Essential summer skincare: Top home treatments for smooth skin

Vacations are approaching. According to meteorologists, we can expect a warm and sunny summer. Some of us will spend time in the mountains, while others will relax on the beach. Regardless of where you're going, this is the last moment to take care of your skin.

How to prepare your skin for summer? You don't need to buy expensive cosmetics or invest in aesthetic treatments. Discover a few home treatments to restore your skin's softness and smoothness.

Intense sun, UV radiation, salty water, and air conditioning—vacations present a big challenge for your skin. We all want to enjoy smooth and well-maintained bodies. How can you prepare your skin for summer? Start with exfoliation. It's one of the most essential steps in skincare.

You can choose from salt scrubs, sugar scrubs, or enzymatic peels. Salt and sugar scrubs work well for dry and normal skin, while enzymatic scrubs suit sensitive skin. However, apply sunscreen before leaving the house to protect your skin from sunburn.

After exfoliation, it's time to moisturize. Both lotion and rich body butter can be beneficial. Pay attention to the ingredients. If you want intense hydration, opt for products with ingredients such as aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, betaine, trehalose, glycerin, or Centella Asiatica. Use them daily after bathing, and you'll notice a smoothing effect within a week.

Dry and cracked heels won't look good in flip-flops or open sandals. How can you restore their former softness? Once a week, soak your feet in warm water with a tablespoon of baking soda and a cup of milk.

Baking soda neutralises sweat smells and softens the skin, while the milk profoundly moisturises and nourishes it. After the treatment, massage in an ointment with vitamin A. You can buy it at any pharmacy. It costs less than £4 and works like an expensive foot cream. For very dry heels, use it twice a day—morning and evening.

Don't forget about your face. This area is most exposed to damage. How can you take care of your complexion before summer? Avoid cosmetics with acids or retinol. Focus on deep moisturisation. Ensure your cosmetic bag includes products with ceramides, glycerin, aloe vera (best for burns), vegetable collagen (boosts regeneration), algae, or urea.

And what about exfoliation? Acidic or enzymatic peels are not the best idea as they are too aggressive. In this case, a gentle oatmeal scrub will work much better, gently exfoliating dead skin while soothing the complexion.

• Pour boiling water over two tablespoons of oatmeal and wait until it cools,
• Apply the prepared mask to cleansed facial skin and leave it on for fifteen minutes,
• After 15 minutes, gently massage and rinse the oatmeal with lukewarm water.

Follow these rules and enjoy smooth and well-cared-for skin all summer.