Closeup of a beautiful smiling young woman

 

Summer is almost here, which means it’s time to start planning holidays and getting in shape. If a beach trip is looming, you may already be thinking about upping your exercise regime and cutting down on sugary treats. But have you thought about taking steps to achieve brighter, healthier summer skin? If you’re after a gorgeous golden glow this summer, all you need to do is take these handy tips on board.

 

Drink more water

 

lemy water

 

Warmer climes bring benefits for your skin, but they can also increase the risk of dehydration. Ideally, you should aim to drink at least 2 litres of water per day all year round. In the summer months, when you sweat more, you need to increase your intake to replace lost fluids. If you’re dehydrated, changes in your skin will be one of the most noticeable warnings signs. A lack of fluids makes your skin dry and dull.

 

Start the day with a cup of green tea

 

green

 

If you’re used to starting your day with a cup of tea or coffee, why not switch things up with a mug of green tea? Green tea is one of the most powerful sources of antioxidants and it can also provide you with a caffeine boost. Antioxidants are skin saviours, which battle free radicals – the substances which cause your skin to age. If you’re eager to reap all the rewards of green tea, try matcha tea. Matcha tea is a concentrated form of tea, which equates to the same strength as ten cups of normal green tea. This means that you get a much more powerful antioxidant hit.

 

Eat more fruit and vegetables

 

av salad

 

Fruit and vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals, which have all kinds of wonderful benefits for your body. Foods that are particularly good for your skin include berries, tomatoes, potatoes, and avocados. Berries are rich in vitamin C, and they also boast high antioxidant levels. Blueberries are particularly potent. Avocados are a good source of vitamin E and tomatoes contain an antioxidant called selenium. Add vegetables to salads, wraps, sandwiches or stir-fry dishes for simple, healthy lunches or suppers. Sprinkle fruit on porridge or natural yoghurt for a healthy breakfast. Take a fresh fruit salad to work with you for a nutritious dessert.

 

Protect your skin: fake that tan

 

beach tan

 

Most of us admit to feeling more confident when we’ve got a bit of colour. If you like a golden glow in the summer months, it can be tempting to try and bask in the sun. While sunbathing with high factor sunscreen won’t do you much harm, the safest option for your skin is fake tan. There are some incredible tanning products out there now, so you don’t have to put your health at risk to look good. Always exfoliate before application and use a mitt. When you are in the sun, take care to cover every part of your skin with sunscreen and avoid the midday heat. Take extra care if you’re very fair or you burn easily.

 
Summer is coming – what better time to start looking after and treating your skin? Follow these simple steps to achieve beautiful soft, smooth and radiant skin.