6 Steps to Summer-Smooth, Glowing Skin – 719woman.com
Finally, summer’s right around the corner! And with warmer weather, we’ll be exposing more skin, ditching those heavy sweaters, black tights, and comfy sweats for sleeveless tops, leg-baring shorts, and cute summer dresses. And chances are, that skin that’s been covered for months, might need a little TLC to get it smooth, soft, and glowing for the warm months ahead.
Here are 6 easy steps to help your skin look its best this summer…
EXFOLIATE – Slough off dry, dull skin cells with a body scrub. Use gentle circular motions when applying and then rinse to reveal radiant skin. If you exfoliate before shaving, you’ll get an even closer shave. There are lots of affordable products to choose from or make your own for pennies by using equal parts brown sugar and coconut oil. I also use olive oil and white sugar or sea salt to exfoliate with.
SHAVE – Apply a moisturizing shave cream, gel or butter before shaving. I personally love using olive oil or coconut oil, which is affordable, natural and really keeps my legs soft, while giving me a close shave without razor bumps or nicks. I have friends who also swear hair conditioner works great for shaving.
According to Good Housekeeping…
*You should wait about 10 to 15 minutes after hopping in the shower or tub before shaving, which will help soften the hair and open up the follicles. But don’t wait too long or your skin will become wrinkled and swell, making it harder to get a close shave.
*Shave at night versus first thing in the morning because as you sleep, your legs swell slightly, which can make hair retract back into its follicles.
*Invest in and use a four – or five-blade razor which provides the smoothest results and more easily navigates tricky areas like knees or ankles. Singe-blade disposables are likelier to drag against the skin.
*Change your blade at the first sign of dullness. Old blades are ineffective and can also cause redness, bumps and even trap bacteria, which can cause infections.
*When shaving legs, first shave in the direction your hair grows (down the leg.) “While going ‘against the grain’ may get you a closer shave, it increases the possibility of irritation, nicks, and cuts.” Once hairs are short and skin is warm and lubricated, going against the direction of the hair is safer…so go down the leg and then up. (I personally prefer to take my chances and shave upward first, which seems to work better with my coarse hair.)
LOTION – Always apply lotion after shaving or before applying self-tanner, especially around parts of the body that are prone to dryness like elbows, knees, and around the ankles. (This will help tanning products to go on more even.)
SELF-TANNER – These are so much more safe than tanning salons or baking for hours in the sun, giving you a sun-kissed looking glow without the risks of cancer. Apply before going to bed so the product can work overnight (but make sure it’s absorbed so you don’t ruin your sheets.) Tanning mitts are especially useful for an even, streak-free application but you don’t have to have one, just be careful when applying. Always wash your hands after applying.
ADD SOME GLOW – Get glowing, luminescent skin by using a conditioning body oil after bathing. The oil adds moisture and gives your skin an added radiance, especially if used along with a self-tanner. You’ll look like you just vacationed on the beach.
An affordable option is Jergens Shea Beauty Oil, which conditions and illuminates skin, approximately $10.
MAINTENANCE – Self-tanner lasts for about 4 to 7 days but you can extend that glow by regularly using a lotion rich in vitamins and nutrients. This creates a moisture-rich barrier between your skin and the elements, which helps protect and prolong your color.
A few simple, easy, and affordable tips that will get your skin summer-ready…no sun required.