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Summer brings warm weather, sunny days and more outdoor activity, which means  more environmental exposure. Here are some tips to help naturally maintain your inner and outer glow and to reveal your healthiest (and sexiest) summer skin!

For Smoother Skin

Exfoliate

Dry, dead skin cells can build up on your skin, making it look dull. Therefore, exfoliating at least 2 times a week is an important step when it comes to achieving smooth, healthy-looking skin. Not only will it give you a nice glow, it promotes healthy cell regeneration that makes your skin look more refreshed. As a bonus, products like organic body and face moisturizers or other specialized treatments will go on more smoothly and be better able to penetrate your skin after exfoliation.

Pamper Exposed Skin

Get yourself ready for shorts, sandals and short-sleeved tops by exfoliating your hands, arms, feet and legs. Don’t forget your lips! Use a natural exfoliator gently, then hydrate.

Natural Exfoliating Methods

There are multiple methods for exfoliation, including sugar or salt scrubs, dry brushes, exfoliating gloves, or natural face cleansers with organic exfoliating ingredients, such as Planted in Beauty’s Polish + Resurface Detox Exfoliant. Different skin types respond differently to the various exfoliation methods, so it’s important to figure out what works best for you. Whatever method you choose, be sure to hydrate and protect your newly exfoliated skin.

Hydrate Inside and Out

Drink Plenty of Water

Higher temperatures and more time outdoors leads to internal dehydration. Your next step in getting skin ready for summer is to adjust your hydration routine. Make sure you drink plenty of water to keep your moisture levels up. Having an extra glass or two of water will help you stay hydrated and look flawless.

Moisturize Your Skin

Summer sun can dry your skin, making it look dull and increasing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Keep your skin smooth and moisturized with and organic face moisturizer such as Nourish + Protect Antioxidant Moisturizer twice daily.

Go Easy on the Eyes

The summer elements can be particularly harsh on the fragile skin around your eyes. We suggest, Depuff + Illuminate Eye Firming Complex, to smooth, lift and hydrate as well as alleviate puffiness and under eye darkness for a smoother, brighter look.

Don’t Forget to Tone Your Skin

A toner performs an important balancing act between controlling excess oil, refining pores, and removing makeup residue. A toner also helps balance the pH level of your skin and remove environmental toxins.

Avoid Hot Water

Long, hot showers and baths tend to be drying. Instead, switch to lukewarm water. To leave your skin looking and feeling smooth, finish your bath or shower with a cool rinse. Try this same technique on your hair! You might also consider using a natural soap and/or shampoo enriched with natural oils such as avocado oil, olive oil or coconut oil.

Eat More Fruits and Vegetables

Skin-Loving Nutrients

Eating well is one of the ultimate forms of selfcare. Make sure to eat a plant-based diet of nutrient-dense foods that contain antioxidant compounds to help reduce the damaging effects of sunshine.  Stock your refrigerator with lots of fruits and vegetables to help hydrate your skin.

Feed Your Body Antioxidants

Keep your skin looking great with the antioxidants you feed your body! Increase your intake of dark, leafy greens, brightly colored vegetables and hydrating citrus fruits for a skin-nourishing boost of vitamins A, C, and E which act as antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. Other great high-antioxidant foods include green tea and dark chocolate!

Sun Protection

Wear Adequate Sun Protection

Hats, sunglasses, UV protective clothing and shade are your best protection, but when these are not appropriate or available, choose a safe sunscreen and reapply regularly. Try your best to avoid direct sun exposure and keep in mind that your skin is prone to sun damage even when it isn’t being directly exposed to sunlight – such as while driving or even on an overcast day, for example.

Gradual Exposure

Though a little vitamin D can be good for your skin and even better for your mood, it’s important to limit your exposure to the sun because overexposure can bring out the worst in our skin. One of the best ways to prepare your skin for the sun is to engage in numerous short exposures with adequate sun protection, as mentioned above. Too much sun exposure increases your risk of sunburn, which could lead to skin cancer.

Get Moving and Rest

Break a Sweat

It may seem odd, but regular exercise boosts circulation, nourishes your skin and supports the production of collagen. In addition, increased sweating from exercise is a great health benefit as a detoxifier. It helps draw toxins out of the body and cleanse the pores of congestion. To get your body and skin ready for summer – the answer is regular exercise! As for the best type of exercise for your skin, it’s all good. Try adding 30 minutes of a few simple yoga postures or a brisk walk to your day three times a week, to see the beauty returns in sexy, healthy skin.

Adequate Rest

One of the absolute best things for your skin is resting. While you sleep, your internal systems continue working to regenerate at the cellular level. Give yourself the gift of rest and aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night!