Smooth your skin

Why? "Exfoliation helps prevent blockages and breakouts, promotes even skin tone and keeps your body soft, hydrated and protected from the environment," says Emma Hobson, education manager for The International Dermal Institute.

How-to: You should exfoliate your body two to three times per week. There is no one best method, but, for a quick option, try mixing your exfoliant with a body wash.

Selecting a product: Physical exfoliants, like scrubs and roll-off peels, use friction to remove dead skin cells. However, if you have body acne, "avoid a physical exfoliant as it can spread the infection," advises Hobson. Look for chemical exfoliants, which contain alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids, that break down skin cells instead.

Try: Origins The Way of the Bath Matcha Tea Body Scrub, $85.

Fight cellulite

Why? Crumpet thighs are less than appealing in a swimsuit, but don't worry, you're not alone - irrespective of weight or dress size, seven out of 10 women have cellulite. "It is encouraged by genetic factors, weak circulation, stress, and an overall lack of fitness," explains Dr Schulz. "Impaired lymphatic drainage caused by too little exercise or hydration, changes to the hormonal system, and rising oestrogen levels also play a part."

How-to: Cellulite is difficult to get rid of, but you can take steps to treat the problem. Drinking lots of water, eating well, exercising, and daily massages with anti-cellulite products or firming body oils will help flush out toxins. Daily dry body brushing is also believed to stimulate a sluggish lymphatic system.

Selecting a treatment: Popular salon treatments generally involve up to 12 visits over a one-month period. The affected area is deeply massaged through targeted suctioning, which increases blood and lymphatic flows, to flush out toxins and fluid retention. Try Hypoxi Body Shaping, from $540 for 12 sessions, and C8 Endermologie, from $120 per session.

Selecting a product: Manicare Cellulite Bristle Brush (2), $12.99; Biotherm Celluli-Patch Night (3), $85 for six; Sisley Celluli-Pro Anti-Cellulite Body Care (4), $220; In Essence Body Firming Solution (5), $39.95; Dove Firming Intensive Cellulite Gel Cream, $10.99; The Body Shop Body Focus Cellulite Massager, $13.95.

Boost hydration

Why? Dry skin is desperate for moisture, especially in the hotter months. "By moisturising regularly, you help stabilise your body's moisture barrier, which prevents the skin from drying out," explains Dr Jens Schulz, head of product development for NIVEA body.

How-to: Moisturise from top to toe every day after showering. Pay particular and more frequent attention to dry areas like your elbows, knees and feet.

Selecting a product: Dr Schulz recommends looking for options that match your skin type as well as ones containing ingredients that protect and offer long-lasting hydration, such as vitamin E, shea butter, ginkgo extract and almond oil.

Try: Crabtree & Evelyn La Source Moisturising Body Glow (6), $26.95; NIVEA body Radiant Care Soft Shimmering Body Lotion (7), $6.50.