Heading to the Coast This December? Your Holiday Skin Survival Guide
December at the coast means strong sun, heat, humidity, saltwater and pool chlorine – and if you have been working on dark spots or acne, a week of it can set you back months. A little planning keeps your glow and your progress.
1. Sunscreen, and lots of it
On the beach you need far more sun protection than in the city. Apply SPF 50 to face and body 15 minutes before you go out and reapply every two hours – and straight after swimming or towelling off.
- Face: The Derma Co Hyaluronic Sunscreen Gel SPF 50 – KSh 2,950. Light enough for humid weather.
- Body: Heliocare 360° Invisible Spray SPF 50+ – KSh 5,450. Easy to reapply over sand and sweat.
- Lips: Carmex Lip Balm SPF 15 – KSh 1,250. Lips burn and darken too.
2. Pause your strongest actives
Retinoids, exfoliating acids and strong brightening creams make skin more sensitive to the sun. If you're spending whole days outdoors, ask us whether to use them less often during your trip – and don't start a new strong treatment the week before you travel.
3. Go lighter on moisturiser, not lighter on care
Humidity means you need less heavy cream. Swap to a gel moisturiser and let a hydrating essence do the work.
- The Derma Co Oil-Free Daily Face Moisturizer – KSh 2,950
- COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence – from KSh 1,650
4. Rinse off salt and chlorine
Shower soon after swimming, cleanse your face gently in the evening and follow with moisturiser. Salt and chlorine dry skin out even when it feels sticky.
5. Cool down after a day in the sun
- I Am Cool Aloe Vera Calming Sheet Mask – from KSh 390. Keep it in the hotel fridge.
- Continuous Fine Mist Spray Bottle – KSh 825. Fill with water for a cooling face and hair mist.
Your coast packing list
- Face sunscreen SPF 50
- Body sunscreen spray SPF 50
- Lip balm with SPF
- Gentle cleanser
- Gel moisturiser
- Aloe sheet masks
- Hat and sunglasses
Order your holiday kit before you leave – delivery is free on orders over KSh 6,500 in Kenya, with same-day delivery in eligible Nairobi areas, and we ship countrywide. WhatsApp 0741 138 331 and we'll pack it for you. Safari njema!