Have the summer elements left your skin looking dry, scaly and more Donatella Versace than Elle Macpherson?Air conditioning, UV exposure and heat are all skin enemies, but with these top tips you can quickly fight back, ensuring you welcome in winter looking and feeling beautifully smoothed and hydrated.
Dry Body brushing
Never underestimate the power of this skin lifesaver. Not only does body brushing help minimise cellulite and stimulate blood flow but it is a quick and efficient way to remove dry, dull skin and help flush out toxins. Try Manicare Cellulite Bristle brush.
Tip: Always brush your skin in circular movements towards the heart to encourage blood flow, and don’t brush too hard or you’ll be left feeling very sore!
Exfoliate
While exfoliating should be a part of your skin care regime all year round, it is particularly important as you head out of summer and into the cooler months.
A good body scrub will leave you feeling fresh, fabulous and looking radiant.
There are three main types of body scrubs available: sugar, salt and ones with other particles in them such as walnut shells. The type you choose will depend on your skin type; salt scrubs can be quite harsh so are not recommended for sensitive skin. Sugar scrubs are much gentler.
Tip: Why not make your own body scrub? Just mix unrefined brown sugar (the type with the large granules) into your favourite body wash for a great smelling and effective scrub! Or check out this member body scrub recipe.
Body oils and butters
After dry brushing and exfoliating your skin you’re finally ready for the best bit – slathering your skin with some gorgeous-smelling oils, butters and lotions.
Body butters, such as Palmer’s Cocoa Butter, are ideal for stubborn dry skin as they have a thicker, richer consistency than most standard body lotions and leave you looking uber smooth, and smelling great. Look for products made from natural fats such as cocoa and shea butter for best results.
If you find that your skin is quite sensitive to some lotions and creams, body oil can be a good alternative. The trick is finding one that makes you look like you have a healthy glow and not like you’ve rolled around in a deep fat fryer! Try Botani Nourishing Body Oil,Neutrogena Body Oil or, for an added touch of summer shimmer – The Body Shop Honey Bronze Shimmering Dry Oil.
Look for products based on natural oils such as jojoba, grape seed and sweet almond. I love Kora Organics Luxurious Rosehip Body Oil.
For baby soft skin, add some body oil to a warm bath and soak in it for 20 minutes or so.
Tip: Always apply lotions and oils straight after getting out the shower or bath, as they work by trapping moisture that is already in your skin.
My skin lately likes most light body lotions, not oils or butters.