How to Make Pale Skin Look Good in Summer: 7 Tips for Beach Confidence

By Jennifer • Jun 2, 2015 • MD

Fair-skinned sweethearts, rejoice! If you have fair complected skin or pale skin at the beach, there are plenty of ways you can protect your delicate skin without resorting to a full-coverage protective suit. Knowing how to make pale skin look good in summer comes down to smart protection, effortless style, and owned confidence. Here are essential tips for preserving your precious porcelain skin while fully enjoying every moment in the sun.

1. Slather on the Sunscreen

...and reapply often! With sunscreen, as with most things, you get what you pay for, so spend a little extra for a high SPF formula specifically formulated for delicate or fair skin. You will be so glad you did! While everyone else is fretting over unexpected burns or freckles from cheap sunscreen, your skin will remain healthy, smooth, and spot-free. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends using a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or higher every single day.

Keep these quick application rules in mind before hitting the sand:

  • Apply 15 minutes before stepping outdoors.
  • Reapply every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating.
  • Never forget vulnerable spots like ears, feet, and the back of your neck.

2. Find a Fancy Fedora

If you love headwear, finding a chic wide-brim hat or fedora means you'll look incredibly stylish while giving your face, ears, and scalpline crucial protection from direct ultraviolet rays. Pairing your hat with broad-spectrum sunscreen creates a reliable dual-layer defense system against painful sun exposure.

3. Bask under a Bumbershoot

Why not grab a compelling book and relax in the comfortable shade beneath a brightly-striped beach umbrella? While everyone else is melting under the direct hot sun, you will stay cool, comfortable, and gorgeous while diving into a great beach read.

Here is a quick breakdown of top beach shade gear to consider for maximum comfort:

| Shade Type | UV Protection | Portability | | --- | --- | --- | | Pop-Up Beach Tent | UPF 50+ | High | | Classic Beach Umbrella | UPF 30-50+ | Moderate | | UV Sun Canopy | UPF 50+ | Moderate |

4. You're Pretty as a Pin-up

Iconic vintage pin-up looks celebrate fair, porcelain skin with timeless glamour. Embrace the classic aesthetic with high-waisted bottoms, flattering sweetheart necklines, and bold retro patterns. You can browse classic retro swimwear options at ModCloth, swipe on your favorite water-resistant red lipstick, and complete the vibe with classic victory rolls or a sleek headscarf.

5. Look Lovely in Linen

Standard lightweight clothing does not always offer complete sun protection, but when combined with your reliable sunscreen application and stylish sunhat, breathable linen looks effortless and elegant at the shore. Lightweight linen pants paired with an embroidered boho tunic keep you cool while shielding your arms and legs from heat and glare.

6. Savor the Sunnies

Don't forget to protect your eyes! Whether you are fair-haired, dark-haired, or olive-complected, ultraviolet radiation can cause long-term eye damage and fine lines around delicate eye skin. Stash high-quality sunglasses in your tote before heading out. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, sunglasses should absorb 99% to 100% of UV rays for complete safety.

When picking out your ideal beach sunnies, look for these features:

  • 100% UV400 protection label.
  • Polarized lenses to reduce harsh glare off ocean water.
  • Oversized or wrap-around frames for full peripheral eye coverage.

7. Don't do the Day

Solar rays reach peak intensity during mid-day between 10 AM and 4 PM. If possible, plan your beach walk, swimming, and lounging for the late afternoon or golden hour. If you do head out during midday, make sure to seek shade under your umbrella and follow your schedule for reapplying sunscreen.

Well, now you are fully prepared for a fantastic, stress-free day at the beach! What are your favorite tips for enjoying the sun with fair skin?

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

  • Sarahb36

    2015-06-03T14:50:55.983Z

    To all the pale girls out there.. Just think of our friends who live in tanning beds and who can't get enough sun, they might look good now but when they get older and start looking like a catchers mitt, us fair beauties will be young an wrinkle free!!...so I'm told anyway
  • Cassieculbreth

    2015-06-02T21:50:31.616Z

    One time I looked at a picture of me laying down at the beach and I matched the sand
  • Amelia

    2015-06-02T22:57:20.446Z

    Thanks so much for writing my suggestion
  • Emily

    2015-06-03T01:21:33.943Z

    I love how the article is about fair skin, and yet the photo appears to be of two relatively tan girls...or maybe I just have a different definition of "fair". LOL!
  • Ashleypaige311

    2015-06-03T07:28:24.399Z

    I get made fun of at school because I'm the palest one... Thank you for this haha
  • N8alie

    2015-06-02T22:08:35.335Z

    My friend Kenzie needs this. She burns when clouds are out!
  • Molly

    2015-06-02T21:29:26.516Z

    The only confidence I need in my fair skin is the confidence that it won't burn
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