BEACH READY: Get skin ready for the summer months

WITH the weather heating up and the prospect of the summer holidays not too far off many of may be thinking of getting out our summer wardrobes.

While the prospect of being reunited with bikinis, shorts, and maxi dresses may be a happy one for some of us, many people worry about exposing skin that may have become neglected over the colder months.

Breathe life into skin that has been covered up all winter with a quick and easy skincare detox for the face and body to boost circulation and improve skin tone.

Begin by body brushing; a centuries-old method of exfoliating and improving skin tone; even helping to reduce the appearance of cellulite.  Use a brush such as The Mio Body Brush (now €13, www.lookfantastic.es). Beginning at the feet and working your way upwards, make long, upward sweeping motions, always working towards your heart.  For the tops of your chest and shoulders, brush lightly downwards.

Body brushing is best carried out before a shower or bath to loosen dead skin. Just be careful to avoid brushing any areas with cracked or damaged skin.

Next, use a gentle daily exfoliator to reveal fresh layers of skin, restoring glow over your body.  Try Anne Semonin’s Exfoliating Shower Gel (€32 for 200ml, www.annesemonin.com), which contains jasmine and green tea and is gentle enough to be used every day to slowly reveal fresh, healthier skin.

Finally, make sure to moisturise daily, using light hydrating moisturiser, such as Garnier’s Ultimate Blends Body Hydrating Lotion (€6.45 for 400ml, www.lookfantastic.es).

For a facial skincare detox, use a gentle cleanser to create a clean slate, such as REN’s Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Gel (now €17 for 150ml, www.primor.eu).  Next, use an exfoliating face mask, such as Starskin’s Pro Platinum Peel Mask (€23.45, www.lookfantastic.es), which includes both a gentle apple-derived peel and a face mask to reveal brighter skin.

Finish with a good sun protection of SPF 30 or more, such as Paula’s Choice Essential Glow Moisturiser SPF 30 (now €28.90 for 60ml, www.paulaschoice-eu.com) to protect against burning while kiwi root and liquorice extract help to brighten and prevent pigmentation.