This is an updated version of an article I authored and posted here last summer, but I think revisiting these key tips at this time of year is vital. As the mercury starts to rise, take care to exercise caution and you’ll soon have glowing summer skin that’ll have all your friends talking!

1. Take your daily vitamins.
A number of studies have revealed that certain vitamins and minerals can positively impact the appearance of the skin, even when taken internally. Find a good multi-vitamin and take it religiously.

2. Avoid the sun.
There is no such thing as a safe suntan and sun damage is the most common cause of premature aging. Even if you tan slowly without burning, you’re gambling with your skin’s health. Always apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater at least 15 minutes before going into the sun and reapply every 60-90 minutes. Wear a large-brimmed hat when possible and avoid spending large amounts of time outside between the hours of 10 and 2pm. For additional protection, use lip gloss and face creams with added SPF protection and select a pair of sunglasses to accompany you on every trip out of the house. Choose self-tanners if you want that "summer glow."

3. Reduce your smoking.
Better yet...quit altogether. Cigarette smoke and tar deprive the skin of the nutrients and oxygen it needs for good health, ultimately leaving it looking dull and lifeless. They lead to the formation of harmful free radicals and weaken the collagen and elastin fibers, which results in the skin becoming prematurely wrinkled.

4. Develop a nightly skincare routine.
Create a routine you can stick with and perform it nightly. A “bare bones” ritual consists of both cleansing and moisturizing. Cleansing is critical because it removes surface dirt, make-up, the top layer of dead skin cells and potentially harmful micro-organisms (bacteria). Always follow with a moisturizer to provide facial tissue with essential nutrients and help improve/retain elasticity.

5. Drink plenty of water.
Doctors recommend 6-8 glasses of water per day…shoot for 8-9 during summer months. Keeping yourself well hydrated will improve both the appearance and functionality of the skin.

6. Keep your skin moisturized.
The stratum corneum (top layer of skin) is a highly effective barrier against the outside environment, being tough but flexible provided it is well hydrated. If its water content falls below 10% it becomes dry, less flexible and increasingly prone to damage, breakdown and infection. To help prevent that water loss, apply a high-quality moisturizer several times a day. Moisturizers feed the skin with water and apply a layer of oil that helps seal in the water in and slow down the natural water loss cycle. Whenever possible, choose moisturizers which contain antioxidants- compounds which neutralize free radicals before they cause damage to the skin.
It’s easier to prevent skin damage than to reverse it… take good care of your skin!


Looking for a few soothing skin treats to indulge in this summer? Try these favorites:

Cooling Cucumber Facial Toner: This delightful elixir soothes parched skin, removes makeup and cleanser residue and helps maintain pore health. A nightly favorite of mine, I also keep a bottle in the refrigerator during warmer months…it makes a refreshing splash during the day. Perfect after swimming or working in the yard.

Cranberry Yuzu Sugar Scrub: Our original body scrub (and still our best seller!), this creamy concoction helps shed dull skin cells for an immediate summer glow. Enriched with cranberry seeds and the perfect-for-summer, refreshing “zing” of mandarin yuzu fruit, it’s a warm weather staple.

Cooling Peppermint Foot Soak: Swollen, tired feet will find solace in this bath of creamy coconut milk, real Alaea Hawaiian sea salts and cooling peppermint essential oil. Just dissolve a scoop into a basin of water and relax as the stress melts away.

Tahitian Body Glaze: Pure Monoi de Tahiti oil caresses every inch of your skin, kissing it with the alluring aroma of tropical flowers. Completely natural and amazingly pure, this decadent body oil deeply hydrates skin, locking in moisture, delicately fragrancing the skin and lending a subtle, sexy sheen. We frequently receive glowing emails raving about this product when used as a tanning oil...

Manuka Honey Drizzle: Baths aren't just for long, grey winters. Slip into a honey-infused oasis spiked with citrus extract and a bouquet of orange blossoms as a sexy prelude to a day at the beach or a night out on the town.