In the summer months, when we rock shorts and tank tops, we reveal more skin. The last things we need are rough winter dry patches or un-toned thighs making an appearance. The first day of summer is June 21st, so now is the perfect time to start your summer skin prep! With these products and devices, you’ll have glowing, smooth skin by the time you’re ready to wear your favorite sun dress.

How to Treat Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis Pilaris (or KP) appears on the skin as small white or red bumps, typically on the backs of arms and thighs. This condition is most common in children and young adults, but can also affect adults. It results from an actual buildup of old skin in the hair follicle, which blocks the hair follicle’s opening and causes a bump to develop. Keratosis Pilaris is easily treated, though it isn’t curable. By regularly exfoliating and moisturizing, you can ensure your skin is smooth and bump-free by summer. According to Board-Certified Dermatologist, Dr. Joel Schlessinger, CEO of LovelySkin.com, managing Keratosis Pilaris with some of our favorite products is simple.

“The good news is that Keratois Pilaris is one of the few things that actually improves with age! Most of my patients outgrow it by their late 20s. Keratosis Pilaris on the face and neck is particularly likely to disappear earlier on, sometimes before my patients reach their late teens.”

Glytone KP Kit: This renewing kit happens to be one of our top favorites for Keratosis Pilaris and minimizes the appearance of Keratosis Pilaris in two steps: a cleanser that gently exfoliates with 8.8% free glycolic acid and a lotion that smooths and evens out skin with 17.5% free glycolic acid. Plus, it comes with a shower pouf to aid exfoliation.

Obagi Medical KeraPhine Body Smoothing Lotion: A slightly less expensive alternative for KP is a one and done treatment, KeraPhine, which smooths rough patches and resurfaces skin with a soothing and hydrating lotion. It utilizes 15% glycolic acid and 5% ammonium lactate to target Keratosis Pilaris with exfoliation and glycerin to treat Keratosis Pilaris.

How to Exfoliate Your Skin

Exfoliating is easy to overlook, but it is an important step in achieving glowing skin. There are many types of exfoliators—those for body, face, feet and more, but everyone can easily add this step to their skin care routine! Exfoliating can be achieved with physical exfoliants like jojoba beads or sugar scrubs and chemical exfoliants like enzymes and acids. How often should you exfoliate? Determine the best regimen for you by consulting your dermatologist. Remove dry, dead cells and debris and brighten your glow with some of our favorite exfoliators.

Best Products for Cracked Heels

Biopelle Exfoliating Heel Cream: Don’t forget about your feet! Our feet tend to take a beating in the winter, as they hide away in socks and shoes. Addressing dry skin now will ensure your feet feel and look great in sandals by summer. This heavyweight cream uses 30% glycolic acid to resurface dry, dehydrated calluses and promote softer, smoother skin.

patchology PoshPeel Pedicure: Gently exfoliate rough skin on the heels with this peel that uses glycolic, salicylic, lactic and citric acids to gradually and effectively slough away dry, cracked skin. Nourishing botanical extracts brighten skin to leave feet feeling fresh and new just in time for sandal season.

Top Products to Exfoliate your Face

LovelySkin LUXE Exfoliating Gel Mild 11%: This unique gel exfoliator can be used nightly to remove dull, dead skin cells without the use of harsh exfoliators that may be abrasive to the delicate skin on your face. See a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and large pores with this amino acid gel that softens and smooths skin without leaving it feeling dry, tight or irritated.

Best Cellulite Treatments

What is cellulite? Cellulite is a fat deposit beneath the skin that results in a dimpled, uneven texture. Cellulite often occurs on the back of the arms, thighs and buttocks. While hitting up the gym and maintaining a healthy diet is the ultimate way to tone these stubborn areas, they sometimes need extra attention. Our favorite toning devices and products will help smooth uneven, dimpled skin.

PHYTOMER Celluli Night Coach Intensive Cellulite Sleeping Mask: This intensive cellulite treatment mask uses natural marine taurine, which is extracted from red algae, to energize and target cellulite overnight. Simply apply to targeted areas nightly to energize skin and encourage microcirculation and fat burning.

NuFace NuBody Skin Toning Device + NuFace Hydrating Leave-On Gel Primer: Tone, firm and smooth uneven skin with microcurrents that mimic the body’s natural current. This specially engineered device uses four spheres to target problem areas while the gel primer hydrates with hyaluronic acid to improve the results of your toning treatment.

The Best Sunless Tanning Lotions (That Don’t Look Orange)

No one wants to look orange when going for their summer glow. The ingredient that can cause sunless tanners to leave behind an orange cast is caused by DHA, or dihydroxyacetone. This ingredient works on the top layer of skin to increase melanin, and when used too frequently or on dry skin areas like elbows, knees, hands and feet, it can leave behind an orange cast. Some tips for achieving the perfect glow:

• Use a mitt. Using a mitt prevents the color from coming off on hands and helps smooth the lotion evenly over skin to ensure streak-free application.

• Gradual tanners, such as lotions, work best for those with very fair skin.

• To receive immediate results, use a spray or towelette.

• Moisturize skin prone to dryness such as hands, feet, elbows and knees before applying your self tanning lotion.

• Don’t overuse your self tanner. Wait a few days to a week between applications to ensure that you don’t build up too much DHA in the top layer of skin.

“I recommend these self tanners to my patients because they won’t stain the skin an unnatural orange color. They stay on and don’t transfer to clothes, so you can feel safe using them,” Says Dr. Schlessinger, Board-Certified Dermatologist and CEO of LovelySkin.com.

jane iredale Tantasia Self Tanner and Bronzer: Gradually add color to face and body with this streak- and stain-free self tanning lotion. Also scented with natural fruit extracts, this moisturizing lotion delivers subtle, customizable color.

Elemis Total Glow Bronzing Body Lotion: Achieve color with a lotion that works with your natural melanin to provide a sun-kissed glow. Vegetan™, which is derived from wheat, helps build color while green tea, red algae and Abyssinian and elderberry oils nourish, condition and provide antioxidant protection.

Our Choices for Best Sunscreen

Sun protection should always be an important part of your routine. Your skin can be exposed to harmful UV rays even when you are inside, so forming the habit of putting on sunscreen every day will give you a leg up on preventative care. Choose the sunscreen that is right for you based on a recommendation from your dermatologist and your skin type. Our favorite sunscreens will ensure you maintain youthful looking skin by protecting it from the dangers of UV rays.

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 Sunscreen: Protect skin against UVA/UVB rays with this universal sunscreen that also happens to be Dr. Schlessinger’s favorite and what he personally uses. In addition to offering broad spectrum protection, this sunscreen also moisturizes with hyaluronic acid, protects with antioxidants, and promotes clear skin with niacinamide.

Bonus: This acne-friendly sunscreen comes in tinted and untinted versions, making it appropriate for all skin types and tones.

EltaMD UV Sport Water-Resistant Broad-Spectrum SPF 50: Ideal for achieving sun protection while swimming, hiking, or spending time outside, this broad spectrum, oil-free sunscreen defends against UV and free radical damage. Formulated to resist water and sweat, this long-wear sunscreen is perfect for those that want to spend time in the sun without compromising their skin’s health.

Want to get more spring to summer skin tips? Check out more on our blog!