eTopical Precious Finds
There are few feelings as satisfying as the end of a great day on the water. You’re tired but happy, with the sun on your face and a cooler full of fish. The post-fishing ritual is a familiar one for any seasoned angler: you clean the boat, you wash your rods and reels, and you carefully organize your tackle.
But after a long day of intense exposure to the sun, the wind, and the water, there’s one more crucial piece of ‘gear’ that needs a little maintenance: your skin. We are meticulous about cleaning and storing our fishing equipment, but we often neglect to give our own skin the same level of post-trip care. Your skin is your body’s first line of defense, and a day on the water can be incredibly tough on it.
A simple, 10-minute routine after you get off the water can make a huge difference in preventing long-term sun damage and keeping your skin healthy for a lifetime of fishing.
Step 1: Gently Wash Away the Day
The first and most important step is to gently but thoroughly wash your face and any other exposed skin. Throughout the day, your skin has accumulated a tough layer of water-resistant sunscreen, sweat, salt (if you were on the ocean), and other environmental grime.
It’s crucial to use a gentle, hydrating cleanser. Avoid using a harsh bar soap, which can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it feeling tight and dry. Your skin has already been stressed by the elements; the goal here is to clean it without causing any further irritation.
Step 2: Soothe and Replenish with an After-Sun Product
Even if you don’t have a visible sunburn, your skin has been under assault from UV radiation all day. The time immediately after you get out of the sun is a critical window for helping your skin to repair that damage.
After you’ve cleansed, apply a generous amount of a soothing, anti-inflammatory moisturizer or a dedicated after-sun gel. Look for products that contain aloe vera and antioxidants.
Aloe vera is incredibly soothing and hydrating, and it has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to calm sun-stressed skin. Aloe is a powerhouse for skin health.
For antioxidants, look for ingredients like Vitamin C and Vitamin E. These powerful antioxidants can help to combat the free radical damage that is caused by UV exposure and can lead to premature aging.
Step 3: Don’t Neglect Your Lips and Hands
Two of the most-abused and most-forgotten parts of an angler’s body are the lips and the hands.
After hours of sun and wind, your lips can be left feeling chapped and dehydrated. Use a thick, moisturizing lip balm to replenish that lost moisture.
Your hands have been through a battle. They’ve been wet, they’ve handled bait, and they’ve been gripping a rod handle for hours. They are likely dry and rough. Use a heavy-duty hand cream or salve to restore the moisture and prevent your skin from cracking.
Step 4: Remember That the Best After-Care is Great Before-Care
The most effective skincare routine is a preventative one. The best way to take care of your skin after a day of fishing is to have protected it properly during the day. Before you even head out on the water, make sure you are equipped with the non-negotiables of sun protection. A multi-layered approach to sun protection is the most effective.
- High-SPF, Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen: Apply it generously and reapply it often, especially after sweating or getting wet.
- A Wide-Brimmed Hat: This is essential for protecting your face, ears, and the back of your neck.
- Polarized Sunglasses: These not only help you see into the water better, but they also protect the delicate skin around your eyes.
- A UPF-Rated Sun Shirt: A lightweight, long-sleeved sun shirt is the most reliable form of sun protection for your torso and arms.
A lifetime of enjoying the sport you love requires taking care of your most important piece of gear: yourself. By incorporating this simple, post-trip skincare routine into your regular fishing ritual, you can ensure your skin stays healthy and protected, ready for your next great adventure on the water.
