Prepare your skin for summer in 4 steps

Summer’s nearly here, which means your thoughts are turning to how you can get the sun-kissed, healthy look. But before you grab your towel and go outside, there are things you should be doing to prepare. Being out in the sun—and getting the most out of it--means more TLC for your skin. 

1. Scrub for smoothness

Start with a body scrub. We advise you to adopt a scrub routine 2-3 times a week, unless you have sensitive skin--then it’s best to make it a once a week thing. Body scrubs are great for removing dead skin cells, which are a natural by-product of your skin’s regenerating process. When you use a body scrub regularly, it helps your skin to absorb your moisturizer better. It also prolongs your tan. Try to exfoliate your skin before it gets the first rays of sunshine so you’ll enter the summer with smooth skin and a radiant glow.

2. Get rid of that hair

Summertime is all about shorts, dresses and flowy skirts, so you may want to put some more effort into hair removal. Make sure to select a method that’s appropriate for your skin type. If your skin is sensitive,  it may be better to opt for an electric shave to avoid the irritation caused by sharp razors, waxing and shaving creams. When shaving it’s important to keep a few things in mind: try not to shave in the opposite direction, as this may irritate your skin. Make sure to always use a proper shaving cream, because razors can catch and drag on dry skin, causing nicks and scratches. When you shave after a hot bath or shower, your skin is still damp and full of moisture which helps weaken hair follicles, therefore reducing the chances of inflammation.

3. Keep yourself moisturized

Get into the habit of moisturizing your body often. Using a body lotion will soften up the skin and gives it a healthy glow. A lotion can be used all over and it’s especially nourishing for areas where your skin is the driest (feet, hands, elbows, knees), which is great when you’re wearing short sleeves or sandals. After a long day at the beach or a lot of swimming, your skin can become dehydrated, so make sure to pamper your skin to bring back moisture levels.

4. Never too soon to start with sunscreen

Make sure to stock up on sunscreen as soon as summer approaches. Even though you may not actually go sunbathing for the day, it’s wise to protect your skin against damaging UV rays when you’re going to spend any amount of time outside. Don’t forget to skip your face, but make sure to use sun care lotion designed especially for it. It will not only protect your skin from sun damage, but it’s also a good way to prevent premature aging. Spending a lot of time out in the sun? Make sure to reapply your sun protection products every 2 hours for optimal protection. Find out more about the facts and myths about suncare here.

Take this advice and be well on your way to a gorgeous tan. You’ll notice that when you treat your skin well before stepping into the sun, it makes all the difference.