Here’s to smooth summer skin!

Summer is here! This often means it’s time to show a little more skin – and we all want to feel confident when doing it.

You might be heading on holiday, rocking sleeveless styles, or simply want to feel silky-smooth… here are some tips on how to get glowing, touchably soft skin from head to toe this summer.

Smooth Starts with Exfoliation

Exfoliating is the key to removing dead skin cells, which can leave your skin looking dull and feeling rough. Regular exfoliation can help reveal smoother, fresher, glowing skin and it also allows your moisturiser to work more efficiently.

For a more gentle scrub, look for a chemical exfoliant like AHAs or BHAs including glycolic, lactic and salicylic acid. You can also use a physical scrub with ingredients like sugar, salt and coffee, which will instantly smooth the skins surface. Sugar scrubs are better for sensitive skin, while salt scrubs are great for rougher areas. You can also dry brush to help boost skin circulation as well as exfoliate your skin, a perfect addition to your body skincare routine.

Pro tip: Exfoliate 1-2 times a week, depending on your skin type.

Tackle Bumps and Strawberry Skin

Do you have tiny bumps on your arms or legs? You might have Keratosis Pilaris (KP). This is a common, harmless skin condition, caused by a build up of keratin, a protein that protects hair, skin and nails, which clogs hair follicles.  Look for a body lotion with urea, lactic acid, or salicylic acid to help gently dissolve build-up and smooth the skin’s texture over time.

Remove Unwanted Hairs

This isn’t necessary, but if you like the look and feel of your skin without hair, there are several ways to achieve it. This includes shaving, waxing or dermaplaning (a gentle facial exfoliation that removes fine hairs and peach fuzz). Removing hair can help your skin feel softer, make your skincare products absorb more effectively and also create a more even surface.

Pro Tip: Exfoliate the night before shaving for an even smoother finish and fewer ingrown hairs

Moisturise your Skin

Don’t forget to moisturise! Moisturising helps to keep your skin soft, healthy and supple. After your bath or shower, apply your body lotion, cream or oil while it’s still a little damp to help lock in moisture. Some ingredients to look for include hyaluronic acid, shea butter, squalane or ceramides.

Stay Hydrated from the inside out

Smooth skin isn’t all about just what you apply to the skin – what you eat and drink matters too. Drink plenty of water and eat water-rich foods like cucumbers and berries to help support your skin health from the inside out.

SPF Always

You’re showing more skin: don’t forget to protect it. SPF shields you from sun damage as well as preventing dryness and uneven texture caused by sun exposure.

Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours when out in the sun, especially after swimming or sweating.

There you have it… your checklist to smooth summer skin! Take what works for you to help you feel confident, glowing and ready for the summer months ahead. Let your skin and confidence shine this summer!