From serums and toners to masks and moisturizers, we give our face the royal treatment. But what about the other ~95% of our skin? Just like the skin on your face, your body's skin has unique needs that change with the seasons, age, and environment. Creating a full body skincare routine helps with hydration, smoother texture, and protects from sun damage, and premature aging.
Why You Need a Full Body Skincare Routine
Creating a full body skincare routine nurtures healthy skin and helps maintain a vibrant, youthful glow.
Helps Prevent Skin Dryness & Irritation All Over Your Body
Dry and itchy skin is a common occurrence, especially during colder months. Hot showers, harsh soaps, and environmental factors can strip the skin of its natural oils, leaving it feeling tight, flaky, and uncomfortable. If you only hydrate your face, areas like elbows, knees, shins, and feet can become rough or uncomfortable. Using lotions, oils, or creams daily not only keeps your skin comfortable, but also strengthens its protective barrier.
Promotes an Even Skin Tone & Texture
Do you deal with rough patches on your elbows, keratosis pilaris ("chicken skin") on your arms, or body acne on your back and chest? A consistent body care routine can help. Exfoliating regularly removes the buildup of dead skin cells that can cause dullness and clogged pores. This process smooths texture and can help fade dark spots or hyperpigmentation over time, revealing brighter, more even-toned skin.
Aging Doesn’t Stop at the Face
Many people focus on anti-aging face products for the face while forgetting that signs of aging like fine lines, sun spots, and loss of elasticity also show up on the neck, chest, hands, and arms. Adding full body treatments into your routine helps maintain healthy-looking skin everywhere.
Your Skin Protects Your Whole Body
The skin covering your body works just as hard as the skin on your face. It shields you from pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and environmental damage. The skin on your neck, chest (décolletage), and hands are often one of the first places to show these signs of aging because they’re frequently exposed and some of the most delicate parts of your skin. Applying sunscreen to all exposed areas and using skin firming creams can help maintain skin elasticity and prevent premature aging. Also with a full body skincare routine it’s important to exfoliate and moisturize to keep your skin barrier healthy because a weakened skin barrier can become more prone to irritation and damage.
How To Create a Full Body Skincare Routine
Building a body skincare routine doesn't need to be complicated or time-consuming. You can achieve healthy, radiant skin with just three core steps.
Step 1. Cleanse Skin
The foundation for a good skincare routine starts with cleansing, however, many traditional bar soaps and body washes are packed with harsh sulfates that strip away moisture and leave skin feeling dry.
Tips for skin cleansing
- Choose a Hydrating Cleanser⎯Look for a cleanser that is sulfate-free and contains moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, or natural oils.
- Use Lukewarm Water⎯Very hot water can strip your skin of its natural moisture. Opt for a warm, comfortable temperature.
- Be Gentle⎯Avoid vigorous scrubbing with rough loofahs. Use your hands or a soft washcloth to gently cleanse your skin.
Step 2. Exfoliate Regularly
Exfoliation is the key to smooth, glowing skin. It removes the top layer of dead cells, allowing your moisturizer to penetrate more effectively and preventing issues like clogged pores and ingrown hairs.
How to Exfoliate
Learn more about how to safely exfoliate at home with this step-by-step guide.
Step 3. Lock in Moisture
Immediately after showering, while your skin is still slightly damp is the best time to moisturize. This helps lock in hydration and keeps your skin soft and supple all day.
Choosing the Right Skincare Product
Shop recommended luxury skincare products for:
One of the most important steps that is often overlooked⎯especially if the weather isn’t sunny, is applying sunscreen to all exposed skin every single day to protect from premature aging and skin cancer.
Luxury Skincare Products For Smooth, Soft Skin
Remember, your skincare routine shouldn’t just be about your face, but also about the rest of your body as well. When you create a full body skincare routine, you invest in your skin’s health. Get started today by reserving a personalized skincare routine at Sarah Akram Skincare in the DC area, and experience expert care tailored just for you.
