Beach beauty tips

Discover how to prepare your skin for the elements. We asked a skin expert for her tips on beach beauty and how to get the best possible protection this summer.

Dr Natasha Cook, a specialist dermatologist at Macquarie Street Dermatology, Sydney, used to laze on the beach for hours without a trace of sun protection. She was on a mission: to transform her porcelain skin into a shade of terracotta that would match her regular beach companion and best friend – who happened to be Chinese. "I would get really close to achieving my goal," she admits in disbelief. "I thought a dark, natural tan looked beautiful, but I wasn’t aware of the risks and I certainly didn’t know there were better ways to get similar results."

The Cancer Council of Australia reports that Aussies have the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, with approximately 383,500 cases being treated each year.

Natasha has examined thousands of patients and witnessed the effects of repeated sun exposure first hand. "It‘s been a good lesson to stay out of the sun and cover up," she says. But it hasn’t stopped her from enjoying the beach altogether. Unlike her younger self, Natasha will now go to the beach early in the morning, or late in the afternoon, when ultraviolet rays are much weaker. "Call me the Gidget of the night," she jokes. "I’m extra cautious these days. Of course, it is possible to visit the beach during the day and be safe from the sun. You just have to be well protected and well prepared." Here’s how Natasha will ensure her skin is beautiful and sun-safe this summer.

Planning ahead

Before placing a foot on the sand, Natasha suggests exfoliating using a salt- and oil-based product, which is "not too harsh on the skin", such as Yes To Carrots C The Body Carrot Rich Moisturising Body Scrub (200ml), $14.95, enriched with carrot seed oil. The grains remove dead skin cells from the surface, while the oil maintains moisture in healthy, new skin. Follow with a moisturiser, such as A’kin Lavender & Geranium Body Moist, $21.95, and you’ll feel soft, smooth and ready to slip into your swimsuit.

Choosing a sunscreen

The most important feature to look for is a sun protection factor of 30+ or more, and that the words ‘broad spectrum’ appear on the label. This means your sunscreen filters both UVA (ageing) and UVB (burning) rays. It should also contain physical filters, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These micro-fine particles sit on the surface of the skin and act as a physical barrier to UV radiation. Ella Baché Great 30+ Bodysaver, $36, is a smart choice and fulfils all our requirements, plus it contains anti-oxidants to help prevent free-radical damage caused by environmental pollution.

Formula for success

Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before leaving the house to give the cream time to activate. Natasha wears a face cream containing a high SPF, followed by her own brand of foundation which also contains sunscreen, Dr Natasha Cook Dermatologist SPF 30+ Sunbase Foundation. "This way I have a double layer of protection and an even complexion at the same time," she says.We also suggest L’Occitane Immortelle Protective Lotion with SPF 15+, $64.95, which offers UVA and UVB filters and anti-ageing benefits. If you’d like an inexpensive cream with a high level of protection, you can’t surpass QV Face Moisturising Day Cream SPF 30+, $15.99, a non-greasy formula suitable for sensitive skin.

Words: Erin Whitty. Photography: Corrie Bond. Styling: Magda Ching