Your skin, which protects us from the environment, is one of the most important organs of your body and it’s time to give it some much-needed love. If you ever thought a body skincare routine isn’t important, think again. In order for your skin to shine, and last longer, it’s necessary for you to care of it by integrating a body skincare routine into your life as well.
Here’s what you got to do.
1. First, make a habit of the basics
The core tenets of a good body-care routine: cleansing, moisturizing, and slathering on SPF. Here’s how it’s done.
Cleanse
The only hard-and-fast rule here is to avoid soaps and washes with sulfates (typically noted as sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate on ingredient lists). They can strip away your skin’s natural oils and compromise its protective skin barrier, says dermatologist Heather Rogers, MD
MOISTURIZE
Everyone—yes, literally you, the human reading these words this very second!—should use a body moisturizer, says dermatologist Corey L. Hartman, MD. “To effectively hydrate your skin and lock in moisture, look for a formula that contains hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and/or ceramides.” You can find them in everything from lightweight gel creams to thick butters (our faves at right). Find one you love and apply it as soon as you get out of the shower (when your skin is still damp) and then as needed throughout the day
PROTECT
Without question, you should be applying SPF 30 or higher on any part of your body that sees the sun, says Dr. Hartman: “UV exposure is the leading cause of premature aging, not to mention skin cancer—whether it’s July or January.” Nécessaire’s lotion makes applying (and reapplying) easy, thanks to its fast-absorbing lightweight texture
2. Introduce Your Actives
Everything you just read will keep your skin healthy and happy. But the serums and treatments below—all with potent, high-performing active ingredients like niacinamide and retinol—do the heavy lifting when it comes to things like brightening skin tone or fighting acne, Dr. Hartman says.
3. Exfoliate Like an Expert
Using a chemical exfoliator a few times a week is the move here, according to Dr. Hartman and Dr. Rogers. Ingredients like glycolic and salicylic acids dissolve dulling dead skin cells, smooth rough or bumpy texture, and unclog pores