It’s almost that time again—the spring/summer mad dash to get our legs and arms looking as though they’ve seen the light of day. Here are three ways to get them ready for some fun in the sun.
Get Your Skin Glowing
After months of wintertime neglect, skin gets dry and dull. New York dermatologist Marnie B. Nussbaum, MD, suggests using an exfoliation treatment or chemical peel, which can brighten dullness by shedding dead skin cells. “I recommend exfoliating with a soft facial scrub (those made with rice bran are less rough) that also uses naturally hydrating ingredients like avocado, coconut or almond oils to avoid excessive dryness and irritation. Immediately following, moisturize with a lightweight body moisturizer.”
Try a Firming Body Lotion
“I happen to favor those that are formulated with antioxidants and ingredients like shea butter and argan oil, as they give your skin the protection it needs to maintain elasticity and counteract loss of firmness,” says Dr. Nussbaum. Her favorite: Sebamed Age Defense Q10 Firming Body Lotion ($23).
Treat Breakouts
To treat body acne or keratosis pilaris on your arms (i.e. chicken skin), Dr. Nussbaum recommends cleansing daily with a soap-free milky cleanser and treating your skin with active ingredients. “If you have acne-prone skin, a treatment formulated with hyaluronic acid is also great to use when dealing with pimples, blackheads and skin impurities because its moisturizing factors provide skin with the hydration it needs without clogging pores,” says Dr. Nussbaum.
