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How I'm Getting My Skin Ready for Summer Styles

Posted 06/06/12 at 05:41AM by Audrey Fine

I hate the expression "Spring has sprung," but since it most definitely has, I figured it was time to get my dry, rough, scaly skin ready to face the public. (You're welcome.)

But, after months of being hidden under corduroys, long sleeves and socks, what's the best way to ease your skin into the spotlight? Why, with some strategic exfoliation, that's what.

Here's how I'm going to get my body bare-ready.

Legs: If anyone's going to be laying eyes on these pins, I first need to rid them of ingrown hairs and any bumps. Venus Scientist, Claire Girdler says that ingrown hairs are hairs that "do not grow sufficiently out of the follicular opening and continue to grow underneath the surface of the skin. This can be a result of a naturally curly hair bending inside the follicle or of hair being trapped inside excess skin around the follicle opening at the surface of the skin. Frequently, the condition of ingrown hair is associated with a raised red area of irritation."

The best ways to prevent them is to avoid shaving with dull blades, exfoliate and moisturize with regularity and be sure to "rinse with cold water and pat dry after shaving."

Arms: In order to bare arms, I banish icky bumps (keratosis pilaris) and elbow scales by exfoliating three to four times a week for a month. (Try DermaDoctor KP Duty Dermatologist Body Scrub with Chemical and Physical Medi-Exfoliation, $44. It works like a charm.) And, I make sure to slather on an emollient rich moisturizer that relieves and brightens dull, dry skin. (Try Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Advanced Anti-Aging Body Lotion, $7.)

Once they're smooth, I like to add sheen with a bronzing oil like Josie Maran Argan Bronzing Oil, $52 or Arbonne Glow With It After Sun Lotion, $34.99.

Feet: Getting feet sandal-ready after a winter stuck in socks and boots can be tricky. And, if you saw how calloused my heels callous are, you'd be shocked. These three steps will get your puppies soft and smooth again;

Step 1: Slough off dead skin with a foot file.

Step 2: Rub on a salt scrub like Philosophy Salt Scrub, $25.

Step 3: Treat feet with a moisturizing clay mask like CND Earth Moisture Masque, $32.13, then use foot cream or petroleum jelly and cover feet with socks before bed.

There you have it. Three simple ways to get your skin ready for the fun fashions that summer brings. And, if you want to know how one former supermodel keeps her skin looking fabulous well into her sixth decade, read what Christie Brinkley does to exfoliate her skin!
And the survey says...
1-6 of 7 Comments

  • Posted by GigiSD on 05/03/13 at 02:39pm

    I just wrote an article for another site about exfoliation--men do seem to age better because they "exfoliate" daily as they shave. (Also, love Olay's "Total Effects 7-in-1 Advanced Anti-Aging Body Lotion").

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  • Posted by lilas on 10/22/12 at 03:31pm

    I didnot know there were masks for feet.

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  • Posted by Nicole2814 on 07/23/12 at 07:06pm

    interesting

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  • Posted by Nicole2814 on 07/23/12 at 07:06pm

    interesting

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  • Posted by LipglossandSpandex on 06/18/12 at 08:06pm

    My poor legs tend to get a lot of bumps :( I use fresh razors regularly, and moisturize too, but they're still there. I'm going to try exfoliating more.

    Report Abuse

  • Posted by ladyboarder9669 on 06/15/12 at 12:30pm

    exfolliating is so important! i find myself doing it more in the summer!

    Report Abuse

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