4 Easy Summer Body Hacks

1. Scrub scrub scrub

An exfoliator acts as an instant glow booster, and who doesn’t want that? They work by lifting away dead cells from the surface to make way for new ones. It’s also an essential step for anyone looking to reap the benefits of their body moisturiser and ensure an even tan application. Trust us when we say your body lotion will work harder on exfoliated skin.

Influencer, and co-founder of tanning brand Isle of Paradise, Jules Von Hep reiterates the importance of exfoliating before reaching for any sunless tanning products. “Ensure skin is exfoliated with a dry brush or scrub. This means your skin will have an even surface, so the final result will be even and, more importantly, it will fade evenly like a natural tan would,” he advises.

While Jules favours a physical scrub to prepare skin for tanning, if you’re looking for a gentler exfoliation you might want to opt for a chemical exfoliator such as Sol de Janeiro Bom Dia Body Wash, £10.00. Focus on your feet, knees, arms and the backs of the arms, hands and elbows if you want a smooth, even tan.

2. Quench thirsty skin

Once you’ve created a smooth base, it’s essential to “moisturise, moisturise, moisturise! It’s the key to healthy, hydrated skin,” says Marc. For truly summer-ready skin however, we recommend finding the best body moisturiser for you and sleeping in it. If you have very dry or dehydrated skin, you might want to do this more regularly than once a week.

If you’re looking for instant, long-lasting moisture, as well as some extra firming benefits, we recommend Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Body Firmeza Oil, £52.00. However, if you’re planning to apply self-tan, you should opt for an oil-free moisturiser. Oils “act as a barrier to the tan’s penetration,” Jules warns.

Instead, opt for an aloe vera moisturiser. “Adding an aloe vera based moisturiser will act as a blending agent, helping the tan not to go too dark in these areas and help blend the colour in with the rest of your application,” Jules advises. Here are some body moisturisers we’re loving right now.

3. Turn to tan

For those with fair skin, applying a tanning product is arguably the most transformative step as we head into summer. Don’t be tempted to skip steps one and two; “the trick to a truly flawless glow is all in the prep. Shave or wax at least 24 hours prior to application, ensure skin is exfoliated, and remove any makeup and deodorant prior to application. Also, avoid using retinol or AHAs at least 24 hours before and after applying self-tan,” advises Jules.

It’s then time to choose the best self-tan for you (mousse, serum, mist or even tanning water are just a few of the options available), but for those tanning first-timers, we recommend a gradual tan. “These formulas work with a lower percentage DHA, so you can apply regularly for a hydrated glow that builds over time, as opposed to just one application,” Marc explains. “They’re great for first time tanners,” confirms Jules.

What’s Jules’ application advice? “Apply your gradual tan instead of your moisturiser – on average you will start to see colour over the course of three days. Once you have reached your desired shade, simply apply on alternate days to maintain your glow,” he says. Of course, tanning involves staining the skin, and in order to keep our tan in the right places, Jules has some tips. “Remember immediately after you have applied your tan to wipe your palms, in-between your fingers and buff your knuckles on a dry towel to remove excess so you have a beautiful seamless tan,” he tells us. “Feel free to set your tan using a translucent powder – inner elbows and decolletage will benefit from this in warmer climates.”

After you’ve applied your tan, spray your hair, not your skin, with fragrance. Find the whole waiting-for-your-tan-to-dry thing a bit of a faff? “Use a hairdryer on a cool setting to speed up the drying process of your tan,” Jules suggests. Wondering which tan to try? Here are a few of our favourites.

4. Keep skin shielded

We’ve covered appearance, texture and quality, but when it comes to skin health, there’s one step we really can’t miss - sun protection. Even the tanning experts agree. “SPF is more important than self tan,” Jules admits. And he’s right. We can’t afford to risk skipping this essential step from our daily routine, especially during the spring and summer months. Why? “The factor in sun protection is what will protect your skin from sun damage and burning,” Caudalie education manager, Abigail Williams summarises.

What’s her key advice for choosing the best sunscreen for you? “Always use a broad spectrum sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection and if you burn easily opt for a higher factor, ideally 30 or 50.” And from a cosmetic point of view, “having antioxidants in your sunscreen is a great bonus for extra protection and anti-wrinkle action,” Abigail tells us. But choosing your body SPF doesn’t have to be purely functional. Shimmers, oils and tinted SPF formulas are a great way to blur any imperfections and smooth the appearance of your skin while protecting it. Prioritise protection with these high-factor finds.