can be great for grownups! Sandcastles awaken our creativity and bring back childhood memories. Or: Make a few sand angels.
T for total relaxation – Sunbathing offers ultimate relaxation and, once you take a few precautions for your skin and hair, it can also be healthy. A few rays of sun can have a positive effect on the body. They promote a sense of well-being and strengthen the body’s natural defences. In addition our body needs sunlight to produce vitamin D. It also stimulates blood circulation. The absolute highlight of a day at the beach is a beautiful sunset over the water. It is not only romantic, but also is good for the soul. Find the perfect quiet spot to marvel in the many colours and perhaps a shoulder to lean on forms the perfect ending to a restful day.
Umbrella – On many beaches it is possible to rent an umbrella. Or you can simply bring your own. While at times it can be difficult to transport, a beach umbrella is really a clever multi-purpose tool. It provides valuable shade, so that all you need to do is readjust your towel every now an again to keep cover from the sun. It also serves as great protection from getting sandblasted on windy days. And, last but not least, it is a great way for your family to find your spot again on a crowded beach after a refreshing swim.
V for very red! – Despite all precautions, your skin feels tense and red hot. Sunburn! You should naturally take precautions so that this doesn’t happen, but when it does, the only thing that helps is to cool the skin. A damp cloth or cold water bottle can help can provide immediate relief. Or you can rely on Grandma’s home remedy: Apply fresh, cooled yoghurt to relieve discomfort and hydrate the skin. Aloe vera is also a great natural remedy for soothing skin.
W for water babies – Even water babies should take a time out now and again to reapply sunscreen on dry land. This is because the sun’s rays penetrate up to three meters under the water surface. In addition, sunscreen’s protective film wears off in the water and must be reapplied regularly.
X for x-treme sports – Whether beach volleyball, Frisbee or a rousing game of catch, enjoy some exercise and try something new! Who knows, you may get hooked on this fun in the sun.
Y for yacht tour- Though this may not be at the top of everyone’s list, gather your friends together for an hour long boat tour. You can enjoy the stillness of the water, the company of friends and beautiful views, making it a special holiday to remember.
Z for zebra tan – It may look cute on animals in the zoo, but on your skin it doesn’t make the best fashion statement. Studies have shown that people use significantly less sunscreen than is required for adequate protection. Therefore, remember to use a high SPF and apply sunscreen liberally and evenly!
* Check a retailer in your country for product availability.
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What are your favourite ways to sunbathe? How would you describe your perfect day at the beach? We'd like to hear from you! Join our forum discussion.
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