5 Skin Care Tips for Glowing Summer Skin

Summer is about bare skin, beautiful color, and looking your best showing them both off. But in order to do that, you need to take some time to nourish your skin and try to reverse any signs of neglect. If you do nothing more for your skin than follow these 5 simple steps, you will have glowing results in what seems like no time at all. 

1. Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate. This may be one of the most important things you can do to keep your skin stunningly healthy. Your body sheds skin cells at an amazing rate. So, if you don't get rid of the excess cells they'll make your skin look dull and dry. When this happens no amount of lotion is going to help. Just grab a body scrub and hit the shower. Gently rub your exfoliator in circular movements on your entire body from the shoulders down and rinse clean. You'll want a facial exfoliator for your face and neck. Repeat 2-3 times a week year around to keep your skin radiant.
    
2. Shave the right way every time. I won't ask you to identify yourselves; you know who you are. But this one is for all of us that just let the maintence go when the temps are low. I know, what is the point of keeping your legs baby smooth when you know they will never see the light of day? But those lazy days of winter are long since over. Find a good razor; that means one that won't cause razor burn. I'm prefer the Gilette's Mach 3 for its performance and price. Choose a shaving lotion, not a store brand cream; it will hydrate while warding off nicks and cuts. And a tip for emergencies; use your conditioner.
    
3. Hydrate all over with a summer-scented lotion. Find a lightly scented lotion that you won't forget to put on. The best way to remember? Choose a scent that you absolutely love! Think of scents like coconut and mango; everyday could be a little tropical. For the best results apply right after you towel off from your shower. This will help you seal in the moisture your body just soaked in. Gels and Purees are preferred because they are quickly absorbed into the skin. Just stay away from body butters; fresh and summery is the way to go. This one self indulgent action will help you skin to stay more healthy and youthful... How could you say no?
    
4. Treat your feat nicely. Winter boots have long since been packed and stored; sandal season is well under way and hopefully you are prepared. If not, listen up. Either go and get a pedicure (try a beauty school if cost is a factor), or give yourself one at-home. You basically scrub off the dead dry skin to reveal the beautiful sandal ready feet underneath. No one wants to see dull dry feet inside cute sandals. For a big difference in softness, keep a foot scrub and file in your shower. Scrub your feet a few times a week and wear all the sandals you want.
    
5. Out with the old, in with the new sunscreen. Throw away last year's unused sunscreen and splurge on a new bottle. Sunscreens aren't meant to last forever; being safe is most important. With all the ways there are to protect and moisturize your skin, why let the sun leave you dry and burnt? Anytime you are going to be exposed to the sun you should be using a shot glass full of sunscreen for your body, and teaspoon for your face. If in doubt, use more. For the best protection reapply every 1-2 hours that you are out. And don't forget to share the most important sunscreen advice with everyone you know: USE IT!