How do I prepare my skin for the holidays?

We agree with the motto "prevention is better than cure" and we stand on the side of the crowd that takes care of itself regularly (or at least tries to between the duties: husband - child - dog - house). But summer is coming, a time that exposes the truth, finally verifying the strong will of New Year's resolutions. It may turn out that we need a quick hand here and there to resuscitate ourselves before going on holiday. The fact that our skin naturally defended itself against the cold doesn't make things any easier, and the spring-winter period is paid for with dry, thick skin, sometimes it's harder for us to fight cellulite, and hair, crushed by a hat, has started to frizz and tangle.   

How to help your body prepare for summer? Here are our suggestions. 

EXFOLIATING THE SKIN

Full body peeling is recommended. Not just now - we recommend doing it regularly. All you need is a handful of salt, sugar, coffee grounds (whatever you like) combined with a little massage oil. If you are struggling with orange peel, we suggest using a combination of coffee grounds and roasted coffee seed oil. A two-in-one effect, as your skin will be stripped of its dead layer, while the coffee will increase microcirculation and start fighting cellulite. But back to skin exfoliation: it is an extremely important procedure. The removal of dead skin smooths, firms the body and the process does not give a chance to unpleasant changes (for example, dead skin cells are one of the most common factors that cause ingrown hairs for depilation). Don't forget that you should also scrub your face, feet and hands. 

MOISTURISING YOUR SKIN

The right level of skin hydration is key. Skin that has been cleansed and scrubbed absorbs nutrients well. You can use your favourite creams for this, lotions enriched with cosmetic oils, or oils on their own. We know advocates of coconut oil, sweet almond oil, prune seed oil... you have to choose for yourself. We recommend choosing a product depending on what kind of skin you have. You can also use the same oil on your legs before leaving the house. Your skin will shine beautifully in the sun. 

A good way to combine business with pleasure is to take a nourishing bath. Pour a few tablespoons of moisturising oil into a tub of warm water. The elevated temperature and product will soften your skin, leave it pleasantly moisturised, and you'll emerge from the bath relaxed with a bath. 

HANDS AND Feet

We feel that this is an element constantly overlooked in all descriptions of how to care for the skin. Hands and feet are often lumped under the 'body' section and while this is no doubt true, in our opinion they should always be given a special paragraph. Hands and feet, as well as elbows and knees, are areas that need to be especially moisturised, softened and scrubbed. For intensive softening and moisturising, we recommend the use of cosmetic oils, depending on your preferences. We can recommend two in particular: plum seed and sweet almond oil, as both are absorbed quickly and leave the skin feeling very pleasantly nourished. Our favourite method is to apply a thicker layer in the evening, leave it to absorb partially and wash it off only in the morning. 

SUNBATHING

Even before going to the beach, we often look for a self-tanner in the shop, which will at least slightly darken the white of our skin after winter. Drugstore products are of no use at all, because a delicate shade of tan can be obtained by applying cocoa butter or carrot oil to the skin. The products contain vitamins, which additionally accelerate tanning and help even colour change. When out in the sun, use hydrolats to refresh your skin (an atomiser bottle is perfect for the beach or the city). Unfortunately, natural products do not have adequate UV protection. This product needs to be applied separately. 

If you get home and find out painfully that the protection wasn't enough, soothe your sunburn with a mixture of carrot oil and roasted coffee seed oil. The treatment quickly brings relief and helps with recovery.