We all know the drill… starting in January you start looking at swimsuits. Then you start dreaming of the sunny beaches or bright poolsides where you will wear your new swimsuit. But then, reality hits that your winter hibernation has caught up with your body and you start committing to healthier eating, exercising, and less drinking… all in the name of getting your body ready for summer.
But what about your skin? Have you ever thought about what it takes to get your skin ready for summer? Think about it:: Your skin is part of the largest organ system of your body and it protects you daily from things like chemicals, disease, UV light, and physical damage. Taking few extra steps to care for your skin as the summer months are around the corner will help protect, heal and fortify this often overlooked– but essential– part of the human body.
1. Keep your skin hydrated throughout the year.
Aggressively cold winters and harsh summer sun can wreak havoc on your skin. Keeping your skin hydrated from the inside out is key in preparing for summer! Be sure to drink lots of water and eat fruits and vegetables with high water content. You can also keep your skin hydrated by applying moisturizing creams to your face and body.
2. Exfoliate regularly to reveal glowing skin.
Regular skin exfoliation is an important part of healthy skin no matter the season, but as winter fades to spring it is especially important to help slough off any dry skin. Gentle scrubs like the ZO Exfoliating Polish or Exfoliating Cleanser are a great way to incorporate exfoliation into your skincare routine. You can also use a polishing body scrub several times a week to keep skin healthy and glowing.
3. Be smart about hair removal.
If you plan to spend a lot of time at the beach or pool, you most likely will be spending a bit of time removing unwanted hair. There are many choices when it comes to hair removal and not all are created equal. Shaving is perhaps the most common and economical but can cause severe irritation, rashes, and ingrown hairs. Take time to allow the skin to soak in warm water before shaving and always use some kind of gliding barrier for a closer, smoother shave.
If you’re tired of shaving every day, waxing may be right for you. It’s a great option because not only is it quick, it lasts much longer than shaving. The more you wax, the thinner and less coarse your hair will grow back. While there may be a little bit of discomfort when you begin waxing, your body will adjust and get used to it. Plus, the results can last several weeks! If you’re interested in getting your bikini line and underarms ready for the summer, NOW is the best time to start waxing! You’ll condition your skin and your hair growth will be slower the sooner you start! Full body waxing is available at both our Zionsville and Danville studios.
Another more permanent option of hair removal is laser hair removal. This is a great option if you’re tired of shaving and waxing or just want to reclaim those hours you’d otherwise spend on hair removal! Our laser is top-of-the-line and virtually pain-free. This method uses concentrated beams of light to target and eliminates hair follicles just beneath the skin’s surface, having the surrounding areas unaffected. Laser Hair Removal can be used on any area of the body and is generally a quick procedure. It is available at our Zionsville studio.
4. Always, and I repeat, ALWAYS, wear sunscreen.
Even if it looks like it’s going to be a cloudy day, or if you think you’re only going to be outside for a short while, wear sunscreen. Your skin needs extra protection from the sun’s harsh rays. Applying sunscreen is essential to preventing damage: sunburn, sun spots, premature again, etc. You’ll want to be sure to select a sunscreen that protects from both UVA and UVB rays as well as protection from blue light (HEV light). We carry several options of ZO Skin Health sunscreens; each one provides excellent sun protection. During the month of April, all ZO Skin Health sunscreens are 10% off! Stop in today and let us help you find the sunscreen to fit your needs!
