THE JOURNAL

Illustration by Mr Xavier Truant
We’ve always been rather sceptical of anyone urging us to get “summer ready”. Not only does it have a shame-y tone to it, but the idea of trying to achieve a “hot beach bod” in two weeks doesn’t seem wise. That said, with the good weather creeping in, the calendar filling up and some lovely shorts trickling onto MR PORTER, we do relate to the urge to shrug off the sluggishness of the past few months and, yes, maybe even hit the gym more often. The goal, we’ve determined, is not to self-flagellate in pursuit of perfect abs (seriously, please do not do this), but simply take the very best care of ourselves so that we can enjoy all that summer has to offer.
If you’re on the same page, then you’ll be pleased to know that we’ve tapped a few of London’s most well-informed skincare, fitness and wellness experts. And we’ve asked them how best to level up our self-care routines this season in a way that’s healthy, sustainable – and actually doable. Below, we’ve gathered their tips for feeling your most perky and radiant just in time for the solstice and turned them into a handy six-week guide.
Try these
Week 01.
Start on your skin
The best way to make a noticeable difference to how look and feel this summer? Follow the advice of Dr Stefanie Williams of Eudelo Skin Clinic and invest in your skin – specifically the epidermis. “The dermis, where the collagen lives, has a turnover of three months, so it’s unrealistic that you could see more firmness,” she says. “On the other hand, the upper layer renews every four to six weeks.”
Her recommendation is a hardworking peel, such as Eudelo’s MelaOut, which will target pigmentation and is safe and effective for all skin tones. Meanwhile those with lighter and more mature skin could benefit from an IPL or ablative laser. Dr Jenny Doyle of The Clinic Holland Park is a fan of BBL laser and Halo. “And get it done asap,” Doyle says. “You want to plan a period of downtime and also have it done as far away from sunny periods as possible.”
Treatments aside, there’s also plenty you can achieve with high-quality skincare at home. But note: if you’re a rookie, don’t start on retinols and high-strength vitamin Cs right now, Williams says. Instead, look out for polyhydroxy acids. “You get a nice brightening of the skin, a reduction of dullness and refining of the surface, without going through that flaky stage.”
Williams also recommends introducing three supplements to your daily routine: “a liposomal glutathione to support brightening, an oral antioxidant to help with evening out and a hyaluronic acid for internal hydration.”
Week 02.
Overhaul your health
Fallen off your fitness journey since January? Master trainer Dr Lucie Cowan of luxury London fitness club Third Space suggests implementing a varied, well-structured workout plan that combines strength training, cardio and mobility. And, as long as you’re consistent, “you can expect to see changes in muscle definition, fat loss, and overall body composition,” she says.
If you really need a kick up the bum, schedule yourself in for a course of Hiit classes. “I’d say ideally three a week – or just try to mimic our structure of interval-based cardio and strength training,” says Barry’s UK cofounder Mr Sandy Macaskill. “And the best thing about exercise is you can feel results immediately, if you flip the switch from looking just for physical change and start prioritising mental rewards.”
If you do want those physical results, though, you’ll may need to make some tweaks to your lifestyle, too. As Macaskill sums up: “If you’re currently sinking a few pints every evening after work, then you can make some noticeable differences in just by changing that.”
Avoid cutting calories, Cowan says, and instead focus on eating nutrient-dense foods and upping your protein intake – especially at breakfast. And if there’s one resolution she recommends adding to your pre-summer to-do list, make it getting a good night’s sleep.
Try these
Week 03.
Retexturise your complexion
Perhaps you’re the sort of guy who’s been diligent with your skincare and is simply looking to maximise your results. If that’s the case, then Moxi laser is your best bet (and it’s safe for all skin tones). Doyle is the first to sing its praises. “It’s a very gentle non-ablative fractional laser, it’s low downtime and within five days your skin looks radiant,” she says. Expect a noticeable improvement in evenness after one session – although if you can squeeze in a couple before summer, then it’s certainly worth the course.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for all-round improvements in texture and tone, consider a round of microneedling, which uses a sterilised tool with dozens of microscopic needles to create tiny wounds, which then heal to reveal fresh skin. Do it around now, Doyle says, and you’ll see peak results just in time for summer.
Week 04.
Boost radiance
Depending on how comfortable you are with needles, week four would be the best time to supercharge your complexion with skin boosters. Dr Marco Nicoloso of London- and Dubai-based superclinic Ouronyx recommends Profhilo, which uses hyaluronic acid molecules deeply hydrate of the tissue and give you that juicy, just-stepped-off-a-yacht skin. Meanwhile, Doyle is a fan of polynucleotide treatment Ameela, which stimulates the muscle cells and is brilliant for helping reduce stubborn under-eye bags.
Likewise, mesotherapy, which involves a series of micro-injections of vitamins, antioxidants and lots of other good stuff into the epidermis, will soup up your skin faster than any serum. Dr Ivy Igerc of 111 Harley St suggests booking yourself in for a couple courses, spaced two weeks apart, for a guaranteed A-list-actor glow.
Week 05.
Up the ante
Most personal trainers will hammer home the importance of “progressive overload”. Which is to say, if you’ve got a firm handle on your workout routine by week five, then it’s time to up the ante. “Increase the intensity of your strength training workouts by either increasing the weight lifted, the number of sets and reps or reducing rest time,” Cowan says. “Continue with the same workout split as the earlier weeks, but aim to push yourself a bit harder.”
For Macaskill, this means increasing the number of weekly Hiit classes. “If I’m talking to a Barry’s client, I’d be suggesting five sessions a week,” he says. “Depending on the goal, that would involve three regular classes of weights and cardio and two spent doing weights only, or the reverse. I’m a big believer in keeping the body guessing to avoid plateauing, but within very careful parameters.”
And don’t leave your warm-weather wardrobe to the last minute. “This summer, consider investing in essentials you may have overlooked,” says Mr Farid Hounkponou, Personal Shopper at MR PORTER. “Key pieces to consider include a camp-collar shirt – not just any, but one displaying some handcrafting such as woodblock print, hand dyes or embroidered details (see Kardo, Kartik Research and Dries Van Noten).
“Next, get some lightweight trousers, preferably in linen – think Loro Piana, James Perse or Incotex. And for accessories, consider coloured sunglasses from Jacques Marie Mage or LOEWE to add flair to your look. Most importantly, ensure you maintain a rotation of shades to keep your style fresh.”
Week 06.
Refine your results
Time to treat yourself to a facial – although not exactly the calming kind. High-performance treatments to look out for include the HydraFacial, which deep cleans and hydrates the skin, or a gentle acid peel to brighten. Clearlift, a lunchtime-friendly laser, will also help target pigmentation and texture while boosting collagen in the dermis long term. “It’s especially great to do right before the start of summer as you achieve instantaneous results,” says senior aesthetician Ms Rachael Myers of 111 Harley St.
As for those Gruffalo feet you’ve been neglecting? Turn them in for a medical pedicure and you’ll quickly wonder how you ever lived without. Those in the know hit up footcare genius Mr Bastien Gonzalez who has clinics at Mandarin Orientals around the world, and whose unique technique involves no soaking, no vigorous filing and the most intricate scalpel work. Keep it up at home with scrubs and lotions and you’ll have toes worthy of Brunello Cucinelli calf-leather sandals in no time.