Everyone has heard the adage, “Your skin is your largest organ,” and it’s true. Your skin covers your body from head to toe. Most of us are good at caring for the skin on our hands and faces, but what about the arms, legs, and everything in between?
Building a good body skincare routine can reduce breakouts, combat issues like dryness, and make your skin feel smooth and soft all day. Here are our tips for creating an effective body skincare routine.
Cleanse
Cleansing is one of the foundations of healthy skin. It’s your opportunity to remove sweat, grime, and residue from daily activities like cooking, working out, or riding public transit. Choose a cleanser that doesn’t contain harsh ingredients or sulfates. They can be drying and leave your skin irritated or tight.
If you struggle with body breakouts, use an anti-acne cleanser with salicylic acid to remove clogged dirt and oil. If your skin is sensitive, steer clear of fragrances or artificial dyes.1
Exfoliate
You don’t need to exfoliate every day, but doing so two or three times a week helps slough off dry, dead skin cells so that the skin looks brighter.
You can choose a physical exfoliant like a sugar scrub and lather up with that. Chemical exfoliants, such as AHAs, are another option for revealing fresh, glowing skin.2
Moisturize
Once your skin is clean and scrubbed, it’s time to give it a good dose of healthy moisture. You can use a combination of lotions and body oils to lock in hydration and give your skin a dewy appearance.
Apply moisturizers right out of the shower while your skin is still damp to maximize the hydrating benefits. Look for moisturizers that include ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to strengthen your skin’s moisture barrier.3
Treat
After moisturizing your skin, you may want to target certain problem areas using special ingredients. You might consider using firming creams with ingredients like caffeine to reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Apply products with niacinamide and retinol for acne prevention and anti-aging effects. If you have some skin discoloration that you want to fade, use a glycolic acid serum or a brightening serum with Vitamin C.4
Apply Sunscreen
You don’t need to slather on SPF if you’re applying skincare products before bed, but sunscreen is a must if you’re going to be outside. UV rays increase your risk of skin cancer and accelerate signs of aging. Choose a broad-spectrum physical sunscreen with barriers like titanium and zinc oxide or chemical sunblocks with avobenzone and octocrylene. Creams, sprays, and pop-up sunscreen sticks are all great ways to apply sun protection.5
To learn more about creating the best body skincare routine, check out My Skincare Routine. You can find professional skincare tips, valuable product information, and more to help you find the right skincare routine for your body.
SOURCES:
- Marie Claire: “Your Body Deserves a Skincare Routine Too, You Know.”
- InStyle: “How to Curate a Body Skincare Routine, According to the Experts.”
- PureWow: “How to Create a Body Skincare Routine for Healthy Skin, According to Dermatologists.”
- InStyle: “How to Curate a Body Skincare Routine, According to the Experts.”
- New York Times: “Answers to All Your Burning Questions About Sunscreen.”