10 ways to a summer-ready body
10 ways to a summer-ready body
Whatever your holiday plans or destination, we have the lowdown on the best ways to prep
Im – pore – tance of skin preparation
Summer brings with it a host of skin challenges, including sweat build up and blocked pores, increased UV rays and changes in humidity. Gently cleansing and moisturising is key. Pro advice can help identify your skin type and the products that will work for you over summer. A clay mask may benefit those who want to minimise pores and cleanse out impurities. Products with retinoid compounds, which contain Vitamin A, can also reduce the appearance of pores.
Pigmentation is stimulated by UV rays and melasma and other pigmentation variations can be tricky to manage. Consult an expert for advice on a chemical exfoliant including alpha-hydroxyl acids such as glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids, and then commit to a really high SPF which you need to reapply regularly.
New ways to hydrate
Summer weather demands hydration. Hydrate skin directly: Snow mushroom (Tremella fuciformis) has been popular in Chinese food and medicine for thousands of years. Recently it has been popping up as an active ingredient in Western beauty, because of its hydrating properties. And also hydrate your skin from within. While we know the importance of drinking water, there are other rich sources of water in foods such as cucumber, melon and tomatoes.
Upgrade to a medi-pedi
One of the joys of summer is going barefoot and beach walks. But during the cold months when feet are bound up and enclosed, the skin gets dehydrated and heels crack, fungal nail infections are more common, and corns, calluses and verrucae can occur.
With this in mind, it’s worth investing in a medi pedi – which is a step above a cosmetic one. This can include treatment for cracked skin and heels or consider Lunula laser treatment, a non-invasive, pain-free laser therapy that treats fungal nail infections. Then you’re ready to select your summer shade to paint your nails!
Back to basics
Your back area is often hidden during the winter months. As we emerge into summer, book in for a luxury back treatment. Arturo in Kingston notes how they are growing in popularity as they give proper attention to this hard-to-reach spot. They include a thorough cleanse, exfoliation, a mask and a massage. It’s great for acne prone/ congested skin as it includes extractions – removing blackheads and comedones.
Cool it
Tap into the power of cold for a body boost. ‘Fat freezing’ treatments such as Coolsculpting can be used to target specific pockets of fat that you find hard to shift and are stubborn. The area is cooled which then crystalizes the fat and breaks it down, with the body naturally getting rid of the fat over time. Cold water therapy can boost skin, hair and your mood but it varies as to what works best for each individual, from timing to temperature.
Splash out on a salmon sperm facial
If you are wanting to try something new in terms of skincare, then the injecting of polynucleotides (otherwise known as a salmon sperm facial) is all the rage. This latest trend in skin rejuvenation works by taking the DNA from salmon or trout, specifically the sperm, and this is then injected into the skin.
Village Aesthetics in Wimbledon has seen a huge rise in its popularity as co-owner Cheryl Dodd explains: “This treatment is highly regenerative and anti-inflammatory, and produces great results. It involves targeting specific areas of the skin with lots of little injections and so it can be used on anything from eye bags, to the backs of hands. It is particularly good for acne, rosacea and generating collagen stimulation.”
Golden hour
A golden glow is a welcome preholiday boost for some. But spray tans of old often risked having an orange tinge! Now developments in bronze have advanced hugely, and light tan mousses offer a subtle glow and streak less easily. The time it takes for a tan to develop has also significantly reduced and can now be done is as little as an hour.
Wardrobe update
If your wardrobe needs a spring clean, tackle an area at a time to avoid overwhelm, and create a donation station box on the landing to start collating unwanted items. Then use an app such as Whering or Stylebook to create a virtual closet where you can add photos of your clothes to create different outfits. If you are looking for something new, try the Depop app where you can view trends and different styles.
Statement swimsuits
After you have given your wardrobe a good clear out, then it’s time to think about replacing some key items. This year, swimsuits are taking a bold and unique twist with embellishment and detail on straps of bikinis and costumes. Think ornate designs, belts and decorative touches, and also consider off-the-shoulder all-in-one pieces, or fully strapless numbers.
If you want to make a statement then check out Bydee women’s swimwear for bikinis and one-piece styles are driven by a love of travel, inspired by the feminine form and designed with comfort in mind. Produced using fibres made from recycled materials (including plastic bottles). Not only are swimwear designs sustainably made, but it is Bydee's mission to pave the way to becoming a plastic-free industry with all orders dispatched in 100% biodegradable and compostable mailers. (Promotion)
Enhance your summer stance
Consider consulting a personal trainer to get the most from your workout and target specific areas. The best exercises to get toned for the summer include planks, flutter kicks and burpees.
Meanwhile, take a look at improving your posture, which will make the most of your body shape. Spirohealth in Putney works to correct posture problems and improve alignment.
You can’t go wrong by incorporating Reformer Pilates into your pre-holiday regime. A brilliant way of increasing flexibility, this stretches and elongates your muscles. It also helps your posture, strengthens your core and aligns your spine so you can stand tall on the beach.
The summer months are also the perfect time to take up a new sport such as tennis, kayaking, paddleboarding or swimming outdoors.
