Dark and glowy, or a lighter shade of summer pale? Regardless of skin tone, a scrub and a sauna will make your complexion thank you. It is summer, and you can’t wait for that magic, extra-glowy version of yourself to enter. But sometimes sun, salt and late night umbrella drinks take their toll and leave you with skin that is more dull than glowy, and more greyish than golden.

Fortunately, there are a few simple remedies that will instantly kick your complexion back to where you want it to be. Here are 4 steps to follow, for healthy and glowing summer skin.

#1 Use sunscreen. It’s a no-brainer, really. The rays of the sun are lovely, but not to be trusted. Make sure always to use sunscreen, and to wear protective clothing during those hours of the day when the sun is extra strong. You’re looking for tanned. Not fried.

#2 Moisturise. This one is a must. Chlorine, salt, sun and wind all cooperate to dehydrate your skin, leaving it itchy, uneven and more prone to flaking. So make sure you use that moisturiser several times a day, preferably after…

#3 Use peeling. And scrubbing. And why not a round of traditional sauna Vihta wipping! Nothing induces glow and raises blood circulation like whipping the skin gently with fresh birch leaves. No idea what we’re talking about? Read more about this ancient Finnish sauna custom here. Which leads us to the last tip:

#4 Sauna! Through the heavy sweating, your skin gets a deep cleanse, and the outer layers of your complexion are softened and easily scrubbed off. Revealed is that fresh summer glow. And when you’re done with your sauna session, and your scrubbing, you just start over from #1, and moisturise again!

Not in the mood for exposing yourself to the harmful rays of the sun? And perhaps you prefer lounging in the shade? We totally get that, and no tan at all is just as excellent in the summer as it is in the winter. And if you don’t feel like choosing – there’s always bronzing cream.

Wishing you a wonderful sauna summer!