by Victoria Hill

Created on: August 06, 2008

When daylight creeps into the evening, blurring the lines between day and night, gently warming the air and you smell the faint scent of freshly cut grass, you know it's here. Summer. With lazy days, long nights, vacations and pool parties Summer is a cherished time for many. But that also means shedding the security of Winter's more forgiving cable-knit tights, chunky sweaters and slacks, leaving you, and the un-moisturized, slightly fuzzy, pale legs you've been hiding, exposed. Not to mention the rest of your body left unguarded in sleeveless tops, open-toe shoes and - I cringe just saying this - swimsuits.

If you're like me, the emergence from winter's hiding always sneaks up on you, hairy ankles, "winter weight" and all. But with a few simple steps, you'll be welcoming the season. So get ready to start scrubbing, smoothing, buffing, tanning or at least faking your way into your best Summer.

1. Scrub it!

We all know Summer means showing a little more skin. Even the most modest of us will surrender in the face of soaring temperatures and 98 percent humidity. But wearing shorter skirts, shorts and dresses - sans tights of coarse- can be less intimidating when your skin is looking its best.

First exfoliation is key. It's time to shed the scales of winter's dry skin. Look for a skin scrub using naturally coarse ingredients that are effective yet gentle such as sugar, apricot kernels or coconut shells in a moisturizing base like cocoa butter or grape seed oil. Avoid scrubs containing salt as the jagged texture can irritate skin and cause tiny tears.

Exfoliating will remove the top layer of dead skin cells (a.k.a. those ashy bits resembling snake skin) allowing more moisture to be absorbed and giving you a smoother shave. Exfoliate no more than twice a week, cutting down to once a week if you notice irritation. NOTE: avoid exfoliating directly before or after a shave. Shaving opens pores making skin more sensitive at this time.

2. Smooth it!

Shaving. I'll be honest and say, I wish I had the nerve to publically allow for a bit more fuzz in those typically bare areas. But until I can embrace that Euro-chic or at least happy hippy aesthetic, I'll be hitting the shower armed with my Venus razor.

To get the closest, smoothest, longest-lasting shave, start with a smooth foundation - meaning free from dry skin. I recommend always using a moisturizing shaving cream, foam, gel or oil as opposed to soap which can be drying. In a pinch opt for hair conditioner. Smooth on a generous

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