Beach Tips 101: Protect Yourself from Wrinkling

We all like to go to the beach.  It’s a peaceful, relaxing day under the sun.  At least that is what we plan on it being when we set out with a crew of people and plop down under the baking sun for hours on end, hoping to become a nice golden brown color or just look a little healthier, for those of us who weren’t blessed with that caramel, cinnamon skin that some Latin women seem to be so blessed to have.

The beach can also be a big downer when the day comes to an end.  When it’s all said and done, the beach can add years to our look when all of the time under the sun has accumulated on our skin and we begin to show our true age much later in life, in the form of wrinkles that we fight to cover up with the best facial creams and neck creams.

You see, when we visit the beach, we endure severe pressure on our skin from none other than the sun.  The sun has harmful UV-rays that affect our skin today and YEARS later.  The sun causes irreparable damage to the skin in the form of wrinkles and sunspots.  It also can leave random aging spots and even scarring from the violent sunburn we often times come into when we spend just a tad bit too long out there.  The sun can be a great time, but it can also be a big burden.

For this reason, there are a few things you must bring with you as you travel to the beach.  The best sunblock is by far the most important thing you need to apply to your body.  Anything with an spf 25 or so is quite fine.  However, do NOT go below that number if you are very pale in your skin tone or if you are applying the same lotion to children.  Children need to be very careful when in the sun, and it’s best to apply plenty of high spf lotion to their skin in preparation for their journey into the sun.

Staying hydrated is also a very important thing. You must drink plenty of water when you are around the sun.  Staying hydrated means you need to consume about a gallon of water throughout the day.  Drink even more if you find yourself consuming beer or other alcoholic beverages throughout the day.  It’s important to hydrate the body, as this also helps your skin recover much quicker from any damage done by the sun.  Please, if you take one thing from this message, it’s apply spf, and use water to your advantage.  Ok, that was two things, but they are both very important!

Lastly, it’s always best to use some sort of tertiary way to protect your skin from wrinkles that will form later in life.  By this, I mean to bring a hat or other type of cover for your head that will provide shade over your face. You will also see a large benefit from wearing sunglasses throughout the day.  Yes, it is possible you get a “raccoon tan” around your eyes, but would you rather have a one day raccoon tan or a lifelong supply of eye wrinkles?  I think the choice is easy.

Remember, a trip to the beach is meant to be an enjoyable time.  Please take proper precautions when you journey to the beach, and by all means, keep your skin protected!

Karla A. Sutton is an anti-aging expert and author.  Her book on the topic of aging, “The Aging Race,” is slated for completion in 2011.