Taking care of your body’s skin isn’t just about slathering it with lotion once in a while. Just like your face, your body deserves a regular skincare routine. Whether it’s for your arms, legs, or even your bum, keeping your skin nourished and glowing requires the right steps and products. Let’s break it down into simple, affordable tips for glowing, healthy skin.
1. Gently Cleanse
We often overlook the ingredients in body washes. Harsh soaps, perfumes, and dyes are all too common and can strip the skin of its natural moisture. Opt for body washes with gentler cleansers like sodium lauroyl isethionate. Dermatologist Debra Jaliman, MD, recommends looking for moisturizing ingredients such as shea butter, ceramides, and plant oils like avocado and olive. These ingredients are just as essential in your body wash as they are in your face moisturizer. Dr. Jaliman recommends Shea Moisture’s Olive & Green Tea Body Wash for a soothing cleanse. If you’re battling body acne, choose a body wash with salicylic acid, tea tree oil, or benzoyl peroxide, such as Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash.
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2. Exfoliate
Exfoliation isn’t just for your face—it’s crucial for your body too. Skip harsh scrubs and opt for products with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). These exfoliate the skin, improve texture, and help clear pores. Dr. Yemi Sokumbi, a board-certified dermatologist, suggests using a product with salicylic acid, like Paula’s Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA. For a spa-like experience, try a Korean scrub mitt or dry brushing. Don’t forget, if you’re heading outside, always apply sunscreen to avoid sun damage.
3. Shaving
Shaving can be irritating, but proper prep can make a difference. Exfoliating before shaving lifts the hairs out of the follicles, reducing the chance of ingrown hairs. Dr. Jaliman advises hydrating and softening the hairs by soaking in warm water before using a multi-blade razor and shaving gel. Follow up with a moisturizer to keep your skin smooth and soft.
4. Treat
Just like your face, your body can benefit from antioxidants and retinoids. These ingredients help combat the effects of pollution and sun exposure. Antioxidants like vitamin C brighten skin and reduce hyperpigmentation. For a body serum rich in antioxidants, try One Love Organics’ Antioxidant Body Serum, which contains sea buckthorn oil. For retinol, look for products like Paula’s Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment. Retinol speeds up skin renewal, promotes collagen production, and can even make cellulite less noticeable.
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5. Moisturize
Moisturizing after a shower helps lock in hydration, leaving your skin soft and smooth. While your face might require lighter products, your body can handle richer oils, like coconut or almond oil, without the fear of clogged pores. For a non-greasy yet highly effective body cream, Dr. Sokumbi recommends CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, which contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides to seal in moisture.
