1. Exfoliate your body from shoulders to heels to remove dry, dead skin cells and give your skin a soft, smooth glow. While the bathtub is filling with warm (not hot) water, rub your body with oil to seal the dry, scaly patches. Submerge yourself in the water, put a mild-textured exfoliant (baking soda) on a clean wash cloth, and lightly rub it all over in a circular motion (do your face separately). Rinse under a warm shower, pat yourself dry, and liberally apply moisturizer, which will be absorbed more deeply into this new layer of skin.
2. Brighten and tighten your complexion with a facial mask. You
will feel rejuvenated as you peel off the mask and remove dead
skin cells with it. Plus, once your mask is applied it provides
a perfect opportunity to relax for 15 minutes while it seals
your skin in its protective shield.
3. Protect your hands from the elements when cleaning and
weeding. Your skin can quickly become cracked and rough by
exposure to harsh cleansers and garden soil, so wear gloves
every time. For added protection, keep some moisturizer where
you store your gloves so you can apply it before putting them
on. 4. Block the harmful rays of the sun whenever you go out by wearing sunscreen. Replace old products past their expiration dates and any that were exposed to high temperatures at the beach or pool last summer, or left in a hot car.
5. Condition your hair to prepare for the humidity of summer that replaces the dryness of winter. Those weekly deep-conditioning treatments may only be needed twice a month now. And if your hair starts to feel limp or oily, a lighter conditioner may be all you need after regular shampooing.6. Highlight your hair professionally for a fresh new look without making a dramatic color change. Highlights can also give you a jump start on the natural lightening provided by the sun and be used to make a gradual shift towards a lighter shade.
7. Style your hair for the change of season so it gets a break from the old routine. If you've been blowing out your look, try one that can be towel-dried. If you've been holding your hair back in a ponytail, get a cut that keeps it out of your face. And if you've been wearing it straight, maybe it's time to make some waves.