5 steps to radiant summer beauty
Nourish your
face
No other part of the body gets as much exposure to the elements, so
now is the time for extra pampering. Pure vitamin E oil or aloe oil
(rather than the gel) make great and inexpensive facial
moisturizing treatments, says Deborah Evans, general manager of the
Red Mountain Spa in Ivins, Utah. Find these hydrators (in capsule
or liquid form) at natural products stores and apply directly to
the skin, avoiding the eyes; leave them on overnight. Avoid facial
moisturizers with fresh citrus or citrus essential oils during
summer, Evans says, because they may make skin more prone to
sunburn. And don't forget your lips. Choose a lip balm with natural
shea butter or coconut oil, an SPF of 15, and refreshing
peppermint, which helps keep kissers cool and luscious on hot
days.
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Detoxify your
locks
If you've been using deep conditioners and the like to combat
cold-weather dryness and static, your hair might be overloaded come
spring. As humidity and temps rise, switch to lighter conditioners.
Janice Cox, author of Natural Beauty for All Seasons
(Henry Holt, 1996), recommends a monthly ritual: Mix up to 2
teaspoons of baking soda with your shampoo to eradicate excess
oils.
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Exfoliate
"The biggest mistake people make is to hydrate without sloughing
off dead skin," says Kandi Clement, lead aesthetician at Miraval
Resort and Spa in Catalina, Arizona. Once a week, scrub off
lifeless cells all over the body with a natural exfoliating lotion
or gel. Clement recommends products with sugar, salt, or gentle
acidic agents, like citrus.
Get a sun-free
tan
When sleeves disappear and skirt lines rise, most of us yearn for
tanned, healthy-looking skin. But the National Cancer Institute
advises against unprotected sun exposure and tanning beds, both of
which drastically increase the risk of malignant melanoma, the most
dangerous form of skin cancer. Instead, try a natural spray-on or
lotion tanner, which temporarily darkens skin tone using
ingredients such as walnut shell extract.
Refurbish your
feet
Before breaking out your slinky sandals, "gently scrub with white
vinegar to bring dull, yellowed nails back to life," advises Evans.
Then treat yourself to an in-home pedicure to exfoliate and soften
tough, cracked feet. Evans recommends a 20-minute routine,
including a salty foot scrub, a foot masque—try one with
avocado—and a foot-specific lotion that is designed to
address problems like cracked heels and dryness.
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