Whether it’s vital sun protection or pesky ingrown hairs, there are many bodycare concerns that can crop up as we spring into the summer season. Plus, as the weather gets warmer, and plans for going abroad and lazing away on a tropical beach start to take shape, you should feel confident in your own skin.
So, we’re highlighting 6 of the most common body concerns, asking the experts for top tips and recommendations on how to combat each one.
How to combat common pre-summer bodycare concerns
Strawberry Skin
Commonly known as strawberry skin, Keratosis Pilaris (KP) can be caused by many factors. Tiny ingrown hairs are formed by shaving with a dull razor or using a lot of pressure, which can lead to buildup of dead skin cells. Additionally, hormonal changes can lead to an increase in oil production, can also contribute to the buildup in the hair follicles and result in a strawberry seed-like appearance.
Exfoliating can be one of the best ways to improve the appearance of KP. Jennifer Cassidy, senior brand manager at First Aid Beauty, tells us, "Alpha-hydroxy acids (such as glycolic & lactic acids) gently exfoliate and resurface dead layers of skin, which help to smoothen unwanted texture and KP bumps.”
A definite summer essential, the KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub uses AHAs at a combined level of 10% to help resurface the skin’s top layer. Also featuring pumice, the chemical and physical exfoliation helps to improve the look of bumps, roughness and scaly areas – perfect for boosting your skin confidence this summer!
Dull/Lackluster Skin
We all want to glow like a goddess in summer, so don’t let dull skin dampen your shine! “When we feel good about ourselves, we feel liberated, alive and powerful!” says Heather Forcari, director of global educator at Sol de Janeiro. “Self-celebration and joy are what moves us forward - it’s in everything we do.”
The iconic Brazilian Bum Bum® Cream is always a go-to in our beauty bags for a pre-summer pick-me-up. Not only does it smell deliciously sweet and tropical with the Cheirosa 62 fragrance, but it also helps to visibly smoothen and brighten the appearance of your skin.
So, how exactly does the lotion boost your radiance? Specially selected ingredients like cupuaçu butter, açaí oil and more all contribute to a more luminous look. Heather explains: “Thanks to potent, caffeine-rich guaraná extract and fast-absorbing cupuaçu butter, the cream delivers deep hydration and essential fatty-acids, leaving skin feeling silky soft. Antioxidant-packed ingredients like açaí oil help prevent environmental damage on your skin, while Brazil nut oil helps support the skin's natural ability to protect itself [and give] a healthy-looking glow.”
Smoother, Firmer-looking Skin
As summertime rolls around, it’s common to feel a little self-conscious about our bodies as we reach for bikinis and short shorts.
Embrace your natural beauty with the help of the Smooth & Firm Body Butter. With Bio-Retinol from Bidens Pilosa, the cream is especially beneficial for mature skin. Jo Browne, ESPA training director, explains that “[It’s] a gentle, stable, plant-based alternative to retinoids specifically chosen for aging skin. It’s known to exhibit the same receptors as retinol to define and smoothen the skin, boosting the natural renewal process and targeting signs of ageing, dry skin, and congested skin.” Be sure to always protect your skin after using retinol by applying plenty of SPF!
As the formula offers firmer-looking skin, what’s the special ingredient included that works its magic? “Pumpkin seed!” Jo reveals. “This natural extract restores a feeling of firmness to the skin – so you look and feel your best. Pumpkin seed extract is naturally lipid-rich, nourishing the body whilst visibly toning. Our powerful mélange of natural ingredients all work in tandem to nourish and contribute to skin that looks and feels firmer!”
Dry and Flaky Skin
As we slowly come out of hibernation from the winter months, it’s common for dry, flaky patches to linger. AMELIORATE’s Transforming Body Lotion Illuminating Glow Formula is the perfect addition to your summer collection. “Not only does it leave skin looking and feeling great, the LaH6 complex works to prepare the skin for the summer months when it’s most likely to be uncovered and exposed to the elements,” says Robin Parker, research and development director at AMELIORATE.
What is an LaH6 complex, you ask? Robin explains: “The LaH6 hydration complex has been designed to target the key concerns associated with dry skin,” He explains that the reason skin looks dull and dry is because the surface skin cells are rough and uneven, “This prevents light from bouncing back and reflecting a dewy glow. The lactic acid in the LaH6 helps to remove this upper layer of dead skin cells, as the surface becomes smooth and much more reflective and takes on a more glowing appearance.”
Ingrown Hairs
Ingrown hairs are not only incredibly inconvenient, but they can also cause irritation and be painful and unpleasant. The best way to solve this problem is simple: prevention!
Exfoliating 2-3 times a week with a skin-loving body scrub is a great way to prep your body for summer and achieve that smooth, silky finish. And Lucy Parkin, senior account manager at Frank Body agrees:
“Prevention is key. Using the Glycolic Body Scrub a few times a week helps to clear the skin for a clean shave. Glycolic acid works hard to remove the top layer of skin cells, including impurities, pollution and congestion that gather there and ultimately cause blocked pores. This build-up can be responsible for ingrowns, so clearing it is very important.”
Worried about whether you can use glycolic acid on your skin type? “The scrub is made for those with uneven skin textures, KP, redness and generally any congestion,” Lucy explains. ‘Although active, the bestselling formula even works for sensitive skin. Actives are paired with ingredients that also soothe and, with consistent use, reveal bright, clear skin without the burn.’
