During the winter months our skin is kept snug under lots of layers. It has very little exposure to the air – apart from when we hop in and out of the shower – and therefore becomes incredibly dry, boasting scales that a snake would be proud of. That's why you need to do a full body MOT in order to ensure that your flesh looks and feels fabulous if you're planning some frolicking in the sunshine.

When it comes to achieving sensational skin, rule number one is to body brush on a daily basis. Gently brush your skin all over and you'll see a really noticeable difference in its condition. Other great pluses about body brushing are that it helps to boost cell circulation and to keep the dreaded cellulite at bay. Invest in a brush with firm but not too harsh bristles. Those by Elemis (£16, 020 8954 8033) and Boots Botanics (£6, 0845 070 8090) are very good.

Next you need to treat your body to a thoroughly good exfoliation so you can sweep away all those nasty dead skin cells. Always try to go for a product that contains as many natural ingredients as possible, as your skin absorbs whatever is put on it, so avoid anything containing petrochemicals or preservatives. My favourite exfoliater is Elemis' Aromapure Devils Mint Body Scrub (£19.50). Boasting the principal ingredients of peppermint and seaweed, it smells super-fresh and leaves the skin thoroughly cleansed and polished. Spa Therapy's Marine Body Scrub (£11, 0870 111 8123), which contains natural marine nutrients, organic plant extracts and essential oils, is also very effective. The Body Shop's Brazil Nut Scrub (£10, 01903 731 500) is a good cheaper alternative for those saving their pennies.

While you're having a good old scrub, don't forget to do your tootsies! After all, if you're going to be slipping them into a pair of sexy sandals, they have to look their best – corny toes and chipped nail polish will not do! File off any hard skin using a foot file, then place feet in a bowl of warm water with a few drops of Fresh's divine Rice Foot Soak (£30, 08708 377377), which contains the stimulating ingredients of Siberian fir, grapefruit and mandarin orange. Dry and slather them in a special foot moisturiser such as Lotil's Cooling Peppermint Foot Cream (from £3.15, 01235 830 550).

After you've shed all your layers of flaky skin, you need to lock all the lost moisture back in again. To do this effectively, use a really rich, nourishing cream such as Clarins' Moisture-Rich Body Lotion (£23.50, 0800 036 3558) or Dermalogica's Ultra Rich Body Cream (£30.70, 0800 591 818). Palmer's Cocoa Butter in solid form (£3.39, 020 7498 6641) is also super and smells gorgeous.

If you're hell-bent on achieving a sensational, slender-looking silhouette and can't bear the thought of the gym, invest in a firming cream, as it will help to tighten skin on problem areas such as thighs or upper arms. Massage in some of Boots' excellent Body Science Contour Firming Gel (£7.95) to help sculpt and improve the skin tone or, alternatively, try Lancôme's Body Sculptesse (£29.50) or Vaseline's Firming and Nourishing Body Lotion (£3.99, 0800 591 720). Do this on a daily basis and you should see improved results after just a few weeks.

Now that you're all prepped and preened, let's hope the sun shines so you can flaunt your fabulous skin for all to see!