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Summer beauty secrets

Maintain a gorgeous glow all summer long with these top natural beauty tips

Don’t skimp on the sunscreen
“While there is stronger UVB light in summer, the UVA rays are there all year round and can cause deep tissue damage and saggy skin,” says Cherry Woods, luxury facialist and founder of The Cherry Woods Clinic (www.cherrywoodsclinic.com). “Use springtime to slowly introduce a separate SPF product or simply increase your current SPF into your routine. Be careful to go easy on your T-Zone, remembering it doesn’t need the same level of coverage on a regular day as it would on a beach holiday. The key is to allow your skin to adjust gradually, rather than suddenly swamping it in cream causing breakouts.”

Choose nature’s own moisturiser
“Coconut oil is one of nature’s greatest moisturisers,” explains Rosie Hayward, founder of The Groovy Food Company, (www.groovyfood.co.uk). “Unlike other oils that can sit on the epidermis’ surface, coconut oil penetrates the skin to deeply nourish and hydrate, leaving a glowing complexion. It’s a great way to keep hands and nails supple – simply rubbing a small amount into the cuticles will help with moisturising, conditioning and will revitalise dry skin. The oil can also be rubbed into feet to soften hard skin and condition nails before varnish is applied during a pedicure. For a luxurious body treatment, add Himalayan salt to create an instant exfoliator that will leave skin radiant.”

Slim your silhouette
If you suffer with bloating, the last thing you’ll want to do is put on a bikini and hit the beach. However, Epsom salt could be just the natural remedy you need. “Constipation and bloating are often a result of low magnesium levels and water retention,” says Karen Davis, chief pharmacist at Westlab (www.westlabsalts.co.uk). “Epsom salt is rich in magnesium sulphate, a compound that helps reduce the bloat, soothes achy muscles and flushes the body of toxins. When it comes to relieving a bloated stomach, magnesium works to relax the muscles surrounding the problem area, releasing tension and simultaneously topping up mineral levels to help you feel better from the inside out. Simply dissolve 500g into a bath, lie back in the warm water and relax – the therapeutic salts will instantly work their magic!”

Start from within
“We are used to working from the outside in when it comes to skin, but working from the inside out can provide additional support when it comes to protecting you from the sun,” says Cherry Woods. “Investing in vitamin C oral supplements will help stimulate your fibroblastic activity, which helps promote collagen production, which is key to skin repair and support. To be a five star skin student, add a good oral skin omega complex to your supplement regime too. This will help support the skin’s immunity, combat dehydration and reduce the blotchy redness associated with the hot summer months.”

Luscious locks
“Just like your skin, your hair needs some extra TLC in the summer to protect it from becoming dehydrated,” says Janey Lee Grace, author of Look great naturally without ditching the lipstick (www.imperfectlynatural.com). “Avoid synthetic chemicals and look at ways you can ensure that sunlight, heat and humidity don’t adversely affect your hair. Just as you might cover up to avoid being burnt, do the same with your hair. Wear massive sun hats or scarves which will give extra sun protection; this will also help your scalp retain moisture. During the summer you need lots of moisture, so don’t wash your hair too often as it strips the hair of natural oils. Instead use a great organic dry shampoo which adds volume. In addition, add some natural hair oil back to the ends – good for giving a little sheen as you sit by the pool and then at night you can do a deep intensive treatment. Raw organic extra virgin coconut oil is great for hair conditioning. You can apply, wrap your hair in a towel and sleep with it in place. Then, wash it all through the next morning and it will be silky soft. For extra benefit, add a couple of drops of argan oil, which has sun-protective qualities too.”

Sunless tanning tips
“You need care, skill and experience to get a good result from sunless tanning products,” says Charlotte Vohtz, founder of natural beauty company Green People, in her book Naturally Gorgeous. “These tips can help you achieve a smooth and even look:

Top tip!

“Look at anyone and you will notice their skin, hair, eyes and teeth,” says Jennifer Young, author of Recognise Yourself and founder of www.BeautyDespiteCancer.co.uk. “These are the first things we look at, summer or not, but sometimes we can see more skin in the summer. My top tip to look your very best in summer is simple – drink lots of water. Drinking water will keep you hydrated, keep the skin plump and prevent the hollow eyed dehydrated look. Lips can become dry in the sunshine and water can help.”

Face facts
Susie Mills from natural and organic make-up brand INIKA (www.inika.co.uk) offers some summer make-up tips

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