You’ve put in the push-ups and squats to get your body in shape.
But as you shed your clothes you realise you still need to get rid of the flakiness and dullness to reveal a radiant, smooth and hydrated skin.
Even if you don’t plan to strut around in a bikini, you still want your arms, shoulders, back and legs to look soft and sun kissed. Protecting your skin is also key to avoid sun damage and dryness.
Cheryl Hengst, spa manager at Evolve Spa Group, says, “Your body and skin need two weeks to adapt to a new climate. To help increase your body’s adaptation, first hydrate internally by drinking a lot of water daily. This will soften your skin and flush out toxins. For the outside, use moisturisers and masks with hydrating properties for your body and face.”
Stomach
If you want your abs to appear firmer and smoother, then massage it once a week, in an anticlockwise circle, then move on to the rest of your body. Use a body glove to massage and exfoliate, pairing it with a body scrub designed to make skin appear firmer, and essential oils to reveal a smoother skin.
Apply a moisturising cream with hydrating properties and ingredients like coconut or olive oil that will add a natural shimmer whilst assisting with firming up the mid-section too.
Arms
If you neglected to moisturise and exfoliate regularly during winter, you may find yourself with parched, dull skin in summer. Use a sugar scrub two or three times a week to gently exfoliate the parts likely to be exposed, like your arms.
Lightly towel dry, then apply a moisturising lotion or cream, which will penetrate your skin better after you’ve removed that flaky, dead layer.
Discolouration, excessive sweating and textural changes are often at the top of the list when it comes to underarm concerns. Soothing and moisturising deodorants can protect and give you softer, smoother and beautiful underarms.
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Back
Sweat and oil can get trapped when you’re covered up in layers of clothing. This can then mix with dead skin and bacteria to form pimples on your back.
Use a body wash with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to kill bacteria, unclog pores and get your back tank-top ready. Body washes with glycolic acid also have exfoliating benefits. Avoid using harsh soaps on your back as this will strip away the natural oils.
Face
Not protecting your skin from the sun’s UV rays will lead to wrinkles, dark spots and an uneven complexion. Make SPF your BFF — invest in sunscreen lotions, creams, sprays or sticks. Opt for a formula that suits your skin type and lifestyle. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher and reapply it every three hours.
“Always use the appropriate SPFs for your body and face as both require different levels of protection,” Cheryl adds. Apply an antioxidant serum in the morning for added protection and a youthful glow.
Legs, thighs and bottoms
Adding moisture is a must to avoid irritation and cracking skin on your legs. There’s no cream that will miraculously erase cellulite on thighs. However, when applied diligently, firming and retexturising creams can keep this area looking firmer and smoother.
Use an exfoliating scrub all over your body while in the shower, then apply a hydrating moisturiser. Cheryl says, “Going for a body exfoliation treatment can assist with the removal of dead skin cells.”
