Closer's Top tips to prepare you for your bikini debut in just four weeks
Monday 30 July 2012
Here are Closer’s top tips of how to prepare yourself to look and feel your best when sunning yourself in your bikini.
Follow our tips which will make you look and feel healthier head to toe and inside out which in turn-will make you feel more confident when showing off your perfectly preened bod on the beach.
Look and feel great this summer
Smooth things out:
In order to feel confident baring all make your skin is in its best condition. Start every shaving session with a hot shower or bath to soften your hair so it's easier to remove. For the silkiest results, exfoliate with a gentle body scrub, then lather with a moisturizing cream and use a fresh, sharp, three- or four-blade razor to whisk away the hair. Cut down on irritation by re-lathering an area if you are going over it a second time. If shaving doesn’t float your boat book in for a waxing treatment but make sure you do it a few days before you hit the beach to avoid signs of irritation.
Exfoliate and protect: Once you have removed any excess hair and exfoliated focusing on elbows, feet and knees apply a gradual self-tanning moisturiser to build a base tan. Your skin should peak in five to seven days; afterward, apply the lotion every other day to maintain your glow as well as of course applying appropriate sun lotion on the beach. Why not try an SPF with gradual tanner mixed in like Nivea’s Protect and Bronze lotion.
Clare Kerr, sun care expert from Lloyd’s pharmacy explains: “The official guidance on sunscreen levels which recommends a minimum of SPF15 refers to protection whilst in the UK. At the very least those with fairer skin should use factor 30 when in hotter countries. However, no matter where you are it is essential everyone applies sunscreen properly and on a very regular basis. The most ineffective sunscreen stays in the bottle. SPF 15 is only really suitable for adults with dark skin or those staying in the UK. The best way to be sure you’re choosing the right sun care regime for you is to speak to your pharmacist.”
If you want protected, clearer and glowing skin and you think the above tips won’t cut it alone then up your vitamin in take in the four weeks leading up to your holiday.
Take your vitamins: According to health experts, these are the best supplements to choose before you debut your bod on the beach- try eating actual foods that contain these vitamins rather than taking tablets:
Zinc: Vital to the immune system and the manufacture of collagen, zinc also speeds up healing.Lack of zinc can lead to stretch marks and stubborn blemishes. A dull complexion, white spots on fingernails, and dandruff are signs of deficiency. Best sources: Seafood, red meat, offal, turkey, cheese, brewer's yeast, eggs, nuts, wholegrains and mushrooms.
Beta-carotene: This is the plant form of vitamin A, which the body converts as required. It helps to protect us against the ageing effects of sunlight. Best sources: Dark green vegetables (spinach, broccoli, watercress) and orange fruit and vegetables (apricots, mangoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin and tomatoes).
Vitamin E: An antioxidant, this works with selenium and has a powerful action against free radical damage. It also helps the skin retain moisture. Premature wrinkles, pale skin, acne, easy bruising and slow wound healing may indicate a deficiency. Best sources: Vegetable oils, nuts and seeds, peanut butter, wheatgerm, wholegrain, avocados and sweet potatoes.
Protect your beach babe locks: Thought you only had to protect your skin from sun damage? Think again. Too much sun can turn your hair into a brittle, dry mop that breaks and splits easily, and if you already have thinning hair, you risk sunburn on your scalp. Prior to your holiday use a deep conditioning treatment to coat it and strengthen it before intense sun exposure. You can pick up a hair and scalp solar sport SPF from Debenhams for £5.
Fast and Diet: If you feel you need to shift some extra pounds and belly bloat why not try a fast? We’re not ones to advocate drastic diets — we like good food way too much. An easy, cheap and healthy way to “fast”? Knock out processed foods and go for a steady diet of fresh fruits and vegetables for a few days prior to your holiday. Also try cutting out carbs after 6pm to beat the bulge. Always check in with your doctor before taking on a drastic diet change.
Add metabolism booster to your diet:
These are all great foods to include in your diet according to Fitness website. They state that are not just tasty but can also help you lose a few pounds by boosting your metabolism. So make the effort add them in to add them into your daily routine, a few segments of grapefruit here, a dash of cinnamon on your brekkie or chopped up chilli in a stir-fry and you’ll be getting their weight-loss benefits.
Keep hydrated: Hey, we didn’t say this would be super fun or anything, but cutting out soda and alcohol will save on calories and bloating. According to fitness website I village, drinking 6-8 glasses a day of water has numerous bikini body benefits. Firstly it keeps you hydrated, and so prevents you from snacking; and secondly works wonders on your skin, even preventing the dreaded cellulite. If you need a bit of flavour or warmth try green tea or fruit tea to avoid bloating and excess sugar.
Get plenty of sleep: Multiple studies have suggested a link between too little shut eye, stress and weight gain. Try yoga to chill out and drink an herbal bedtime tea two hours before you want to go to sleep. Try Twining’s Blended to calm tea. This tea is a special blend of camomile, rooibos, lavender and cocoa bean for just £2.09.
Pamper your feet:
Don't forget about your feet when you're prepping for a bikini moment. Here's an easy way to get them in flip-flop shape fast: Submerge your feet in a large bowl of equal parts warm milk and water. The lactic acid naturally eats away at dead skin. Rather use a premade version? Dissolve a few scoops of Boot’s Botanic foot soak in water. After five minutes, buff away any calluses and rough spots with a pumice stone. Then of course add a perfect polish to match your bikini.
Pamper yourself for your relaxing beach break
By Emily Stockham