Think Below the Neck: Create a Skincare Routine for Your Body

One of the biggest skincare routine mistakes we make is stopping what we are doing at the neck. We get it, your face is front and center, but skincare is a must for your body too. Just like you use a cleanser, exfoliator, and moisturizer for your face, you should also adopt a similar skincare routine for your body. And no, we’re not talking about washing with some soap and then slathering on the lotion. Read on for the four steps that will leave your entire body looking just as great as your face––and be sure to talk to your clients about these important steps too. 

1. Wash

Just like the skincare routine for your face, this is where you should start your body care. Consider products with all-natural ingredients that promote total skin health. Pine, eucalyptus, and kukui oil nourish your skin––just think of them as plant power for your shower. Look for a product that is low-foaming and cleanses and exfoliates at the same time to keep skin smooth. A little energizing pine scent doesn’t hurt either, especially in the morning. Here’s a pro tip: apply the body wash to a loofah mitt, gloves or a washcloth, add water and then cleanse the body briskly to exfoliate, stimulate circulation and condition the skin. Be sure to focus on your elbows, knees, and heels, which are more likely to have rough patches that need extra exfoliation. 

 

2. Moisturize in Two Steps

You probably are already applying lotion after your shower, but to really keep your skin hydrated and glowing, try this two-step process. 

• Step 1: Using a hydrating body serum, apply after a bath or shower while the skin is still damp. A body serum increases the effectiveness of any lotion; improving the skin’s overall health and appearance while replenishing dehydrated skin and locking in moisture.
• Step 2: Once the skin is dry, add an ultra-rich body lotion that will moisturize and prevent dryness and dehydration, includes antioxidants to protect and nurture skin health, and softens, smooths, and conditions the skin.

 

3. Apply Sunscreen

Just like we preach it for your face, wearing sunscreen on your body every day is a MUST. You know those sunspots on your chest and shoulders? Well if Dermatologists with the Skin Cancer Foundation estimate that 90 percent of visible aging comes not from the number of candles on your birthday cake, but the hours you've spent in the sun. Wearing sunscreen daily saves your skin from years of visible damage later.