All beach-goers could use some kind of sun care product. From lotions to enhance their tans to strong sunscreen for the fair-skinned, the majority of visitors apply something to their skin while at the beach. By carrying a variety of these products in your surf shop you can successfully cater to the needs of virtually every person.

Everyone loves the beach: the surf, the sand, the relaxation and especially the sun. The FDA recommends protection from UVA and UVB rays while in the sun, though, and many people heed the warning. Most sun care product brands make a large selection of sun care supplies in response to this warning.

1. Stock the most commonly used sun care lotion: sunscreen. Some are made with lower SPF ratings, as low as SPF 4, and progress up to SPF 80. The most commonly used ratings range from SPF 15 to SPF 60.

2. Think about tourists. Most beach towns are full of them and many want to work on their tans. Lower SPF sunscreens will appeal to them, as well as sunless tanning products. Try to pick well known sun care product brands to increase your sales.

3. Go green by using all-natural products. All kinds of natural sun care products are being made these days, and these items are preferred by vegetarians and environmentally conscious types.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Protect against skin cancer with sun care supplies containing zinc oxide or oxybenzone

Most beach-goers want to enjoy the sun but avoid getting burned. Every time a person burns it increases their risk of skin cancer, so UV protection is strongly recommended. Offer a higher SPF product to sufficiently block damaging UVA and UVB rays.

I recommend: Save some money by purchasing Hawaiian Tropic SPF 70 at BuyTheCase.Net. Sell single use packets of SPF 30 from SmartShield, and if you like this product, you can become a retailer and qualify for preferred pricing by applying online.

Help your customers get dark: sell sun care tanning lotions

Allow your customers to still develop a tan while blocking some of the harmful rays. Sell a low SPF sunscreen for those who want that dark, bronzed skin; another option is to sell self tanner to help with getting a bit of color. Some people combine the two to make a customized tanning lotion for themselves.

I recommend: Offer products that will deliver a lovely brown tan quickly, like the Maui Babe Browning Lotion from Maui-Info.com. You can buy this lotion in bulk sized 24-packs to add to your bottom line. Sign up at Biddiscombe International to receive wholesale discounts on high-end sunless tanning products.

Round out your collection with all-natural sun care products

Natural products are great for the skin. For example, aloe is very soothing while Vitamin E has a moisturizing effect. An assortment of oils, like sunflower and coconut, are added to ensure even application of the product. Natural sun care products are also better for the environment because they don't require harsh chemicals or preservatives. Some brands are even vegan, meaning they contain absolutely no ingredients derived from animal products.

I recommend: Buy wholesale tanning oils and sunscreen lotions from Mexitan Products, which also sells SPF lip balm and travel size bottles of sun products. A variety of natural products are also available from BRONZO SENSUALÉ, who offers a wholesale membership for discounted prices.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Some sun care product manufacturers sell 'after care' lotions for helping customers maintain their tans. These items moisturize the skin to help avoid peeling and will most likely be popular among Spring breakers.