The sunny days ahead are calling for beach trips and basking in the warm sun. As people eagerly wait to flaunt stylish swimwear and splash in the water, laying the groundwork for smooth, healthy, and glowing skin is essential. Prepping your skin for its summer debut does not have to be an overwhelming process; with proper care and steps, you can confidently show off your radiant beach-ready body. Explore some essential tips to prepare your skin for the upcoming beach season.

Start your skin prep by exfoliating regularly to slough off dead skin cells and give way to smoother skin. Exfoliation also helps prevent ingrown hairs, a common side effect of hair removal methods such as waxing or shaving. Choose a gentle body scrub to use 2-3 times a week, focusing on the areas with rough, dry skin, such as elbows, knees, and heels. Mix equal parts sugar and coconut oil for a natural homemade scrub and massage it onto your damp body in circular motions. This easy-to-make scrub is a great way to give you the healthy, soft skin you want before hitting the beach. After exfoliation, rinse off with cold water to lock in moisture and maintain smooth skin. You can also try adding a few drops of essential oil, such as lavender or peppermint oil, to boost your skin.

If you suffer from areas you'd prefer not to show off on the beach, some treatments can help reduce their appearance. Here are some tips:

Facial and body acne can be extremely bothersome and take away the confidence you need for walking onto the beach. To tackle these skin issues, use a salicylic acid cleanser or benzoyl peroxide cream to reduce inflammation and clear breakouts.

Changing up your diet and exercising can help reduce cellulite in the long run, however this is something that women of all sizes tend to have so weight loss isn't always the solution. Because of this, many people also opt for an Endermologie cellulite reduction treatment, a non-invasive fat reduction technique using massage and suction.

Stretch marks usually occur because of rapid weight loss or pregnancy. Even though they can't be permanently removed, certain ingredients like cocoa butter, jojoba oil, or shea butter help reduce their appearance.

Dark spots caused by sun exposure, aging, or acne are common skin concerns. Use products with ingredients like vitamin C and retinol to reduce the appearance of dark spots for summer-ready glowing skin. You can also try an IPL treatment to reduce dark spots caused by sun damage.

Choose your preferred hair removal method - waxing, epilating, or shaving. Whichever way you decide, follow the product instructions and take the necessary precautions, such as exfoliating beforehand, to prevent any redness or inflammation. Remember, waxing or epilating usually lasts longer than shaving, but the results depend on your preference and tolerances.

Dry skin is a common issue during summer, primarily due to increased exposure to sun and saltwater. Be diligent about moisturizing your entire body after showering, using a rich body lotion or cream designed for your specific skin type. Moisturizing after showering helps lock in hydration and keep your skin soft and supple. Pay extra attention to the areas that tend to get drier, such as the arms, legs, and feet.

Never underestimate the power of sunscreen! Shield your skin from the sun's damaging UVA and UVB rays by selecting a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF rating of at least 30. Cover all exposed skin, from your face and ears to your neck and chest, with sunscreen at least 15 minutes before you step out of the house. Don't forget to reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming, sweating, or toweling off. If you're not a fan of sunscreen lotions, try using lightweight sun sticks or sprays for a more comfortable application.