It may be tempting to sit back and relax during summer break, "But once school starts, along with after school activities and study hours, you'll be kicking yourself for not having kept up your energy!" states Melissa DeLancey, trainer at Clay Fitness in Manhattan. Enlist your friends to go running, biking, or walking two to four times a week. "It's a great opportunity to socialize and get fit," notes DeLancey. If you're one with the water, then pump up your pool routine with leg kicks and crunches (lifting your knees to your chest while holding the wall), in sets of twenty. To keep up a routine during school, "try starting each day with light stretching and yoga. All you need is ten minutes to relieve muscle tension, and it'll wake you and your muscles up!"
Just as important as maintaining your fitness is taking care of your skin, which can easily be damaged in summer. "When skin is exposed to sunlight over time, the top layer thickens and darkens as a defense," says Clinique dermatologist David Orentreich M.D. "This means you're more likely to have deeper, clogged pores." Stave off these blemishes by regularly cleansing, exfoliating, and wearing sunscreen. "No matter your skin tone, you should be using an oil–free, high SPF lotion," advises Orenetreich. If you do get a bad burn, however, prevent patchwork skin color by calming skin with a soothing lotion, exfoliating to even out color, and keeping the compromised area out of the sun. "Once you've been burnt, that area is gong to absorb UV light more so than the lighter surrounding areas," adds Orentreich.
As if you need another reason to stay out of the sun: "Your hair will probably need a detoxification or deep conditioning treatment by the end of summer," notes Russo, owner. "Especially if you've been out in the sun a lot, or have a lot of chlorine build–up." Women who color their hair should be extra attentive: "They tend to get bleached out, so it might be a good idea to bring their color down a tone or two." Try trading your beach waves for a nice structured cut, which Russo says is a big trend for fall. "We're doing very strong cuts and shapes right now—bold bangs, center parts, even the pixie cut," he adds. "It's a great way to get rid of damaged hair." If you're not down for such a drastic chop, at least plan to trim off a few inches. After all, split ends are hardly the best accessory for a knock–out, first day of school outfit!
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