Your Body Deserves a Skincare Routine Too

Your Body Deserves a Skincare Routine Too

in Try It Tuesday

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For the longest time, I did not think of my body care like my skincare routine, but in reality they are so similar.

I had a carefully curated routine for my face (cleansers, exfoliants, moisturizers, SPF) but when it came to the rest of my skin? It was basically whatever body wash happened to be in the shower and a lotion I remembered to use every now and then.

But the truth is, your body skin deserves the same attention.

The good news? It doesn't have to be complicated.

When people ask me where to start with body care, I tell them there are really two steps that matter most: exfoliation and a thick moisturizer.

Let's start with exfoliation.

Just like the skin on your face, your body accumulates dead skin cells. If those cells aren't removed regularly, your moisturizers and hydrating products can't penetrate as effectively. Think of exfoliation as clearing the path so the good stuff can actually get where it needs to go.

There are a couple of easy ways to do it. You can use a physical exfoliant in the shower, or you can repurpose the exfoliating toner pads you already use on your face and swipe them over areas like your arms, legs, or chest. It's one of my favorite low-effort skincare hacks.

Now for the most important step: moisturizing.

And not just a quick pump of lotion that disappears in two seconds.

One of the concepts I talk about all the time in dermatology is something called the "soak and schmear" method. It's a technique borrowed from eczema care, and honestly, it's one of the best body skincare tricks out there.

The idea is simple: apply a thick, emollient moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp after bathing. That moisture gets trapped beneath the moisturizer, helping your skin stay hydrated for much longer.

If you've ever felt like lotion "doesn't work" for you, it may not be the product—sometimes it's the timing.

You can absolutely add extra steps if you enjoy them.

A hydrating body serum can be a nice addition, and body oils can make your skin feel incredibly soft. But if you're using an oil, remember that it should always be your final step. Oils help lock moisture in, but they don't replace moisturizer.

And while luxurious body washes aren't necessarily a skincare requirement, I fully support having products in your shower that make you excited to take care of yourself. Sometimes an elevated shower experience is self-care in its own right.

The two steps you HAVE to include...

At the end of the day, body care doesn't need to be overwhelming. If you focus on consistent exfoliation and a thick moisturizer applied using the soak and schmear method, you're already doing the two things that make the biggest difference.

Skincare doesn't have to be perfect to be effective.

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