Get your SKIN ready for SUMMER!!

So Summer is finally here, time to dust off your summer dresses, bathing suits, and shades. For some women, the mere mention of the word “bikini” leaves them cringing and counting down till its winter again, don’t worry if you are not yet Bikini-bound, below are tips on how to keep your skin looking great while rocking your favorite summer dresses .

1. Exfoliate

a. There is no better way to transition your skin to this new weather, than by sloughing off your dead skin cells. Exfoliating your body helps prevent it from looking dull and dry. The best way to exfoliate your whole body is by using a body scrub in the shower. Body scrubs like Fresh Brown sugar body polish applied in circular motion works well, but if you are on a budget you can use Salt that is grain like in texture, and mix it with body oil. Apply on Damp skin in a circular motion and rinse afterwards.

2. Clear Skin

a. There is nothing worse than unsightly pimples and bumps on your back and chest, when you are trying to wear your sexy summer dress. Be sure to use products that contain Salicylic acid or Benzoyl peroxide to kill bacteria and unclog your pores, such as Neutrogena’s Oil-free body wash. Be sure to also properly hydrate your body from the inside by drinking an adequate amount of water.

3. Hair Removal

a. Get rid of unwanted hair by purchasing a good razor that won’t leave your skin bumpy, be sure to properly moisturize your skin before you shave by using a shaving lotion; however, if you are on a budget a good conditioner works as an excellent alternative. It is also advisable to exfoliate your skin before you shave to help soften it. When it comes to your Bikini area, a good wax is best because it gets rid of the hair for a month, but if you are sensitive to pain, shaving still works. Be sure to shave regularly, exfoliating post-shave and moisturizing right after to reduce bumps.

4. Don’t forget your Sunscreen!!

a. Even though black skin is highly pigmented and protected from the sun’s harmful rays, it is still not 100% resistant to skin cancer. Be sure to wear sunscreen before you head out, if you hate the thick feel of some lotions, pick one with a lower SPF. There are now mineral powders such as Bare Escentual’s SPF 30 Natural Sunscreen with built in SPF’s to help shield your face from dangerous UV rays.

5. Pedicure

hands-with-feeta. It is important to remember to properly care for your feet. Treat yourself to a nice pedicure if you can, but if not you can D.I.Y with the use of Baking soda. Simply soak your feet in warm water with 3tbsp of Baking soda, and gently scrub when feet is soft. If you can’t find Baking soda, soak your feet in Epsom salt for 10 minutes and finally coat your nails with your favourite summer inspired nail polish.

6. Pick a SCENT

a. Not all perfumes can be worn in the summer, some containing citrus tends to leave you slightly discolored if you have been out in the sun for too long, while others tend to feel sticky. A lightly scented Body spray or mist is a great alternative to heavy perfumes, better yet, invest wisely by purchasing a multi-functional scented body oil that can be used for both your body and hair.

7. MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE

Frequently moisturizing your skin is a sure way to leave it feeling soft and smooth, but during the summer period this is hard to do because most great moisturizers tend to leave you feeling hot and sweaty. Invest in a lightweight moisturizer like Ocean Shea Souffle by Carol’s Daughter ($13) , that penetrates deeply to moisturize your body like a body butter with the feeling of “heaviness”.

8. Cellulite-Free!

If you have cellulite, there is good news and bad news. The bad news is that you cannot completely get rid of them, while the good news is that 80% of all women have it, and you can reduce their appearance by using creams that contain Caffeine or by giving yourself a coffee scrub.

**If you have any tips or ideas you want to share on achieving a healthy summer glow, be sure to email me with [email protected]