Soft. Smooth. Shiny. If you’re looking to quench the thirst of heat-parched hair and sun-damaged skin this summer, you might want to make like a mermaid and venture to the beach.
“I'm a big fan of products from the sea because they are often very effective and, of course, they're coming from a natural source,” says dermatologist and "Skin Rules" author Dr. Debra Jaliman.
TODAY went beneath the surface to reveal some of the sand and ocean’s best kept secrets (living right in your local, land-bound beauty aisle).
Go ahead, dive in.
(Products described from left to right.)
1. Sun Bum Beach Formula Shampoo and Conditioner
Don’t save the benefits (like UV and frizz protection) of this shampoo and conditioner from Sun Bum ($17.99 each at trustthebum.com) for the shore. This hair-care set is enriched with sunflower seed and coconut oils to cleanse chlorine and pollutants while moisturizing, and banana extracts to leave behind a light yet tropical scent wherever you are.
2. Drybar Mai Tai Sea Salt Spray
Treat your tresses to the benefits of sea salt while mastering beautiful, beach-y waves in a matter of minutes with this texturizing spray from Drybar ($25 at drybar.com). Just spray the desired amount to wet hair and let it air dry — no heat required!
3. Bumble and Bumble Seaweed Shampoo and Conditioner
Moisture meets shine with this gentle giant of a daily shampoo and conditioner duo from Bumble and Bumble ($23 each at bumbleandbumble.com). “Green algae (seaweed) contains Vitamins A, C and E, as well as D and B12, calcium, magnesium and polysaccharides, which give skin moisture,” says Jaliman.
4. H2O+ Face Oasis Dual-Action Exfoliating Cleanser
This smoothing cleanser from H2O+ ($25 at h2oplus.com) relies on fruit enzymes and marine algae to rid skin of dull cells and promote growth. Among its power players? Sea lettuce, fennel and kelp. “Kelp has vitamins B1, B2, B3, B12 and C," which help protect from wrinkles, according to Jaliman. "It also helps protect the skin from UV damage. So it boosts collagen production.”
5. H2O+ Oasis Mist
Feel instantly refreshed with this rejuvenating face spritzer from H2O+ ($18 at h2oplus.com). Its sea-derived essential minerals (including A, C, E and B) work with a sea mineral complex for maximum absorbance and antioxidant protection.
6. Sea of Love Spray Fragrance
If you like long walks on the beach, but often have them replaced by long walks to work, put some soothe in your step with this breezy scent from Philosophy ($48 at philosophy.com). Its blend of fresh waters, amber and florals will bring you back to the ocean time and time again.
7. Ole Henriksen Rub N’ Buff Salt Scrub
If you’re looking for a serious glow, look no further than this sea-salt scrub from Ole Henriksen ($38 at sephora.com). “Sea salt is great as a natural exfoliator. It helps take the dead skin cells off the surface, keeping the skin glowing. It's best for body skin as it can be too harsh for the face. As it exfoliates it, allows the skin to absorb more moisture,” says Jaliman. As an added bonus, weo love the botanical-enriched formula’s spa-like scent.
8. Bobbi Brown Beach Body Scrub
If you're craving that sand-between-your-toes feeling, but you're far from the beach, scoop up this luxurious body scrub from Bobbi Brown ($37 at bobbibrowncosmetics.com). The sand jasmine, mandarin and sea spray-laced formula feature exfoliants that will ensure your skin is up to par when you eventually don that bikini.
9. Alba Botanica Even Advanced Sea Algae Enzyme Scrub
Next up? A balancing act. This 100 percent vegetarian face scrub from Alba Botanica ($11.49 at albabotanica.com) is formulated with marine algae, which is known for anti-inflammatory properties. “This ingredient improves collagen. Phloroglucinol, a secondary metabolite of brown algae, possesses tyrosinase activity so it helps [even out] skin color,” says Jaliman.
10. Bumble and Bumble Surf Infusion Spray
Don’t have time to rough around in the ocean this morning? The sea-tumbled results of your wave riding are only a few sprays away thanks to this new innovation from Bumble and Bumble ($29 at bumbleandbumble.com). Just apply to damp or dry hair as desired and let absorb for that easy, breezy look.
11. OGX Sea Mineral Moisture Surge Deep Treatment
Forrmulated with algae (along with kelp and sea water), this deep treatment from OGX ($7.99 at cvs.com) uses nutrient-rich marine extracts to restore dry, damaged and chemically treated hair. We suggest scooping up the line’s shampoo and conditioner as well for the full underwater experience.
12. Origins Salt Suds Foaming Body Wash
Immerse yourself in the Dead Sea (or at least feel like it) with this sea-salt-enriched body wash from Origins ($24 at origins.com). The frothy formula creates a foaming effect and the soothing scent will have you relaxed in no time.