If you’re starting to think about spending your summer at the beach or going on a vacation, there are a few important things that you should do to get ready. Here are 4 steps to getting ready for a sun-filled summer or trip.
1. Get Fit
When you’re preparing for a summer at the beach or a winter escape to a tropical destination, you may be thinking about getting in shape. Getting your body ready for the beach doesn’t just mean losing a few pounds. You also need to think about getting strong and sculpted. Being thin isn’t particularly impressive, but having a toned physique is bound to turn heads.
The best way to start building muscle is taking a slow approach and building your strength over time. You don’t need a lot of equipment, and in fact, exercises using your body weight such as planking and push-ups are very effective. Some people benefit from the routine of going to a gym, while others find it easier and more convenient to focus on their efforts at home.
2. Be Ready to Show Smooth Skin
Taking care of unwanted hair is a prerequisite for your best looking beach ensemble. Shaving and depilatory treatments last only one to a few days. These methods can cause bumps and irritation, especially when hair starts growing back. Waxing can help you avoid shaving irritation that can be particularly severe in areas with coarser hair such as your bikini line or underarms.
Also, waxing provides a longer-lasting solution than shaving. However, the most effective and permanent solution is laser hair removal. This procedure can prevent unwanted hair from ever returning. It’s especially great for areas where it can be somewhat difficult to thoroughly remove hair. After you’ve finished laser hair removal, you won’t have to spend any more time worrying about hair removal or attempting to soothe unsightly bumps. You’ll always be ready to put on your favorite beachwear without any advance planning necessary.
3. Protect Your Skin
While everyone likes to get some color under the sun, it’s important to remember that a temporary tan can cause permanent damage to your skin. You can’t overdo it, and no matter what, you still need to wear sunscreen. Wearing sunscreen doesn’t mean that you won’t tan at all, but it will help to prevent you from burning. A minimum of 30 SPF is recommended, but you may want to consider wearing something higher on your face. You may also want to think about a sunscreen that’s specifically intended for your face that is oil-free and less likely to cause any type of irritation on sensitive skin. You should choose a sunscreen that is water and sweat resistant.
You need to remember to reapply it approximately every 80 minutes. Also, stay aware of when you do something that will cause your sunscreen to rub off, such as laying on a towel or resting your face on your arm. If you haven’t spent any time in the sun at all, you’re more likely to burn. You should avoid spending more than an hour and a half in direct sunlight at once. If you want to spend a significant amount of time on the beach, you should do it under an umbrella. Apart from protecting your skin, you’ll likely feel a lot cooler and more comfortable.
4. Bring the Right Gear
When you’re going to be spending some time at the beach, you need to plan accordingly and get everything that you need well in advance. You may have put considerable thought into your beachwear, but you may have overlooked one of the most important items: Sunglasses. Protecting your eyes on the beach isn’t optional, and it’s not just a style statement. Just as you need to protect your skin, you absolutely need to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. The best quality sunglasses have polarized lenses which help to reduce glare and lets you see your surroundings with enhanced definition.
