There’s nothing quite like a sun-soaked day on Grand Cayman’s stunning beaches. The combination of sun, sand, and saltwater can leave you feeling at once refreshed and radiant, especially after a day of tanning, swimming, or snorkelling. But while you may feel energised, your skin might be telling a different story. All of that exposure can leave your skin dry, irritated, and even burned.
However, that’s no reason to stay away from the beach. At La Mer Spa, we offer locals and visitors myriad spa services to help them protect and restore their skin. Our team loves to spend time on Grand Cayman’s beaches as much as anyone, so we’ve created this guide to rejuvenating your skin after a day at the beach. If you have any questions about our treatments as you read, don’t hesitate to contact us. After all, the best souvenir you can take home is glowing skin!
Start with a Gentle Cleanse
The first step before using any products or treatments is to give your skin a thorough rinse, since salt, sunscreen, and sweat can clog your pores. Use cool or lukewarm water to rinse off as much as possible, but avoid hot water as this can dehydrate the skin. Then, use a gentle cleanser to remove impurities without stripping the skin. Fragrance-free products are preferable, since fragrances can also contribute to irritation.
Remember, good skin care starts before your vacation, not just after! Read our Guide to the Perfect Pre-Vacation Skin Prep to help you protect your skin before outdoor exposure.
Exfoliate Your Skin — But Not Too Much
Exfoliation helps slough off dead skin cells and enhances absorption of the nourishing products you’ll apply next. However, after a day in the sun, go easy. If your skin feels tender or burned, skip this step and focus on hydration instead. Soothing your skin is the priority after sun exposure.
Soothe Sun-Exposed Skin
If you caught a little too much sun, take a cool shower to help reduce any inflammation. Make sure to pat your skin dry rather than rub it, which may further irritate your skin. You can soothe redness and inflammation with ingredients like aloe vera, green tea extract, or calendula. Keep your skincare products in the fridge for a few hours beforehand for an extra cooling and soothing effect.
For the most effective treatment, you can book our Sun Soother Wrap. This is a full-body spa treatment wherein our therapists will envelop you with an aloe vera deep, moist wrap. Your body will have 50 minutes to soak up the moisture, providing you with deep hydration and soothing. We use Pevonia products for only the best results, and take any skin concerns you may have into consideration throughout the process.
Rehydrate Your Skin Deeply
One of the most crucial aspects of post-beach skincare is hydration. Sun and saltwater zap the moisture from your skin, and so it’s important to rehydrate as soon as possible after exposure. Moisturise your body with rich creams containing ingredients such as shea butter and coconut oil. For your face, you can use a hydrating serum or nourishing moisturiser with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides, which help restore your skin barrier.
Extra care must be taken when on the beach and in tropical weather. Read our article about Hydration Hacks: Keeping Your Skin Moisturized in a Tropical Climate for our top tips!
Take Care of Your Lips and Eyes
While often overlooked, your lips and eyes are especially vulnerable to sun damage due to how delicate the skin is. As much as you apply sunscreen to your skin, remember to also use a hydrating lip balm with SPF. For post-sun exposure, you can use a balm with shea butter or aloe vera. For your eyes, use a cool compress and nourishing eye cream to soothe irritation.
If you want to provide your face with extra care, our Soothing Facial is just for you. Enjoy a hydrating mask that will replenish the most sensitive areas of your face and leave you feeling calm and relaxed.
Stay Hydrated and Nourished
While we might be tempted to put as much product onto our skin as possible, great skin starts from within. It’s important that before and during your vacation, you drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and eat antioxidant-rich foods like fruit and vegetables. Avoid drinking too much alcohol or caffeine, as these can cause dehydration. For even more details about taking care of yourself on vacation, read our article about Achieving a Healthy Glow After Sun Exposure.
Lock in the Glow with a La Mer Spa Treatment
The best way to nourish your skin after a beach day? Pamper yourself at La Mer Spa! From replenishing facials to full-body treatments, we offer a curated selection of spa services designed to restore, hydrate, and rejuvenate, so you’re left feeling radiant from the inside out.
Whether you’re visiting Grand Cayman or lucky enough to call it home, La Mer Spa is your sanctuary for skin rejuvenation. We’ll make sure your skin is protected and refreshed so you can enjoy as many days on the beach as possible! If you have any questions about our services, feel free to get in touch with us.
