Holidays By The Beach | Preparation Time

Holidays by the beach, weekend barbecues with family and friends, endless sunny days outdoors. Thanks to our climate, we have an enviable lifestyle most of the year. Yet being alfresco means living with the constant exposure to the damaging effects of UV radiation.

The sun is our number 1 enemy when it comes to fighting the war against premature ageing and there's also the more serious consequence of excessive, unprotected sun exposure - skin cancer. So, play it safe in the sun this summer with our guide to achieving a golden glow without sacrificing your skin.

Preparation time: During summer, there's a lot more skin on show, so make sure it's soft and smooth by following a regular exfoliating regimen. Exfoliating buffs away dead skin cells that gradually build up on the surface, leaving it rough and flaky. Removing the build-up will also help your moisturizer to penetrate more effectively.

Smooth facial skin with an exfoliator twice a week, such as Natio Gentle Facial Scrub, or Clarins Gentle Exfoliating Refiner for Face, and rinse off with lukewarm water. if you have sensitive skin, a weekly exfoliating regimen is enough, using a product such as Dermalogica Daily Micro foliant, a rice-base powder that forms a paste when applied with wet hands.

Your body's skin can tolerate a more intense exfoliating treatment with larger granules, such as Garnier Skin Naturals Body Tonic Sugar Scrub, L'Oreal Paris Exfotonic, or Revlon Absolutes Vitamin C Foaming Body Scrub. Concentrate on the areas that are prone to dry skin, such as the backs of arms and the knees. Apply in the shower after cleansing, using firm, circular motions, and rinse off.

Tip: For smooth, polished feet, take advantage of the sand, nature's own exfoliator, when you're next at the beach.