Regarding skincare routines, people tend to think of their own faces. What about the rest of the body? Our skin is the largest organ and covers everything from the scalp to the tips of our toes. It’s easy to forget about our bodies, but a proper body care routine is as important as taking care of your face. Here are six steps to help you build a routine that works for you.
decontamination
Just like you wash your face, cleaning your body with the right products is essential. Cleansing may seem like a no-no-no, but fruity, floral, or dessert-scented body washes can do more harm than good. Perfumes, dyes, and harsh ingredients can irritate the skin. Instead, look for a body wash that contains ceramides to cleanse your skin. Ceramides are lipids that makeup 50% of our skin. They also act like glue to hold our skin cells together, strengthening the skin barrier. Ceramides seal moisture in the skin and lock in impurities. If you have acne, look for a body wash that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Choosing a gentle cleanser with no frills may seem tedious. Still, it cleans your body without irritating or drying it out. Using warm water instead of hot water will keep you hydrated and your skin looking smooth, youthful, and healthy!
Flake spalling
Our skin is constantly shedding old skin cells, but some can stay on the surface longer. Proper exfoliation is one of the critical steps to soft, glowing skin. When exfoliating, it’s essential to keep a few things in mind. The first thing is don’t over-exfoliate! The skin on the body is firmer than the skin on the face, so it will withstand physical exfoliation, such as a scrub. However, limit exfoliation to once or twice a week. Gently massage the scrub into the skin, then slowly work it into thicker areas of the skin, such as knees, elbows, and feet. You can also opt for chemical exfoliators, such as lotions that contain alpha-hydroxy acid (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acid (BHAs). These acids dissolve dead skin cells. They can also help regulate sebum production, which also helps prevent body acne.
shave
Let’s face it – shaving is exhausting, so you shouldn’t shave when you’re in a hurry! This is where nasty nicks, cuts, and irritation can happen. To ensure a smooth shave, you need to prepare your skin. When showering, save your shave for last or second-to-last. Getting your skin to spend more time in the shower will help soften the skin and hair follicles. This will make the skin shave smoother. Remember to use shaving or shaving cream and a razor with multiple blades. Most importantly, don’t rush!
heal
Just as you use serums, topical medications, or toners on your face, you can also use this step to treat skin problems. First, consult your dermatologist for the best treatment for your skin problem. Creams, lotions, or gels containing vitamin C or retinol can be used in this step.
moisten
After a shower or bath, moisturize your skin while it’s still wet to lock in moisture. Be sure to apply lotion or cream from your neck to your feet. Just like with face cleansers, avoiding lotions or creams that smell strong is best. Make sure your body moisturizer contains ceramide and hyaluronic acid to help absorb and seal in the surrounding moisture. You’ll also find that these moisturizers will make your skin softer, more hydrated, and last longer than scented body creams. Again, it may make the sensory experience less pleasant, but it’s perfect for your skin.
