How to Get Beautiful Summer Skin
Following the long winter months, the fairer weather is finally here so we instantly start to take off the layers of clothes and get out in those sunny rays. However we can often neglect our bodies over winter – “Out of sight, out of mind“ rings a bell. Here at PLAISIRS we have put together the guide below to aid you in your mission for that perfect bikini body. Enjoy!
Have a long soak
We take any excuse for a pampering session and what better place to start than with a long soak in the bath tub? Make your bath luxurious by adding in some aromatherapy oils to fill the senses and relax your body and mind. There are many scents to explore but why not try one to get you in the mood for a summer holiday, like REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil. Bath oils are divine and leave your skin feeling soft and supple.
Scrub away winter skin
A body scrub is a wonderful way to revitalise your skin by removing the dead skin cells and leave your body soft and smooth. Not only do body scrubs exfoliate they can also tone and moisturise the skin. You either can use a dry body scrub that you apply before getting into the shower or you can apply body scrub to wet skin after you have cleansed yourself and then rinse off. Many scrubs like NEOM Organic Body Scrub Real Luxury contain sugar grains which are nice and gentle on the skin and pure essential oils which are massaged into the skin for a boost of moisture.
Remember to avoid your neck and face as these areas are sensitive and do not need such an abrasive product. Areas to concentrate on are the hands, feet, knees and elbows where harder skin tends to be.
Avoid using too much scrub in one go as the oils can make the shower or bath tub surface slippery – about two tablespoons is perfect. You don’t need to scrub every day, about once a week or so is just right.
Your skin will feel fresh after the scrub and be prepared for moisturising and products like self-tanner will go on more evenly.
Moisturise, Moisturise, Moisturise!
After a good scrub it is important to moisturise the skin to sooth and nourish it. Moisturisers come in many forms such as oils, creams, gels, lotions, butters and body milk. However in summer you might want a lighter formulation like a lotion rather than heaver body butter.
Concentrate on areas like elbows and knees, arms and legs as these areas tend to dry out more so than others. You can use a richer moisturiser like a body balm on these areas.
After hair removal, your skin can be a bit tender and some processes can dry out your skin making it more fragile. Try an organic moisturiser to avoid irritation and sensitisation such as John Masters Organics Bare Unscented Body Lotion which is 100% fragrance free and chemical-free.
Your body has areas that can be more delicate than others, such as your face, so consider buying a moisturiser specifically designed for the face, especially if your skin is quite sensitive. Alternatively you can buy moisturising lotions that that can be used on both the face and the body, great for busy people!
Sun care for your skin
So now you are buffed and moisturised it’s time to add some protection to your skin. If you can buy a moisturiser with SPF this is perfect for everyday use and helps prevent the skin from ageing – especially on the hands and face. Then when you are planning on sunbathing you can apply sun-cream with a higher SPF for more protection all over.
It is also important to remember to protect your lips from the sun. The lips are a naturally sensitive area of the body and we often forget that they are also exposed to the sun’s rays, potentially leading to dry, damaged skin. So you can keep your lips soft and protected by using a lip balm with SPF which will keep them hydrated too. The lip balms also come in many coloured varieties so you can have luscious looking lips with the SPF protection too.
Get the Glow
Most of us love to have a healthy looking tan to our skin without spending hours building up a glow in the sun. Here at PLAISIRS we love This Works Perfect Legs Gradual Tan which builds up a natural looking tan and shimmer but is also a repairing serum with Vitamins for even skin tone and deep hydration.
To get a beautiful even tan it is a must to exfoliate and moisturise your skin in preparation. Allow the moisturiser to completely absorb into the skin and that your skin is dry before applying the tanning product – for example wait for any humidity in the bathroom to subside and the room is not too hot so that you don’t sweat. Allow time to apply the tan – don’t rush.
When applying the tanning product wearing a pair of gloves (like latex gloves) will protect your hands from getting too much tanning lotion on them. Your palms, like the bottom of your feet, do not naturally tan so it’s best to avoid these areas. Remember to wash your hands after application. Also apply sparingly to your face and neck as these areas will darken easily.
Once you are gloriously tanned remember to keep moisturised to extend the life of the tan and keep it from flaking off. Also your new tan will still need protection from the sun so keep topped up with SPF lotion when out and about!