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When hitting the waves, protecting your skin is crucial to maintaining your happy healthy surfer glow. The combination of intense sun exposure and salt water can be harsh for the skin, often leading to dryness, irritation, and even sunburn. That’s why it’s essential to have a solid skincare routine before and after you surf.
In this guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know from our expert surf coaches’ trade secrets about keeping your skin safeguarded and hydrated while you enjoy your time in the ocean. From staying hydrated to moisturising tips and tricks, we’ve got you covered to ensure your skin stays healthy and glowing, even after a long surf session.
Tip 1 – Stay Hydrated
The sun and saltwater can quickly lead to dehydration, which not only dries out your skin but also affects your overall well-being. When you’re surfing, you’re exposed to intense sunlight, salty seawater, and a strenuous activity that causes you to sweat. All of this combines to sap moisture from your body. To counteract this, it’s crucial to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before and after your surf session.
Consider taking a water bottle with you to the beach and taking sips throughout your session, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Staying hydrated helps maintain your body’s natural balance, keeps your skin looking fresh, and supports your overall health and energy levels – letting you surf better for longer!
Tip 2 – Apply Suncream
When heading out for a surf session, try to use a reef-friendly sunscreen or a zinc-based sun cream stick. Given that you might be spending hours in the water for each session, and with the sun reflecting off the ocean’s surface directly onto your skin, you’re at risk of severe sunburn if you’re not adequately protected. Apply sunscreen at least an hour before you surf and reapply regularly, especially if you take breaks between sessions.
Some sunscreens or sun cream sticks can be thick and may clog your pores, which isn’t ideal for long-term skin health. To avoid this, consider carrying makeup remover or wipes with you. These are great for removing any residue of sun cream after your surf, ensuring your skin stays fresh and doesn’t feel weighed down. This simple hack helps keep your skin clean, soft, and ready for your next wave, while also protecting marine ecosystems from harmful chemicals.
Tip 3 – Wear a Sun Hat
Another effective way to shield yourself from the sun while surfing is to wear a sun hat. Hats provide extra protection for your face, neck, and ears, which are prone to sunburn. Fortunately, there are excellent options available specifically designed for water sports.
Look for sun hats made from quick-drying, lightweight, and UV-resistant materials. Many of these hats come with a chin strap or clip to keep them securely in place, even when you’re catching waves or getting wiped out in the surf.
Tip 4 – Wash Your Face
Once you’ve finished your surf session, it’s essential to wash your face with fresh water as soon as you can. Saltwater and sand can leave your skin feeling gritty and dry, so rinsing off helps remove the residues and prevents irritation. Saltwater, in particular, can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it prone to dryness.
After washing your face, it’s important to rehydrate your skin. Apply a rehydrating face moisturiser or facial oil to restore lost moisture and help your skin recover from the drying effects of saltwater and sun exposure. Look for products specifically designed to replenish hydration and soothe sun-exposed skin.
Consider using surf-specific products with soothing ingredients like aloe vera, or vitamin E, which can help calm and repair your skin. Regular post-surf skincare will keep your skin looking and feeling its best, helping to counteract the effects of your time in the water and sunshine.
By following these expert-recommended skincare tips, you can enjoy silky smooth skin no matter how often you surf. Here at Women + Waves, we encourage using reef-safe and eco-friendly products, but we’d love to hear about your favourites too. If you have any recommendations or suggestions, please share them in the comments below.
