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Skin boosters

While a fashionable suntan is always a welcome summertime accessory, it will soon take its toll on your skin if not treated properly. In Shanghai, humidity is a burden shared by all, and as the mercury rises and the smog thickens, it is imperative that you stick to a strict skincare regime.

Follow our guide to maintain the perfect complexion.

Drink plenty of water

Six to eight glasses a day is what experts recommend. If you're out in the sun all day, aim for even more. Your skin needs regular hydration to improve its appearance and functionality.

Sunscreen is a must

Invest in a wide-brimmed floppy hat and always wear sunscreen under the sun. Also, be sure to reapply regularly, said Tracy Jiang, senior therapist at Banyan Tree Spa Shanghai, a luxury spa treatment resort.

"An easy way of calculating how long your sun cream will last is to multiply the SPF factor by 10," said Jiang. "For example, if you're using SPF 15, you will be protected for 150 minutes."

The fairer your complexion, the higher the SPF should be. But if you do happen to get sunburnt, be sure to "apply an ice cold towel to the affected area, which will immediately soothe the skin". After that, apply generous dabs of aloe vera gel, she added.

Avoid Smoking

Cigarette smoke and tar deprive the skin of vital nutrients and oxygen, leaving it looking dull and lustreless. Smoking also weakens the collagen and elastin fibers, causing signs of premature aging.

Invest in a good moisturizer

To avoid overly parched skin, use a high quality moisturizer when you wake up in the morning and before bedtime. Opt for moisturizers that contain anti-oxidants as they help to prevent skin damage.

Developed by cosmetic practitioners, the MTX technique de soin product line is formulated with a specific patent-pending complex called AIM (Active Ingredients Matrix) which improves the skin's elasticity, firmness and moisture content as well delaying signs of aging.

We recommend their Oxygenating Face Serum (680 yuan/30 ml, available in Sephora stores, www.sephora.cn). It's a light moisturizer that works for all skin types and helps to detoxify skin and reduce redness.

Get a weekly facial

According to Jiang, skin cells reproduce at a faster rate during the summer.

"Dead skin cells come to the surface of the skin more often," she said. "Try to have a facial around once a week, including a gentle scrub and a moisturizing mask to revitalize the skin."

She said Banyan Tree Spa's Water Facial is the ideal summer treatment (680 yuan plus, to make a reservation call 6335-1888). The melon and aloe scrub gently cleanses and exfoliates while the honey and cucumber mask cools and hydrates the skin, restoring moisture and balance.

If you can't manage a weekly visit to the spa, a do-it-yourself facial is the next best thing. Jiang recommended mixing plain yoghurt with a small amount of ground pearl powder. After a deep cleansing, apply the mask mixture evenly to the face and leave it on for 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and moisturize.

2009-08-23