Beach Holiday Prep : Glowing Skin Guide for your vacation

A beach holiday can bring with it a host of beauty dilemmas, what with the preparations from the sandals you'll wear, to the last-minute glow. If you're one of those who aren't always groomed perfectly every stage of the year and you need a head start before hitting the beach, you're in the right place. We've put together a plan to get your skin beach-ready, and have you feeling confident in no time.

1. Tone up

Everyone around you may look beach-ready, yet you're stuck trying to fix the areas that show in a bikini. You can save more time by choosing workout moves that target your tummy or abs, and bottom in one, or opt for a fat burner technique to tone up fast.

Try some hip thrusts and squats that target the glutes, engage the core, and a lot of muscle groups all in one exercise. If you have one form or another of cellulite, and if this makes you feel self-conscious, why not try an at-home cellulite busting product? It helps reduce the fat cells under your skin, while tightening it, and boosting its tone and health. A well toned body won't only fit you in a sexy beachwear but will add to your swag as you hit the sands.

2. Scrub up

Before hitting the beach, buff away all dull skin cells for an even tan. Exfoliation stimulates blood flow and flushes out toxins while reducing the appearance of cellulite,  texture, and health of your skin.

It also allows for more penetration into the skin, for body creams to work better.

3. Epilate

An epilator is an electrical device that uses clever technology to mechanically remove hair (like waxing) without removing cells from your epidermis.

It helps you perfect your pins before hitting the beach, for more confidence. Before removing any skin hairs, exfoliate, and then apply moisturizer to lock in hydration.

4. Glow up

If you're not the tanning type, you need not worry. Just exfoliate, splash your skin with cold water, then after at least an hour, apply two generous coats of self-tanning mousse and an applicator mitt. Avoid alcoholic drinks as they make the tan fade much faster, and leave your skin dehydrated.

You can top up on your vitamins and other nutritious foods, but if you're impatient, a smoothie will do.

5. Cleanse

Just before you get on your flight, prep your skin with a thorough cleanse.

Your skin's pores tend to get clogged up especially when you wear heavy makeup before a flight. Cleanse before leaving your house, and dab some tinted moisturizer for coverage; this also allows your skin to breathe and be hydrated.

6. Hydrate

For best results, try products with hyaluronic acid while on your flight as they have molecules that bind to water, thus moisture is locked in your skin.

You can reapply every three hours, but be sure to travel with eye masks too. Avoid using a spritz as spraying water dries out your skin even more.

7. Wax

This is perhaps the most painful and least glamorous part of prepping your skin for a beach holiday. Do it at least three days before you head out, especially if you have other beautifying plans. If you intend to do a spray tan, save it for later. At least 24 hours after waxing is ideal to get a tan, as the pores on your skin will still be open. However, if you don't intend to get a tan, save the waxing for a date closer to the day you're leaving. You don't want to get on a plane feeling uncomfortable and looking all red.

8. Moisturize

Sunlight, humidity, and the restrictive space on the plane can leave your skin dehydrated. Give your skin a head start before going on holiday by moisturizing as early as possible, for a better glow.

Remember to drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated. Moisturizing is also a great way of prolonging your tan, so slap on some moisturizer while you're away on holiday. Choose the moisturizer that suits your skin type.

9. Pedicure

One of the main parts of your body that will feature most at the beach is your feet. This is the time they need some TLC, so be sure to moisturize daily to improve the condition of the skin on your feet, including cracks, blisters, calluses, and broken skin.

Try popping your feet into exfoliating socks that encourage skin renewal. You can also use an electronic foot file or pumice stone to remove dead skin, and then apply an intensive foot cream while focusing on your toes and heels. What to watch out for as you prepare your skin for a beach holiday?

• Dry skin: exfoliate daily as dead skin cells clog pores, leading to breakouts, while making your skin complexion dull.

• Cellulite: to make cellulite lumps look less noticeable, massage cellulite cream into the skin.

• Breakouts: use acne-fighting products with glycolic acid as they're much better at preventing new breakouts.

• Dark spots: apply vitamin C topically as it is a powerful antioxidant that is effective in fading unsightly spots. Follow it with sunscreen to protect your skin and repair any damage.

• Redness: use products with soothing ingredients like green tea extract, essential fatty acids, and hyaluronic acid.

• Scars: protect these with sunscreen as exposure to the sun can darken them permanently. Certain foods can help scars and acne so include them in your diet.

• Stretch marks: these can be hidden with a good self-tan, or applying a bronzer with a cotton swab on light marks, and then blending with your skin.

• Dull skin: use a hydrating body oil after sunscreen to make your skin glow.

• Bumps: these are caused by clogged pores in the hair follicles that manifest as tiny bumps on your skin's surface. Reduce them with a regimen of gentle chemical exfoliation and moisturization.

• Spider veins: a waterproof concealer can help minimize the appearance of varicose veins.

Instead of playing the waiting game, use the steps above to start prepping your skin for your beach holiday, before you even think of packing your luggage. Get your glow from the minute you board your flight, to the moment you land on the beach.