When we think of skincare, it’s generally our face we think of first. We’re on the look-out for products that can help make it smoother, softer, and more radiant. But that’s such a small area of what is the biggest organ of your body – your skin, right? It’s time to head south – the skin on your body needs your love and attention too!
Imagine what it will be like to have smooth, soft, glowing skin, from head-to-toe, along with any voluptuous curves and dimples. You could fall in love with your own body, seriously. It also might give you that confidence boost you need, no matter what you’re wearing – or not wearing.
Here’s how to show your body the TLC it deserves, and in the process, start loving the skin you’re in, a little more every day.
There’s no need to go hard. Your skin only has so many dead cells, so over-exfoliation isn’t beneficial and can cause irritation
Step 1: Exfoliation
Polish your way to smoother skin
The first step towards your best skin is exfoliation. Body scrubs and exfoliants will remove the build-up of dead skin cells that can make it look dull, and feel dry, even flaky. Not only that, if the surface dryness isn’t buffed away, it will form a barrier and reduce the absorption of the body products you use. The good news is once you shed those dead cells, your skin will be left feeling softer and smoother.
Your two main options are chemical exfoliants, such as AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) or BHAs (beta hydroxy acids), which gently loosen and release dead skin cells. The other option is a physical exfoliant, such as a body scrub, which will mechanically buff away surface dryness. For the best results always follow the product’s directions for use.
101 of body scrubs
A good body scrub will have smooth granules, rather than jagged or irregular ones. The later might feel like it’s doing a super job, but it will cause micro tears in your skin. Not ideal. Look for a scrub with natural ingredients such as sugar or salt that dissolve for a gentle, but effective exfoliation. Scrubs with added oils (think coconut oil or jojoba) will not only slough away dead skin, but also leave your body moisturised and glowing.
Apply to wet skin and gently massage the scrub over your body using circular motions with your hands. Rinse off under the shower.
How often should you exfoliate?
About 1-2 times a week is enough, and always keep your pressure light. There’s no need to go hard. Your skin only has so many dead cells, so over-exfoliation isn’t beneficial and can cause irritation. If you notice redness or sensitivity, lighten your pressure going forward and give your skin a couple of week to recover.
Try
- Jurlique Smoothing Body Exfoliating Gel, $50.
- Paula’s Choice Skin Revealing Body Lotion 10 AHA, $49.
Step 2: Hydrate
Nourish and nurture your skin
After exfoliation the next step is hydration. A nourishing body cream, lotion or oil will not only hydrate your skin, but also help to lock in moisture, and keep your skin soft and supple.
Body creams vs. body oils
Body creams and lotions are great for everyday use. In summer you might prefer a lighter lotion, and in winter revert to a cream. Look for ingredients such as Shea butter, coconut oil, glycerine, ceramides, or hyaluronic acid, which help to deeply hydrate and maintain your skin’s moisture barrier.
Try
- Ipsum SPA Body Balm Vetiver Citrus, $86.
- Mukti Botanique Body Lotion, $62.
Body oils are perfect for when you want that extra-dewy glow. They’re best applied to damp skin after a shower or bath. Natural body oils such as argon oil, jojoba, or rosehip oil are rich in fatty acids and vitamins that not only hydrate, but also nourish your skin. If your skin is feeling super dry, layer a body oil over a cream – your skin will love it.
Try
- Lux Aestiva Botanical Skin Oil, $28.95.
- Weleda Evening Primrose Age Revitalising Body Oil, $30.95.
Applying sunscreen should be part of your daily routine, even on cloudy days. Your future self will thank you for those wrinkle-free, sunspot-free arms and legs.
Step 3: Sunscreen
Don’t leave home without it
You’ve probably heard it a million times, but it’s worth repeating, you need to wear sunscreen every day. Not just on your face, but on your body too. Sunscreen will help protect your skin from harmful UV rays that can cause premature aging, sun damage, and even skin cancer. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that will protect against both UVA and UVB rays and aim for an SPF of at least 30. Applying sunscreen should be part of your daily routine, even on cloudy days. Your future self will thank you for those wrinkle-free, sunspot-free arms and legs.
Step 4: Diet
Beauty starts from within
Beautiful, radiant skin isn’t just about what you put on the outside, it’s also about how you nourish your body from the inside. Your diet plays a major role in the health and wellbeing of your skin, so eat well and love the skin you’re in.
- Hydration is a no-brainer, and drinking plenty of water is key. Aim for 8 glasses a day to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
- Good fats are in foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as avocados, salmon, and chia seeds. They’ll help to keep your skin plump and moisturised.
- Antioxidants from fruits and vegetables such as berries, spinach, and broccoli will help to protect your skin from environmental damage and keep it looking youthful.
- Vitamins such as Vitamins A, C, and E are skin superheroes. Vitamin C, in particular, helps boost collagen production, which keeps your skin firm. Get your daily dose through foods such as oranges, kiwi, and capsicums.
You can have sun-kissed looking skin while avoiding the risks of sun damage. Self-tanners and bronzers are your best bet.
Step 5: Self-tanners and bronzers
Glow from head-to-toe
You can enjoy sun-kissed looking skin while avoiding the risks of sun damage. Self-tanners and bronzers are your best bet. They can both give your skin the appearance of a healthy glow without stepping foot into the sun.
Self-Tanners will give you colour that will last for a few days, and you can make it as subtle or as dark as you like. The key to an even self-tan is to exfoliate first, especially areas that tend to be drier such as your knees, elbows and feet. Applying the self-tanner on smooth, freshly exfoliated skin helps to avoid any streaking or patchiness. Follow the products instructions, and don’t forget to moisturise daily to prolong your tan. Also, remember it’ll take a few hours for the tan to develop.
Bronzers give an instant glow. They’re temporary, wash-off products that can be applied to your legs, arms, back, décolletage or anywhere you want a touch of warmth. They’re perfect for when you want to enhance your skin while wearing a sleeveless dress or for those occasions when you want to look like you just got back from a tropical vacation, without committing to a long-lasting self-tan.
When you treat your body kindly, you’ll start to see and feel a glow radiating from the inside out.
Step 6: Celebrate you
Taking care of your skin is more than just a beauty routine, it’s an act of self-love. By exfoliating, moisturising, and protecting your skin, you’re not only keeping it smooth, firm, and glowing, but you’re also nurturing a deeper connection with your body. So, the next time you’re pampering yourself with a body scrub or smoothing on that gorgeous body oil, take a moment to appreciate all that your body does for you. Every curve, every stretch mark, every part of your body, deserves love and care. When you treat it kindly, you’ll start to see and feel a glow radiating from the inside out.
Glowing skin is achievable for everyone, regardless of age. Whether you’re working on a new skin care routine, adopting healthier eating habits, or simply taking a moment to enjoy your skin, remember that the goal is to feel good and start loving the skin you’re in.
Love You. Love Life.
