Better skin in 4 weeks! If your skin appears smooth, hydrated and radiant, you'll look even better in a swimsuit, guaranteed - Essential Guide to Summer

Shape, May, 2003 by Jenna McCarthy

Summer is on the way and that can mean only one thing: skimpy clothes and lots of them. As welcome as the sleeveless season is, unveiling a body that's been swaddled in sweats for several long months can be a scary proposition. Unless you live in the tropics, even the most toned among us is apt to uncover lackluster skin when summer comes. To the rescue: this simple four-week plan designed to get you glowing just in time for your bikini debut.

week 1

Start now to diminish the look of cellulite by summer.

While trying to get rid of cellulite may seem discouraging know this: You can reduce the dimpled appearance by bikini time. The first, most obvious strategy is to continue to exercise and eat right. "The most significant change I've seen in cellulite comes from diet and exercise," explains Debra Jaliman, M.D., spokesperson for the American Academy of Dermatology and a clinical instructor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. "As you build muscle, it really improves the look and contour of your lower body." (Check out Shape's own anti-cellulite diet and exercise plan at Shape.com.) In addition, consider using a cellulite cream; now is the right time to start.

Unlike some of the underwhelming anti-cellulite products you may have tried in the past, formulas that contain retinols can help tighten the skin and minimize the orange-peel look. "The theory behind retinols in anti-cellulite treatment is sound," says Steven Grekin, D.O., clinical professor of dermatology at Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery in Iowa. "We know retinols stimulate collagen production, and cellulite is a result of collagen and elastin that have broken down. If anything is going to work, it's this." The products that have improved the look of our legs (yes, we get cellulite too!) are Roc Retinol Actif Pur Anti-Cellulite Treatment ($19) and Neutrogena Anti-Cellulite Treatment ($20), both at drugstores.

Creams with caffeine also may help tighten skin temporarily, while added moisturizers and botanicals help hydrate and smooth it. The newest products offer a unique twist: special fragrances and cooling gel formulations that leave you feeling refreshed and energized. Look for Shiseido Body Creator aromatic gel ($50; at department stores) with spice and citrus notes and Biotherm Celluli-Choc ($45; biotherm.com) with an orange-citrus scent and subtle shimmer.

week 2

Prevent and treat pimples on the chest, back and butt.

Put aside the soap or body wash you've been using in favor of cleansing with pore-clearing glycolic- or salicylic-based products. We like Clean & Clear Clear Skin Body Wash ($5) and Phisoderm Clear Confidence Body Wash ($6), both with salicylic acid and available at drugstores, and Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Acid 3% Shower and Body Cleansing Gel ($18; peterthomasroth.com). Then spot-treat any pimples with products containing the same ingredients. Best bets: Glyderm Accustick ($40; 800-321-4576) and Clinique Acne Solutions Body Treatment Spray ($18.50; clinique.com). If your body acne seems resistant to treatment, book an appointment with your dermatologist for cortisone injections, which can reduce swelling and inflammation of the offending blemishes within 24 hours. (They cost about $125 per visit; to find a board-certified doctor in your area who administers them, contact the American Academy of Dermatology at add.org.)

week 3

Get rid of the layers of dull winter skin.

Every time you bathe or shower, exfoliate with a loofah or gentle scrub (use a salicylic-acid-based one if you're acne-prone; see Week 2). Best bets include Complexions Rx Body Exfoliating Scrub ($12; complexionsrx.com) and Fresh Rice Shower Scrub ($45; fresh.com). Follow with an emollient moisturizer, such as Nivea Body Extra Enriched Lotion ($7; at drugstores) or Bare Escentuals Perfect Black Dress Body Hugging Moisture ($18; 800-227-3990). Apply to damp skin, then pat off any excess with a towel. "It's easy to forget to moisturize," Grekin says, "but the more hydrated skin is, the less flaking you'll have."

week 4

Give yourself a healthy sun-kissed glow.

One of the best ways to give skin a flawless finish (including camouflaging cellulite) is with a self-tanner. (Self-tanning creams cause a protein reaction in the skin that dyes only surface cells.) Removing dead, dry layers by exfoliating daily, as above, before you start tanning will ensure even, lasting results. But first, you have to find the faux-glow formula that's right for your skin. If you're fair, stick to lighter shades, while darker skin looks natural with deeper bronzes (most labels will explain which skin type benefits most from which product). Begin by applying a small amount of tanner every other day, so you can see and correct mistakes in between. To help avoid streaking, moisturize with a light layer of body lotion and wait for skin to dry completely before using a tanner.

And for notorious trouble spots like ankles, wrists, hands and knees, a dab of moisturizer rubbed in on top of the tanner will help color blend better. Try June Jacobs Radiant Glow Self Tanning Lotion ($32; junejacobs.com), L'Oreal Ombrelle Sunless Spray SPF 12 ($9; at drugstores) or Bibo Life's a Beach Sunless Tanner ($19; bibo cosmetics.com).