Get your skin summer-ready

Longer, sunnier days and rising temperatures... Short hemlines and bronzed limbs are beckoning! But you need to prepare your skin for summer if you're going to show off a gorgeous, golden glow.

As soon as the mercury rises, we need dig out day creams that contain an SPF. Don't wait for a blazing hot day or seaside getaway - 5 to 10% of UV rays penetrate cloud cover! So as soon as spring has sprung, religiously protect your skin. Even if you're just planning an al-fresco lunch, keep a travel size sunscreen in your bag to apply at the first hint of sunshine.  Day creams that contain an SPF form a protective barrier that helps to: - stop UV rays from attacking cells in the dermis, - prevent sunburn, - slow down skin ageing, the sun being culprit No.1 - avoid the appearance of sun-induced age spots, - reduce the risk of getting skin cancer.

For a quick, effective cleanse, start with a scrub. Exfoliate regularly - one to three times a week depending on your skin type. This will remove dead skin cells, grime and traces of pollution. Our skin has a hard time renewing itself during winter, so scrubbing gets rid of toxins that have built up during colder months. Apply a scrub to clean, damp skin to wake up your epidermis, boost your circulation and kick-start cell renewal.

The secret weapon? A BB cream to give you a subtle, summery shimmer. BB creams differ from foundations in that they provide light coverage without caking it on. BB creams have numerous skin-friendly benefits - they moisturise, smooth, correct and protect us from UV rays. BB sunscreens usually contain an SPF of between 20 and 50. They're easy to apply and instantly leave our skin radiant and smooth. A one way ticket to dewy skin as soon as the sun appears.