Expert Tips for Looking Fabulous Naked This Beach Season
Summer brings a unique kind of pressure. As temperatures rise, the annual wave of “get beach-ready!” messaging follows, often disguising quick fixes, tough resets, and last-minute changes.
However, three experts dedicated to helping individuals look and feel their best assert that achieving a summer body is less about crash diets and intense workouts, and more about consistency, confidence, and caring for oneself from within.
Double board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman, NBC nutrition expert Joy Bauer, and celebrity fitness trainer Isaac Boots emphasize that the goal isn’t perfection, but rather arriving at the sunny season feeling energized, strong, and at ease in your skin.
Below, they share strategies for preparation—from effective skincare and anti-bloating nutrition tips to workouts that truly matter, and crucial reminders that your body doesn’t need fixing.
Rethink ‘Beach-Ready’
All three experts urge a fresh perspective on the concept. “I always say, ‘Your body is already beach-ready if you have a body and a beach towel!’” says nutritionist Bauer to Us. “The healthier goal is to feel energized, confident, and comfortable in your skin, allowing you to savor moments at the beach and pool.”
This shift in mindset is significant, especially in a society obsessed with aesthetic results.
Boots, creator of the renowned TORCH’D workouts that have shaped many Hollywood stars, shares a similar openness. “I don’t subscribe to the idea of being beach-body-ready,” he states. “Having grown up in Hawaii, my understanding was simply being in a bathing suit on the beach.”
Upon moving to NYC, he observed the immense pressure people feel to “look right” for summer. His advice? Prioritize how your body feels over appearance. “I focus on encouraging my clients to check in with how their bodies feel. This shifts the focus from pressure and into the moment,” he remarks.
Dr. Engelman aligns with this perspective from a skincare angle. “For me, ‘beach-ready skin’ is about healthy, balanced skin that can withstand summer elements like UV rays, salt, and heat,” she explains. “It’s not about perfection, but rather about nurturing our skin. Healthy skin radiates beauty.”
Avoid Last-Minute Panic Plans
If there’s one behavior all three experts agree people should abandon, it’s the last-minute attempt to transform their bodies right before a vacation.
Boots highlights the pitfalls of an all-or-nothing mindset with fitness. “Endeavoring through crash diets and intense workouts when you haven’t been consistent year-round can become problematic,” he notes. “You must accept your current state and make safe, achievable decisions.”
In skincare, going to extremes can also backfire. “The biggest issue I observe is people overcorrecting their skin before summer by piling on too many treatments or active ingredients,” Dr. Engelman mentions. “Patients often ramp up exfoliation and retinoids too quickly, which can compromise the skin barrier and cause hyperpigmentation, irritation, and UV damage.” The lesson? Slow and steady prevails.
Feasible Goals in Two Weeks
While a dramatic makeover in 14 days is unlikely, feeling significantly better is entirely possible. “You can feel leaner, less bloated, more energetic, and more comfortable in your clothing within a week or so,” Bauer asserts. Her realistic advice includes: hydrate, focus on protein, reduce sugar and refined carbs, move regularly, and prioritize quality sleep.
Boots agrees that noticeable improvements can materialize quickly with consistency. “Women may feel results promptly but typically see visible changes in 10 to 14 days.” The secret? Daily commitment instead of sporadic intense efforts. “Often, people abandon routines due to their daunting nature,” he explains. “Committing to something once a day fosters a healthy habit.”
This emphasis on consistency over perfection is reflected in celebrity practices. Kristin Cavallari works out with a trainer weekly and lifts weights, claiming, “It’s transformed my body.” Jennifer Lopez chimed in on Instagram: “The goal is straightforward. Better than yesterday. Every. Single. Day.”
Combat Bloating
Let’s address the common concern before donning a swimsuit: bloating.
Bauer points out that recognizing the causes is half the solution. “Actual bloating can stem from various sources: constipation, excessive sodium, hormonal changes, gulping air while eating too quickly, dehydration, hefty portions, certain sugar alcohols, and sometimes underlying gastrointestinal issues or food intolerances.”
A prevalent myth? Assuming all “healthy” foods are easily digestible. “Some nutritious options, like beans, cruciferous veggies, or protein bars that include sugar alcohols, might cause bloating in sensitive individuals.”
For quick relief, Bauer suggests potassium-rich, hydrating foods such as cucumbers, watermelons, berries, oranges, and asparagus. “Asparagus is particularly beneficial as it acts like nature’s drain cleaner, helping the body expel excess fluid.”
Hydration is vital too. “I advise people to view water as their body’s natural cleansing cycle.” If carbonated drinks make an appearance, enjoy them cautiously and in moderation. “For those who are sensitive, carbonation can trap gas in the digestive track, leading to uncomfortable bloating.”
Exercise Intelligently
If your summer fitness plan still revolves around tiring cardio routines, Boots would like to have a chat. “There are numerous fitness philosophies, but my approach emphasizes showing up and moving daily.” His unique TORCH’D method revolves around continuous movement. “The essence lies in the flow. Keep active with minimal breaks. Throughout TORCH’D, you’re engaging all your muscles while consistently activating your core and glutes.”
Short on time? No worries! “If you can squeeze in a comprehensive workout in just 20 minutes, that’s the best possible use of your time. Just ensure minimal breaks during those 20 minutes.”
To maximize impact for swimsuit season, Boots suggests exercises that work multiple muscle groups simultaneously. His go-to? Variations of the side plank. “Side planks are exceptional for engaging your core deeply while also promoting shoulder stability across your arms.”
And for a quick mood lift? “Start each morning with some form of movement. Just play your favorite song and dance around your room. It benefits both the body and the spirit.”
Skin Preparation Starts Now
Desiring radiant summer skin? Dr. Engelman suggests starting your prep four to six weeks ahead of your vacation. “This period allows sufficient time for skin cell turnover and gradual inclusion of products like retinoids or exfoliants without inciting irritation.”
Her focus areas include barrier support, hydration, and ample SPF—across the board! “Daily sun protection is essential for the entire body, especially on areas like the chest, shoulders, and hands.” If you’re applying body oils for a vacation sheen, remember: “Sunscreen should always precede body oils or shimmer products.” For rough patches, ingredients like lactic acid, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid are beneficial.
For body blemishes, a benzoyl peroxide wash can be effective. “The quickest remedy for body breakouts before a beach trip is utilizing targeted, short-contact actives that reduce bacteria and unclog pores without harming the barrier.” Concerning dimpled skin? “Cellulite is inherently structural, so our goal is to manage its appearance rather than eradicate it.” Temporary smoothing solutions include caffeine-infused products, lymphatic massage, and carefully chosen light-reflecting body oils.
Confidence: The Essential Summer Ingredient
Ultimately, all the hydration tips, workouts, and skincare routines mean very little without confidence. “Absolutely,” Boots affirms when asked if confidence holds equal weight to physical results. “Your posture and presence in whatever you wear leave a lasting impression.”
Bauer concurs. “One burger, margarita, or slice of pie won’t ruin your health.” Summer should be savored, not micro-managed. “A healthy mindset involves appreciating life while avoiding an all-or-nothing approach to meals.”
As Dr. Engelman reminds us, the real priorities are healthy skin, healthy habits, and realistic expectations. So if you’re still wondering whether you’re beach-ready, the answer is: Yes, you are. Now grab that towel and your sunscreen!
