A seaside holiday: what your skin and hair need right now

A seaside holiday is a wonderful thing. The sea breeze and the salt air are a real treat for our respiratory system and our skin. The lapping of the waves helps us unwind and significantly reduces our stress levels. And the warmth of the sun not only makes us happy, but also gives us a healthy glow – provided, of course, that we don’t forget to apply the essential sun cream. At the same time, however, your skin and hair may not necessarily look their best after a day at the seaside. There are several reasons for this.

On the one hand, there is, of course, the well-known UV radiation, which is harmful to unprotected skin. Saltwater also strips moisture from the hair, making it more porous and giving it a brittle appearance. The wind, which is ever-present by the sea – even if only as a gentle breeze – accelerates moisture loss from both skin and hair. But if you don’t recognise your own hair in the evening, there’s no need to worry. There are a few very simple tricks to ensure your hair and skin get everything they need to reveal their natural beauty whilst on a seaside holiday.

• Sun protection is essential! Apply high-quality sunscreen with a high SPF several times a day. You can read everything you need to know about sun protection here.
• Moisture: After a day in the sun, your skin needs soothing care. Aloe vera gel, special after-sun lotions and serums help to replenish lost moisture. Be generous when applying cream and enjoy the cooling, soothing effect of the products.
• Gentle exfoliation: If your skin isn’t red or irritated, you can also exfoliate two to three times a week to remove dead skin cells. This makes the skin more receptive to skincare products. Your tan will last longer. When choosing an exfoliator, make sure to select one with round grains to prevent micro-injuries and irritation. The exfoliating particles should be of natural origin, e.g. sugar or almond flour. This helps you avoid microplastics.
• Support from within: Not just at the seaside, but whenever it is particularly warm, you should ensure you drink plenty of fluids. Foods containing beta-carotene (carrots, apricots, peppers) support your skin’s natural sun protection from within.

• Sun protection for your hair: Your hair also benefits from sun protection. Leave-in conditioners with SPF and special UV protection sprays prevent your hair from drying out and protect the colour.
• Rinsing: After swimming in the sea, you should rinse your hair thoroughly to remove salt residue.
• Care: On a seaside holiday, your hair needsmoisture just as much as your skin. So use hair treatments with moisturising ingredients, such as coconut oil, argan oil or panthenol.
• Accessories: Hats and scarves aren’t just stylish; they also effectively protect your scalp from the sun.
• Hairstyle: Protect your hair from drying out by not wearing it loose. A plait or a bun offers less surface area for the sun and wind to affect.