image © Rex Features
Shaping up for summer is about more than hitting the gym. Before you expose your body to the sun, and the rest of the world, give it a health workout.
We reveal how to deal with any problems that have been out of sight and out of mind before the hot weather began to make sure you look your best.
Follow our top-to-toe shape up, and you can enjoy whatever the British summer brings with total confidence:
The eyes have it
Sparkling eyes are very attractive but according to Kevin Lewis, former president of the College of Optometrists, they can be the first thing to suffer as the weather heats up.
"Hay fever can make eyes tired and red. So if you're suffering, go to the pharmacy and get over-the-counter drops to help you out. If you're on any other medication, make sure you ask the advice of the pharmacist.
"Many people also find that excess light makes their eyes water and itch. If you are 'photo sensitive' then make sure you get good protection from sunglasses.
"Look out for spectacles that have a complete UV block. Often cheaper frames don't have any block at all, which means your pupils will open up under the lens and let in ultraviolet rays, doing them more harm than good.
"Sunglasses are very important because the sun's rays can do long term damage to the eyes, causing everything from burnt eyelids to small tumours.
"Dry eyes are another problem in hotter weather conditions. If you're suffering, get artificial tears from the pharmacist to keep them from drying out."
But even if you want bright eyes immediately, Kevin says stay clear of eye whiteners.
"They contain a chemical which constricts blood vessels and can hide problems in the eye. Also, you can get rebound redness when you stop using them."
For more information visit www.college-optometrists.org
Get under your skin
Is your skin ready to be revealed to the world?
Nina Goad of the British Association of Dermatologists explains that a few simple additions to your routine could iron out many summer skin problems.
"If you suffer from dry skin and want to get it silky smooth in time for summer, the key is to moisturise often - not just once a day," she advises.
"Steer well clear of harsh cleansing products containing alcohol which can strip the skin of its natural oils. Use a mild, hydrating cleanser instead.
"If your skin reacts to different products by stinging, burning, becoming blotchy or developing a rash, try swapping to ones labelled as suitable for sensitive skin, or labelled 'hypoallergenic'.
"Lanolin and fragrance are sometimes responsible for irritation, so try ruling these ingredients out and see if your skin improves," she continues.
"If your reactions persist, a dermatologist can perform a patch test that will show you which ingredients are suitable for your skin and which are best avoided.
"Swapping your regular products for a pH-balanced, soap free cleanser followed by a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturiser will help to protect the barrier function of your skin.
"Oily and acne prone skin benefits from oil-free, non comedogenic products, which means they won't block pores. If you suffer from spots, look out for products containing salicylic or azelaic acid, or benzoyl peroxide, which can help stop the blocked pores that lead to spots. These are available in products available from the chemist.
"Many people find tea tree oil helpful in combating problem skin. If this doesn't work after a couple of months, talk to your GP who can prescribe treatments or may refer you to a dermatologist.
"Lastly. It's natural to want smooth skin in time for swimsuit season, but be careful. Exfoliation can actually damage the skin by removing its protective layer, so be gentle, and only exfoliate once a week," she adds.
For more information visit British Association of Dermatologists www.bad.org.uk.
image © Rex Features
Tummy troubles
There's nothing worse than a pot belly when summer comes around (along with its clinging and revealing fashions). But before you start daily stomach crunches, take note that your round tummy could be a health issue which is easy to solve.
"Although every person is different, there are some basic ideas to control bloating that are easy to follow," says nutritionist Dr Carrie Ruxton.
"Many people suffer from constipation and bloating because they're not getting exercise and not eating enough fibre. The gut needs fibre to keep it working efficiently. And exercise literally encourages food to move around the system.
"Keeping the lower part of the body mobile, makes the food move down! But be careful how you introduce fibre into your diet. Do it gradually so your body can get used to it and doesn't bloat," she says.
Over the last few years pro-biotic yogurts, containing "friendly bacteria" thought to encourage a healthy gut, have become very popular. But Carrie believes that maintaining a varied diet is probably the most effective way to get a flat, healthy stomach.
"Friendly bacteria can be helped by gradually increasing your intake of fruit and vegetables and then keeping the levels high. With summer approaching, we've got a fantastic range of seasonal produce here in Britain, including terrific berries. Go to www.iminseason.com, a site run by farmers with recipes and health tips."
Another source of a round tummy could be a high salt diet. "Lots of salt can lead to water retention and bloating," Carrie explains. "Constipation can also be caused by dehydration. So drink lots of water."
Swapping to wholegrain can also help, adds Carrie, by upping your fibre intake - but ignore anyone who tells your that white or refined grains can over-stimulate the body's insulin and make you store tummy fat.
"You get fat if you eat too many calories and don't exercise enough. Simple as that," she says.
Lovely legs
Varicose veins are depressing at best, and completely confidence shattering at worst. But luckily getting them removed is no longer the long and painful process it once was.
According to Cosmetic Doctor Dr Robin Stones, member of the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors, you can be back at work the next day.
"In the old days, before the advent of special scanning, the surgery was hit and miss. Now, new techniques means we can investigate the problem more thoroughly and perform less invasive surgery. Treatments range from injections to outpatient procedures under local anaesthetic such as foam sclerotherapy and endo-venous laser treatment.
"Often the patient will walk out the same day in compression stockings. In more extreme cases you may end up having the veins stripped out - but the recovery time is still only a week."
Unfortunately there is no way to stop varicose veins from developing.
"They're largely genetic," says Robin. "They run in families. An elasticated stocking will relieve symptoms such as aching, itching and swelling, but not get rid of them or stop them getting worse."
For more information please see the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors, at www.cosmeticdoctors.co.uk
Put your best foot forward
Getting your feet out after the winter can be an unpleasant experience. But it's not always just a case of bunging on another coat of varnish.
According to podiatrist Mike O'Neill from the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, you need to check for signs of ill health.
"If you've left nail varnish on then toxins from the varnish may have penetrated into nail, and made them look brown. You can get rid of it with a pumice stone scrub which will take off the top layers of nail.
"You could also use an electric file. Or if it's really bad, head to your nearest chiropodist or podiatrist."
Mike explains that if you still have a brown toe after all that, or stripes going up and down the nail, the nail might be infected.
Products such as Pure Nail are useful in combating minor problems but if the nail is completely damaged, he advises seeking professional help.
Finally: he advises people to look between their toes for evidence of athlete's foot. "If you've got areas of red cracked skin, products such as Lamisol cream and Daktarin Gold will help to clear it up."
For more information please visit www.feetforlife.org
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