For healthy, glowing skin all summer, no matter your skin type, follow our guide on how to prep, maintain, and repair your skin before and after sun exposure. Often, the skin on your body receives little attention compared to your face. However, frequent swimming, showering, and sun exposure can damage your skin's barrier health, leaving it dull and dry.
Prep
Exfoliate
Aim to exfoliate 2-3 times a week with a scrub or daily with a dry body brush. This keeps the build-up of old skin cells at bay. Your skin will not only feel softer and smoother, but will also look more even-toned and absorb any subsequent products better.
Hydration
To keep skin looking its best, hydration is essential. Look for products with a lighter texture and humectants like hyaluronic acid that can be layered to lock in moisture. Increase your water intake, especially after exercising or when drinking alcohol. Limit hot water when showering, as this is extra drying for the skin.
- U BEAUTY The Super Body Hydrator
- IOTA Supercloud Body Serum⁺ - Fragrance-free
- IOTA Supermatcha Body Lotion⁺ - Fragrance-free
After Sun Exposure
The most important thing to remember is to keep skin hydrated and use repairing products. Creams don't strictly need to be "after-sun" but often those products have cooling and extra hydrating ingredients. Look out for Aloe Vera in the ingredients list, and keep the product in the fridge for additional cooling. Taking antioxidants or using them topically will also help to protect the skin from environmental damage.
- LE RUB Repairing Lotion
- ECO BY SONYA Coconut Body Milk
- For an added glow, consider AIME Summer Glow
Moisturising body oils are great to use on wet skin for a quick moisture boost. Discover the COSTA BRAZIL Kaya Jungle Firming Body Oil and the new ODACITÉ C-Glow Hydra Firm Oil.
Treat
For rough, dry skin, ingrown hairs, and Keratosis Pilaris, consider products with AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids). AHAs will gently smooth texture and even out skin tone. These are best used in the evening as they can cause photosensitivity.
Repair
Body serums contain concentrated ingredients and can work on specific concerns. Use them on targeted areas and follow with a hydrating cream or oil.
If you want to tighten your skin, we recommend the U BEAUTY The Sculpt Arm Compound. You can use it on the upper arms, inner thighs, and abdomen to achieve both an instant temporary tightening effect as well as long-term firmer, rejuvenated skin.
Healthy Tanning
Although being in the sun can feel great, the risks and damage to skin that comes with a tanning are serious even with sunscreen and great skin prep. There is only one way to get a healthy tan and that's a ’fake tan'. With many different selftanning formulations, available from gradual creams that build over time to a full dark, just back from holiday shades.
Prioritizing these body care rituals will not only keep your skin glowing through summer but also strengthen its resilience for year-round health.
