Dre Does a Pool/Beach Routine

With the 4th of July this week, I know a lot of us will be spending time outside either by the pool or on a beach! I know a lot of bloggers and YouTubers do what's in my pool bag videos, but since I've never really seen much about Pre and Post sun activities, here I am with my version of this popular topic! I've included what I like to do before I enter the sun, what I like to have with me for during, and then what I follow up with immediately after getting out of the sun.

PRE
Before I go out into the sun I ALWAYS make sure to do my skincare routine. I do my normal routine except there is one thing I change up because of the sun. I have oily skin so I like to make sure that I use a moisturizer that's a bit heavier than I would typically use on a day to day basis. The sun can dry you out so I like to combat this by using a moisturizer that's not only hydrating but also moisturizing. (In case you didn't know, hydrating means it helps restore the water balance of your skin and moisturizing means it helps restore the oil balance in your skin; two VERY different things that you need to know about before buying products). I like to make sure that I also moisturize my body with a great body butter before heading out to make sure that I stay hydrated. While everyone's skin type is different, I find that I am less likely to burn if my skin stays moisturized, so I do my best to stay on top of it. After moisturizing is when I add my SPF. I like to do it at home, before I put my bikini on so I know I've gotten every spot even if my bikini moves around! I also like to make sure my hair is moisturized beforehand so I like to add a leave in conditioner to my ends that are typically dryer than my roots. Lastly, I always add an SPF that is different than the SPF for my body because it's different skin and generally more sensitive to products. I really like applying my La Bella Donna Loose Minerals because they not only reduce redness and even out my skin tone, but one of only four ingredients is a mineral sunscreen, so I know I'm protected!

DURING
While I'm at the pool/beach I keep your typical beach bag items; towel, headphones, water bottle, SPF, physical copy of a book haha (I'm too accident prone to try my luck with my iPad near water), sunglasses, and more. However, there are some key things I like to make sure I always have. First, a lip balm with SPF to make sure my lips don't get too dried out or sunburned. Then, I always make sure to have a mini can of facial spray with me. Essentially it's just water in a fine mist (sometimes with extra minerals and antioxidants) which sounds super unnecessary and fancy, but I like to make sure my face stays nice and moist and doesn't burn. This is honestly one of the easiest ways for me to make sure I'm doing it. It's really easy to lose track of hydration in the sun so I really like making sure I have my facial spray. I always make sure I have some sort of snack with me as well. I like to have almonds or cashews a lot of the time because they won't melt and provide protein which is important. Hungry and dehydrated is a bad combo for when you're in the sun. One key item I never leave the house without, especially in the summer is a yummy and refreshing smelling body splash! With the heat and humidity of summer, the last thing you want is to be smelling kind of funky and not have access to a quick shower (the same goes for deodorant but we're probably all normal adults here and have that covered I think). Lastly, I always make sure I have a notebook and pen with me because I never know when inspiration will hit for my blog or anything else in life. I typically think of things at the most random times, so I like to have something I can jot notes down on with me at all times.

AFTER
I like to make sure that I wash my face as soon as I can after being in the sun to get any chlorine or other impurities off of the surface. If I can't make it to a sink right away, I like to keep a good small pack of cleansing towelettes in my purse to just refresh my skin and help remove anything that's lingering. If you visit the travel section of your grocery store or Target, you can generally find packs of 5 to 10 towelettes to keep in your purse for this reason! I also make sure to use a moisturizing body butter all over my body and that same good hydrating and moisturizing facial moisturizer on my face. If I've spent a significant amount of time in the sun, I try to stay away from any form of heat styling on my hair for a few days to give it a chance to rehydrate. A good deep conditioning mask is always a must for me as well after I've spent time outdoors. Look for a post in the next few weeks on my favorite masks!

So that is my pool/beach routine! If you have any recommendations of must haves of your own, please feel free to share them for everyone else to enjoy! Remember, being outside and soaking up some rays is always a good time, but we have to make sure we are protected and taking care of ourselves (End the esthetician's PSA...haha)!

Have a beautiful day,

Dre