Even though we’re well into the warm, summer months, your skin might still be feeling the effects of winter. But, the good news is, we’ve compiled a list of everyday musts to help you achieve a smoother, shapelier summer body.
Whether you’re happy to sport a new bikini or prefer to cover up in a stylish kaftan, it’s important to feel confident and comfortable in your own skin. What’s the solution? To scrub, soften and glow of course!
ALSO SEE: 5 Tips For Better Sun Protection
Here are six handy summer body tips to ensure you’re always beach-ready…
Exfoliate regularly
Giving your body a good scrub a few times a week will dramatically improve the look and feel of your skin, as gentle exfoliators are designed to remove dry, bumpy spots and prep yiur skin for the sun (once you’ve applied sunscreen, of course!). There are many great exfoliators on the beauty shelf, but they have to smell glorious too.
One of our all-time favourites is Body Shop Mediterranean Sea Salt Scrub, R370, which is designed to boost circulation and reveal fresher looking skin.
ALSO SEE: 8 of the best multipurpose beauty products
Use a good-quality body moisturiser
Moisturised skin looks smoother and feels younger, whether it’s on your face, your feet or your arms, tummy and thighs!
Once you’ve shed dead skin cells and dry flakes, put back the glow and lock moisture in with a rich, nourishing cream such as Nivea Body Moisturiser Cocoa Butter, R52,99.
Firm and tone
Are anti-cellulite and body firming creams and gels really worthwhile? The massaging action makes all the difference, helping to stimulate circulation and improve the feel and tone of your skin. The new focus of firmers is to strengthen and support the skin, so that fatty deposits are less apparent.
Elemis Cellutox Active Body Oil, R900, is worth the splurge as it’s designed to firm up the skin and break down fatty deposits. It’s ideal to use as part of a healthy body cleansing programme, thanks to the active ingredients – sea fennel, lemon, juniper and sea buckthorn.
Remove unwanted body hair
If you’re thinking about going for laser hair removal, it’s a good idea to go at least four weeks before your beach holiday. For tailor-made hair removal solutions, using the latest laser technology, you can’t go wrong with the Renewal Institute. Treatments cost from R3200 for a full leg or from R700 for the bikini area.
Don’t have time to go for a treatment? For an easy at-home option try Mandy’s Original Wax Strips For Legs, R74,99.
Focus on your feet
Dry, cracked heels are a no-go zone! To prevent this, buff heels and callouses with Dr Sole Corn and Callus Ointment, R32,99, soak feet in warm water then pat dry.
ALSO SEE: Tips And Products For Beautiful Feet
Finish off by moisturising with a super-thick softening balm such as Soylites Foot & Heel Balm, R120. The tea tree oil, rosemary and peppermint will refresh your feet and instantly soften them.
