Radiant Summer Skin: Uncovering the Beauty Beneath

As summer looms on the horizon, the layers of winter clothes and heavy shoes are discarded for light clothing and flip flops. Many of us prepare for summer by discarding our cold-weather duds, but before exposing skin to the elements, offer it a little TLC to make it fresh and summer-ready.

Exfoliation is the key to exposing fresh skin beneath dead skin cells. Our bodies shed skin cells at an amazing rate every minute of every single day. And unless we get rid of them, they sit on the skin making it look dull and dry. Glowing skin is not attainable with just moisturizing. It must be exfoliated as well.

Choose a body scrub for an invigorating shower. Gently rub the exfoliator in circulator movements entirely on the body from the shoulders down. Use only a mineral essential facial exfoliator on the face and neck. Afterward, rinse clean. Do this several times a week year-round for beautiful skin. At-home scrubs may include sea salt with grapeseed or rice brand oil, or oatmeal. For a splurge, try Blisstabs Hot Salt Scrub, Origins Ginger Body Scrub, or Osmotics Sugar Scrub Body Exfoliant. A more economical choice is St. Ives Olive Scrub, fortified with olive oil and olive leaf extracts.

Following an exfoliation, nothing feels better than hydrating that new-found skin. Choose a light lotion scented with the smells of summer that absorbs quickly into the skin. Body butters are best kept for winter. Gels and purees are ideal for summer use, and with scents such as mango or coconut, they offer a personal island escape any time of the day. Following a shower, lightly towel off and apply lotion to seal in the moisture your body soaked in.

During the long winter months, it often seems less than important to keep legs shaved smooth on a daily basis. Invest in a good razor for the summer that won't cause razor burn, such as Gilette's Mach lll. Also, use a shaving lotion c women's jackets reated for women - avoid the cheap men's version. Shaving lotion not only creates a smooth shave, it hydrates and wards off nicks and cuts. If you're in a pinch for shaving lotion, use conditioner for moisturizing shaving cream.

We all want the glow of summer on our skin, but at what cost? With the harmful effects of the sun's rays, it pays to protect the longevity of your skin with SPF. However, today's market is brimming with self tanners which add a beautiful summer tint to the skin. Using a sunless tanner gives skin a great start to summer without burning and peeling. They don't have to be used over the whole body but can be applied to key areas such as legs, arms and face. Alternating a facial moisturizer with one that adds color will create a healthy glow without all the harmful effects. Look for a facial tanner that builds in color gradually and alternate it with a daily moisturizer to avoid getting too dark.

Once feet emerge from the winter boots they often need some special TLC. After all, it's sandal season and toes need to be ready for some exposure. Either schedule a pedicure at the local day spa or beauty school (if cost is a factor), or try an at-home pedicure. There are plenty of fun scrubs and lotions just for feet at the local store. In fact, it's not a bad idea to keep a foot scrub and file in the shower to give them a touch up every few days. Walking barefoot or in sandals often creates calluses that need to be smoothed over.

To really make the most of your tootsies, choose a bright and fun shade of nail polish to make them shine in a favorite pair of sandals. Summer is a great time to try a new shade of coral, red or hot pink. While it may not be a color most people use on their fingernails, these bold colors of summer are ideal for the toes. Also, the color tends to stay on longer as feet don't receive as much abuse as the hands. Start with a clear base coat, followed by two applications of color and a clear top coat to protect. Let toes air dry for a few hours before wearing shoes.

Last year's sunscreen may still be waiting in a beach bag somewhere, but it's time to replace that bottle for a new one. Sunscreen isn't meant to last forever and most often people don't use enough in the first place. But play it safe and purchase a new bottle. For the face, apply a full teaspoon and a shot glass full for the body on a daily basis. Don't forget to reapply for every 1-2 hours in the sun to ensure full body protection.