Right, we’ve been checking, and the ratio of sun to cloud these days is definitely in sun’s favour. It’s getting warmer guys, and that means we get to leave the coats and boots at home. It also means we need to start shaving our legs. I know, right?!
The more sun we get, the less clothes we wear and the more skin we show. And if we’re honest we probably haven’t been taking care of our skin as much as we should have during the colder months. (Well, because nobody sees it!) But, you can’t hide anymore. Change up your routine, free your skin and get it looking gorgeous again with these tips.
Exfoliate properly
If you want to know how to get clear, glowing skin. Exfoliation is where you need to start. If your skin looks as dry and scaly as ours does due to its intense hibernation period, rub it all away using a mit or a grainy scrub. You can even make your own using oil and sugar. Coffee mixed with baby oil is a good one to try, too as it is supposed to help get rid of cellulite.
Don’t think exfoliating once will magically transform your skin, though. It won’t! You must keep exfoliating all summer long. Smooth, exfoliated skin is the best accessory and as a bonus it makes your skin much more receptive to moisturizer and self-tan, if you so wish to apply that.
Moisturise daily
You should always moisturise after a bath or shower, but try and increase your moisturising habits to really make sure you’re ready for summer.
Also, you might want to consider changing your face beauty routine. Unless you suffer from dry skin generally, in the heat of the summer your face can become oily. So, it’s best to switch to some sort of de-greasing formula that will gently break down excess sebum.
Be shower smart
In the winter it’s nice to jump in a hot shower or bath, but it’s extremely drying on your skin. Now that it’s getting warmer, try reducing the heat and finish off with a cool rinse to close pores and leave your skin feeling soothed rather than parched.
De-fuzz
Because the skin on your legs doesn’t produce much oil, adding moisture is key to avoid irritation. When shaving, you should keep your skin well lathered. Again, a good product to use is baby oil. It doesn’t dry out your skin and it allows your shaver to glide smoothly over it.
When it comes to your under-arms and bikini line, be gentle. Replace shaving heads regularly, and always go against the grain for closeness. Before shaving, soak the area with warm water, and after shaving rinse the area with cold water to close pores. And don't forget to moisturise. In fact if you follow up with a hair-minimizing moisturizer, you’ll not only increase the life of your shave, but you could end up with less hair to shave in future.
Give your feet some love
Your feet have been hidden away for a good few months, and have probably been neglected. (Poor feet.) Give them some TLC, and moisturise them as much as you moisturise the rest of your body. At night, you could even give them a real treat. Soak, scrub and slather them in moisturiser, then cover them with socks. It feels great, and your feet will thank you for it.
Banish body breakouts
With your skin being couped up and unable to breathe, especially if you’ve been working out, sweat and oil can mix with dead skin and bacteria in your pores to form spots. Sort them out by using a body wash with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to kill bacteria and unclog pores. It's the best way to promote clear, glowing skin ready for summer.
Fake a sun-kissed glow
Of course, if your skin hasn’t seen sun for a while it’s going to be a bit dull and pasty, which can make you feel a little self-conscious about getting your pins out. Luckily, there are tons of fake tans and gradual tanners to choose from that’ll give you subtle glow. Don’t overdo it mind, just enough to cancel out the half-dead look.
Oh, and don’t forget sunscreen. Wearing fake tan doesn’t mean you won’t burn. And sore, red skin is so not a good look.