This July 4th, consider expanding your concept of what independence means. Civil liberties, democracy and the ever-resounding “no taxation without representation” are all wonderful freedoms to champion, but on a slightly less weighty note, where are you in your struggle for the freedom to live without unpleasant beauty issues?

If there’s a thing or two you’d love to change about your appearance, consider this Independence Day your official call to action against unsightly blemishes of all varieties. Here’s a comprehensive list of the top beauty bummers that plague women in the summer, as well as a few things you can do about them.

Spider veins: Varicose veins may be something you’re confronted with all year round, but at no other time do they become more oppressive than when you’re out on the beach in your skivvies. If you’re determined to restore your legs to their former glory in time to hit the waves, realize that the main cause of these uglies probably has something to do with your genes (sorry Mom). What you can do is exercise often and eat well, which generally helps to promote healthy circulation. Elevating your legs for extended periods of time may also help in the prevention category. If you’re already afflicted with spider veins, however, you can try products before resigning yourself to laser surgery. Phytomer Beautiful Legs Blemish Eraser Cream enlists the aid of pearly particles to minimize the appearance of red and blue veins.

Cellulite: Together with its cousin Varicose, Cellulite is an oft-unwanted guest at the party. Before you go reaching for your dreaded beach cover-up, keep in mind that you’re hardly alone. Cellulite often has little to do with how in shape you are, and it afflicts even the thinnest of women. Beyond this, there are very few proven ways to get rid of cellulite for good, although diet and exercise are known to help reduce the appearance of dimples. If you’re looking for a quick fix before you hit the pool, try a product such as DS Laboratories Oligo.DX Cellulite Reducing Gel. The active ingredient targets the subcutaneous layer to visibly reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Oily skin and acne. Yes, with the balmy weather comes a bit of extra shine you didn’t bargain for. Fortunately, this is pretty easy to control. A mattifying serum is great for use under your makeup if your skin is seriously oily. In all other cases, a bit of primer topped with translucent powder should do the trick. Just be careful that you’re not using any makeup products that may clog your pores, as oily skin often comes with an additional unwanted consequence. If you’re prone to acne in the summertime, wash your skin and body with a face or body wash containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. If you keep up with your exercise routine and avoid processed sugar, flour and other fatty foods, you may also see a marked reduction in breakouts.

Lackluster skin and hair. Even if you have no time to keep up with your tanning routine (hopefully from the bottle, at that), there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to sport a healthy glow, especially in the summer. Check in with your health routine (diet and exercise – do we sound like a broken record yet?) and evaluate your skincare products. It’s generally a good idea to exfoliate once or twice a week (any more will likely lead to sensitivity), and make sure you’re moisturizing every day (even if it seems like you’re sweating bricks). Beyond this, a highlighting cream for your face can help add a bit of luminescence where you’re lacking it, and a high-moisture hair mask used weekly can help make your locks glisten.