We’re counting down the days to short sleeves, bare legs, and a summer of (hopefully) sunshine. So it’s time to get your skin ready for the summer!
If winter leaves you with dry skin, it’s time to brush away the dead cells and start anew with fresh, glowing skin. Start with a full body exfoliation, and pay special attention to wherever your extra-dry spots are. For me, it’s my legs (especially my shins and knees) and my elbows.
You can find all sorts of exfoliating scrubs at your local drug store or beauty supply store. There are different formulas for sensitive skin, and gentler scrubs for your face. You probably shouldn’t use the same sort of scrub on your body and your face — the skin on your face is much more delicate. If you’d like to try making your own exfoliating scrubs at home, it’s fun and easy! Here’s a recipe to help you get started.
Help your skin stay hydrated by using a moisturizer every day! And be sure you’re drinking enough water; you should try to drink at least six eight-ounce glasses of water every day. Yes, that’s a lot of water, but your body is mostly water, isn’t it? It needs a lot of fluids to keep running properly. Caffeinated sodas and coffees don’t have quite the same effects as a tall class of the clear stuff.
Some folks like to hit the tanning booths or use a self-tanner to get a sort of pre-tan, so they’re not going out into the sunlight at their palest. If you choose the salon route, make sure you ask about photosensitizing drugs and other health warnings. Even something that seems as innocent as ibuprofen (the pain reliever we know as Advil) can make your skin more likely to burn. And be sure to wear protective eyewear!
And when you’re ready to show off some skin in the sun, please don’t forget the sunscreen! Not sure which sunscreen is right for you? You can review some sunscreen basics… and relive my first sunburn of the year.