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By: Tia Marina on Mon Jun 9, 2008

Summer’s here, but are you ready? Certainly the thought of sun, sand, surf, barbecues, games of ultimate Frisbee and other summer traditions is more inspiration than perspiration, but considering that we’ve lived in heavy denim jeans and v-neck sweaters (cashmere or merino wool, you decadents), is our skin prepared and fresh-looking? More than likely not, so before you expose that flabby flesh to the scorching summer sun you should read up on these tips on how to get healthy and beautiful summer skin so you can don those gorgeous summer baby-rib cotton dresses.

Exfoliation, There Can Be No Procrastination
Exfoliation is the removal of dead skin cells on your skin’s outermost surface, the epidermis, and will help maintain healthy looking skin. Because your body sheds skin cells daily, you have to remove them to avoid having your skin look like a dead skin cell graveyard. Use as much moisturizer as you want, but if you don’t exfoliate, it’ll never glow.
Use an exfoliating agent or tool in the shower: rub in small concentric circles for everything but your face and neck, as you’ll have to use a facial exfoliating agent for that, and rinse afterwards. Do this at least 3 times weekly.

Proper Shaving Techniques

It’s okay to let it go during the long, almost unbearable grey days of winter. We can all be Cathy’s, with frazzled hair and hirsute legs, during those days. But those days are gone. Get a proper razor, like a Gilette product or the Venus razor, and make sure to use a proper shaving cream designed for sensitive skin (cosmodegenic lotions are the best) that will hydrate and prevent razor burn.

Proper Moisturizing
Choose a seasonally-appropriate lotion that you won’t forget to apply. Put away those soupy body butters from winter, and choose something light and airy. It also has to be fast absorbing – so look for gels or purees, and it doesn’t help to have a little something fruity or a citrus. If it’s light, it can be a nice accent. Apply immediately after drying after your shower, as you need to seal that moisture in!

Glow, Girl, Glow!
Self-tanners can help add a nice summery glow, but don’t go over-board, carrot-face! There are so many ways to give you a bit of a summer tint, that you shouldn’t even bother with one of those medieval torture devices known as a tanning bed. Perhaps just a bit on the face, if you’re squeamish about doing your whole body. Alternate facial tanners with a regular moisturizer, and you’ll be able to stop yourself from looking like our tanned man in Palm Beach, George Hamilton; or gasp, that Donatella Versace character.


Watch My Feet, Watch My Feet: Fancy Footwork
Oh ladies, that’s right, it’s sandal season, and if you want to be more Cleopatra than Spartacus, you’ll have to fix up and get a pedicure. If you’re worried about expense, try going cut-rate at a beauty school or get down with an at-home kit. Scrub those feet, remove that dead skin, because dry and dull feet in sandals are ick! Use a foot scrub in your shower and scrub those toes up a couple of times a week – you’ll notice a big difference!

A Little Colour, A Little Polish, Just A Touch of Jazz
It’s summer – be a bit bold. Go out and buy a bright new nail polish for your toes – you can go a little wilder than your fingernails. Note that polish will stay on your toes longer than your nails. First, apply a base coat of clear polish, followed by two layers of polish, and one final clear top coat. Afterwards, keep your toes clear of any obstructions.

Keep Your Sunscreen Fresh
Sunscreens are, like many things, not meant to last forever, and you should replace last year’s model with a new bottle. If you have any old ones hanging about, throw ‘em out! Make sure to use your sunscreen – approximately an ounce and a half for your full body, and about a teaspoon on your face and neck. Re-apply ever 2 hours that you’re in the sun to keep safe!

Hope some of these tips help!