I've got a wedding this weekend, and I'm feeling all a-dither because I'm as pasty and pale as they come – not ideal when it's going to be 28 degrees and I'll be baring my skin for the first time this year.
In preparation for the big day, I've hastily booked a spray tan for Friday, so I'll be golden and glowing, but if I want my body to be looking its best all summer long, I know I need to put in more effort than a layer of St. Tropez.
While we tend to lighten our facial skincare as the weather heats up, swapping heavy comforting creams for refreshing gel moisturisers, we should do quite the opposite for our body care.
© StocksyTaking care of our bodies in summer
"Summer exposes the skin to a number of environmental stressors," says consultant dermatologist Dr. Alexis Granite. "Increased UV exposure, heat, sweat, salt water, chlorine, shaving or waxing and frequent showering can all contribute to dehydration and compromise the skin barrier, resulting in dry, rough and tight skin.
"In summer, many people also exfoliate more and use self-tan regularly, which can further dry the skin. While we focus on facial skincare, the skin on the body experiences many of the same challenges and also benefits from a thoughtful routine to maintain resilience and hydration in the summer."
With the warmer months upon us (and many of us already frequently self-tanning), now is the time to bolster the skin on our bodies. Luckily, we're in the midst of a skinification-of-body-care revolution, which sees skincare-level ingredients infused into our body lotions, washes and serums, creating a skincare-for-your-body approach.
These are the boosted body-care buys we're upgrading to this summer…
The longevity lotion: Joonbyrd Future Romance Body Glaze, £62
Longevity has been a skincare buzzword for a few years now, and it's found its way into the body care category, too. Zeroing in on long-term skin health rather than instant results, this serum/lotion hybrid is made from a science-focused blend of grape stem cells – derived exosomes to support cell renewal and repair – along with seven molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, promising long-lasting hydration, leaving skin smooth, luminous and ready for summer dress season. One more plus point? It smells of banana, for a nostalgic, sweetie-inspired treat.
The body brush upgrade: Magnitone Diablo Pro Body Sculpting Device, £162
Supercharge your dry body brushing with this souped-up version, which uses microcurrents, radiofrequency and mechanical massage to target the deeper levels of the skin, helping with skin laxity, texture, and improving circulation to support collagen production.
The treatment: Tranquil Flow
You've likely heard of lymphatic drainage – think of this as the more sophisticated older sister, which adds sculpting, breathwork, energetic work and coaching to the mix. The treatment evolves in real time, with your therapist adapting the session to what you need in the moment, leaving the body lighter, clearer, and more balanced.
While lymphatic drainage is lauded for its sculpting powers, that's not the only reason your body needs it during the summer. "Heat itself can slow lymphatic flow, impact hydration at a cellular level and place subtle strain on the nervous system," says the wellness practitioner Sonia Rose, who offers Tranquil Flow at her studio, Umā Touch.
She adds that summer takes its toll on our bodies, with Tranquil Flow helping to reset: "We are often taking in more, whether socially, emotionally or environmentally, without giving the body enough space or care to process it."
The wash: Naturium The Calmer Ceramide Body Wash, £19
It's tempting to simply reach for the shower gel that's on offer in the supermarket, but to soothe summer skin, a nourishing body wash will make all the difference, caring for your body from the very first step of your routine.
Naturium's latest launch is packed with ceramides, oatmeal and cocoa butter to support the skin barrier and relieve dryness, while Elemis has expanded its Pro-Collagen range into body care with the Body Cleansing Balm, £45, which supports the skin’s barrier even after being rinsed away thanks to the hero hydrator saccharide isomerate, while the brand's signature padina pavonica algae helps to lock in moisture.
The oil: Neom Wellbeing Real Luxury Pro-Vitamin D3 Dry Body Oil, £35
Bring the spa home with this fast-absorbing lavender, jasmine and sandalwood-scented oil. As well as a divine fragrance, it helps to repair the skin's natural barrier thanks to vitamin D3, for radiant, healthy skin.
The budget buy: Mixa Ceramide Protect Body Lotion, £8.99
You don't have to break the bank to support your body's skin barrier. The French pharmacy brand Mixa's lotion includes glycerin, lipids and ceramides to repair the skin barrier for less than the price of lunch.
