If you’re anything like me, then you spend a lot of time obsessing over your skincare routine and give your face a lot of time and attention. However, are you giving the rest of your body the TLC it deserves? I find that we often forget to nourish the rest of our skin until it’s time to get into a swimsuit. I’ve put together this guide on how to make sure that you’re smooth and glowy all over so that you can step into your swimsuit with total confidence.

Step 1 – Exfoliate 

Exfoliation is an essential step in beach body prep. Not only does it help you to achieve smooth, radiant skin, it’s also a great way to get rid of body acne and keratosis pilaris. Keratosis pilaris is when your hair follicles are blocked with keratin, which leads to the formation of small, dark bumps.

You can choose to exfoliate with a body scrub or a chemical exfoliant; it depends on your personal preference. I mix it up and use both, but not on the same day. You don’t want to overdo it! 

In terms of scrubs, ESPA’s detoxifying salt scrub is one of the best I’ve used. ESPA products are often used in professional spa treatment so this product really helps you recreate that at home. 

Goop’s G.Tox 5 Salt Body scrub is another great choice. It contains five mineral rich salts and three moisturizing oils to detox, exfoliate and replenish the skin. It smells amazing, too.

As for exfoliating body lotions, Cerave’s Salicylic Acid moisturizer really helps to get rid of body acne and leaves skin feeling notably softer and smoother are just one use. 

Step 2 – Moisturize

Just as you moisturize your face daily, you should give your skin the same treatment every time you step out of the shower. I love Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Anti-Ageing Body Cream for its firming, nourishing effects. The Body Lotion by Augustinus Bader is another luxurious body lotion that is packed with vitamins and hydrating ingredients to leave your skin looking its very best. 

For more on my favourite body lotions, take a look at this article.

Step 3 – Hair Removal

Of course, hair removal is totally your decision but for many of us, it’s an essential step in swimsuit prep. 

Waxing or epilating will deliver longer lasting results than shaving, so this is a good idea if you’re heading off on vacation. 

If you want to wax, an organic sugar wax kit is definitely the way to go as this method minimises pain and irritation. 

Epilators also deliver long-lasting results. Not only is epilating super convenient and significantly less messy than waxing, it’s also less irritating than other methods of hair removal which is ideal for sensitive skin.

Ultimately though, if you’re looking for a longer less maintenance version of hair removal, maybe laser hair removal is the answer. Just know that the darkness of hair makes a difference on the efficacy of those treatments and you’ll need several treatments before you can permanently say goodbye to those stubborn follicles.

Step 4 – Self Tan 

If you want to get a golden glow before you even set foot on the beach, the self tan is the way to go. However, remember to wait 24 hours after exfoliation and/or hair removal before applying to avoid a patchy finish. I know for me, I use self tanners now and again so I’m not always exposing myself to too much sun. Using these are a great way to take a break from harmful UV rays while still looking like the beach bunny you want to be.

The Bondi Sands Aero Aerated Self Tanning foam is my favorite instant tan. It’s perfect if you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to wait for the color to develop. I also love the Tan Luxe Hydra Mousse because it doesn’t have a guide color, which means no stained clothes and bedsheets!

For more recommendations and tips on how to apply your tan like a pro, check out this guide.

Step 5 – Beat the Bloat 

Feeling bloated and uncomfortable can really knock your confidence and get in the way of carefree swimsuit fun. Here’s how to beat that bloat:

• Drink plenty of water

• Avoid salty foods and carbonated beverages 

• Drink peppermint tea. It’s so effective at relieving digestive discomfort that it’s often used to treat IBS.

• Take an epsom salt bath. Epsom salts help to reduce water retention and thus relieve bloating. In fact, an epsom salt bath is said to be part of Jennifer Lawrence’s red carpet prep routine! Take a look at this article for more celebrity beauty secrets.

Step 6 – Body Makeup 

Think of body makeup as a real-life Instagram filter for your skin. If you want to even out your skin tone and hide any veins on your legs, I recommend the Sally Hanson Airbrush leg spray. Don’t let the old school packaging put you off: it’s lightweight, streak free and undetectable. Plus, it’s water resistant which is ideal if you’re going to be in and out of the pool or ocean all day. 

If you’re looking for something a little more glam, then I can’t recommend Rihanna’s Fenty Body Lava enough. It gives a luminous, glowy sheen to your skin and it lasts pretty well in water too, just be sure to let it absorb for a while first. 

Now that you’re swimsuit ready, you need some cute swimwear to match! Check out my guide to the best ethical swimwear brands to find your perfect fit.