How to Create Beach-Ready Skin
- adriana
- Jan 16
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 20
Heading to the beach is your perfect chance to show off glowing, healthy skin. But achieving that sun-kissed, radiant look doesn’t happen overnight—it requires a little preparation and care. With the right steps and products, you can get your skin beach-ready while keeping it protected from harmful UV rays.
Image by IBRESTER / Adobestock
Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating beach-ready skin, from exfoliation to sun protection, so you can feel confident and carefree on the sand.
Step 1: Exfoliate for a Smooth Canvas
Exfoliation is the first step to achieving radiant skin. By removing dead skin cells, you’ll reveal a smoother, more even surface that’s ready to soak in moisture and reflect light.
Face: Use a gentle exfoliating scrub or a chemical exfoliant with AHAs or BHAs to brighten your complexion. Do this 2–3 times a week for best results.
Body: Opt for a body scrub made with sugar, salt, or coffee to buff away rough patches, especially on areas like elbows, knees, and heels.
Pro Tip: Exfoliate a day or two before hitting the beach to avoid over-sensitizing your skin.
Step 2: Hydrate and Moisturize
Hydrated skin is happy skin. After exfoliating, replenish your skin’s moisture levels to keep it soft, plump, and glowing.
Face: Use a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture, followed by a lightweight moisturizer to seal it in.
Body: Apply a rich body lotion or cream immediately after showering to trap moisture and prevent dryness. Look out for ingredients like shea butter, aloe vera, or glycerin.
Step 3: Self-Tan or Enhance Your Natural Glow
A self-tanner is your best friend if you want to add a sun-kissed glow without exposing your skin to harmful rays.
Exfoliate beforehand for an even application.
Apply self-tanner in circular motions using a mitt or your hands (wear gloves to avoid stained palms).
Allow the product to completely dry before dressing.
Prefer a natural glow? Use a shimmer body lotion or dry oil to highlight your shoulders, collarbones, and legs for a luminous effect.
Step 4: Protect Your Skin with Sunscreen
Sun protection is the most critical step in creating and maintaining beach-ready skin. Harmful UV rays can cause sunburn, premature aging, and even skin cancer, so sunscreen is non-negotiable.
Choose the Right Sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 for both your face and body.
Reapply Frequently: Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
Use a Convenient Option: A Korean sunscreen stick is perfect for easy, mess-free application. Compact and portable, it’s ideal for reapplying sunscreen to your face, neck, and shoulders while at the beach.
Image by Andrey Popov / Adobestock
Step 5: Prep Your Lips and Eyes
Delicate areas like your lips and eyes need extra care in the sun.
Lips: Use a lip balm with SPF to prevent chapping and sunburn. Reapply throughout the day.
Eyes: Wear UV-blocking sunglasses to protect the sensitive skin around your eyes and prevent squinting, which can lead to wrinkles.
Step 6: Stay Hydrated from Within
Drinking water is just as important as moisturizing your skin externally. Staying hydrated prevents your skin from drying out and helps maintain its elasticity.
Bring Water: Keep a reusable water bottle with you and drink regularly throughout the day.
Snack Smart: Fresh fruits like watermelon, cucumber, and oranges are hydrating and packed with vitamins that nourish your skin.
Step 7: Finish with a Post-Beach Skincare Routine
Once you’re done soaking up the sun, your skin needs some aftercare to recover and stay radiant.
Cleanse Gently: Use a mild cleanser to remove sunscreen, sand, and sweat.
Soothe Sun-Exposed Skin: Apply aloe vera gel or a calming after-sun lotion to cool and moisturize.
Continue Hydration: Reapply your favorite moisturizer or body oil to replenish any lost hydration.
Creating beach-ready skin is all about preparation, protection, and hydration. With these steps, you’ll not only look radiant but also keep your skin healthy and safe.
