Many of us limit our skincare routine to the face because it’s what everyone sees. But everything below the chin deserves care and attention, too. A full-body skincare routine might seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. All it takes is a few additional steps to enjoy smooth and healthy skin everywhere.
If you don’t know how to start, here’s a guide to help you build a skincare routine for your whole body. Everyone’s skin is different, so find what works for you. It will also help to keep your routine simple, so it’s easier to turn it into a habit.
Master the Basics
The foundation of any good full-body skincare routine is cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting. These basic steps can go a long way in your skin’s health. Here’s how you can do them:
Cleansing
If there’s one rule you should keep in mind, it’s to stay away from products with sulfate. Check your soaps and body washes for this ingredient, which is also sometimes indicated as laureth sulfate or sodium lauryl. It’s too harsh for the skin, stripping away its natural oils and damaging its protective barrier. You’ll find it best to stick to mild, sulfate-free products for your body.
Moisturizing
It doesn’t matter what season it is. Everyone should moisturize, whether it’s hot or cold. The best way to keep your skin hydrated is to use body moisturizers with glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or ceramides. You can find these ingredients in various products, from lightweight gels to heavier creams and body butter. Once you get out of the shower, slather your chosen product all over your body while your skin is still damp. You can reapply as needed throughout the day.
Protecting
We all know never to leave the house without slathering our faces with sunscreen. But we shouldn’t forget the other body parts that see the sun, too. They’re just as susceptible to skin cancer and premature aging when exposed to harmful UV rays. You don’t have to worry about the heavy, sticky feeling that some sunscreens leave. You can find many lightweight formulas on the market that meet the SPF 30 minimum coverage.
Incorporate Active Ingredients
The basics are enough to keep your skin happy and healthy, but you can go further to address specific skin issues. When you introduce active ingredients into your full-body skincare routine, you can target imperfections and insecurities, helping you get a confidence boost.
For example, retinol helps with cell turnover and can decrease the appearance of hyperpigmentation. On the other hand, AHAs and BHAs are great for smoothing out blemishes and making the skin glow. If you have dry skin and need intense hydration, you can count on hyaluronic acid to keep you moisturized.
Exfoliate Gently
The last step to a holistic full-body skincare routine is exfoliating. You can do this step a couple of times a week using a chemical exfoliator. They’re more gentle than their physical counterparts but are effective in sloughing off dead skin cells, unclogging pores, and removing bumps. Choose chemical exfoliators with ingredients like salicylic and glycolic acid. If you prefer scrubs, choose one with gentler ingredients, like bamboo powder or jojoba beads.
The Bottom Line
Building a full-body skincare routine is a personal experience. It’s best to consult with your dermatologist, who can evaluate your skin’s specific needs. For more information, contact Complete Family Dermatology at (402) 423-1111.
