Body care routine?
Wait….what’s that?
It’s a self-care routine for your body, of course. And by that, we mean the skin on the rest of our body, not just the face.
Don’t know where to start a body skin care routine that agrees with your busy lifestyle?
Here’s a quick guide to the ultimate body care routine for glowing skin. Follow it to the T to give your body a naturally-inspired glow and shine.
8 No-Nonsense Tips for The Best Body Care Routine
Body care goes way beyond just a quick wash before you head out or slathering yourself in sunblock. It starts with
Cleansing
Even for those of us who don’t wear makeup every day, our face and body is still exposed to dirt, dust, and the sun. In order to help our skin breathe free, we must cleanse it daily.
There’s a pro tip we’d like to share with you here. Instead of using harsh soaps that can strip your skin of its natural oils, turn to gentle body washes to avoid clogged pores, acne, dehydration, dullness, and premature ageing. Once you’re done with washing, dry yourself with a soft microfiber towel to give your skin some extra TLC.
Word to the wise: Check the product’s label before you make a purchase; some ingredients can dry out your skin and cause irritation or allergic reactions.
Exfoliating
But just washing your skin isn’t enough. You need to exfoliate!
Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, product buildup, unclogs pores, frees ingrown hair, and stimulates blood circulation. Regular exfoliation can improve the texture and feel of the skin.
There are two ways to exfoliate:
Physical exfoliation using scrubs, washcloths, exfoliating gloves, or loofahs. Keep in mind that it can be a touch abrasive, which could disturb the skin barrier.
Chemical exfoliation using Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). It is more effective and gentle on the skin than its physical counterpart.
When including exfoliants in your skin care routine for the body, use the less is more approach.
Scrub your skin 2-3 times a week in a circular motion and focus more on areas that have tougher skin, such as elbows and knees. Do not over exfoliate.
Limiting Bath Time
A hot water bath might untangle the nerves in your body and make you feel relaxed, but standing in the shower for too long, too often could ruin your skin. If you continue doing it, it will most certainly dry out your skin.
To avoid that, limit bath time and use cold water to wash yourself. It will:
Aid muscle recovery after an injury
Boost immunity
Calm your skin
Increase circulation
Tighten pores to make your skin firm
Wake you up
Oh, and use a towel to gently pat your skin dry once you’re done; that’s the best way to retain moisture in your skin and prevent dryness. You can also consider using Nubian Heritage Deodorant after your bath to keep feeling fresh all day.
Manicure & Pedicure
Getting a manicure and pedicure is the ultimate body care package — they’re great for maintaining the health and look of your nails. These procedures also improve blood circulation, help remove dead skin, and relieve stress.
Body Oiling It Up
Do you have particularly dry skin? Or is the dry weather messing with skin’s hydration level? Whatever the case, body oil is sure to come in handy. Massage a small amount of it on dry spots like knees and elbows to replenish the lost moisture in your skin and give it a glow without making it look greasy.
Look to ingredients like jojoba, olive oil, and squalane to get soft-as-velvet skin.
Moisturizing
As we age, our skin’s ability to retain moisture declines. Factor in abrasive scrubs and environmental pollution, and we have a compromised skin barrier to deal with. The good news is proper moisturization can do most of the heavy lifting to replenish moisture in our skin.
Use a good body lotion or body cream from your neck to your toes. Let it sink in to lock in moisture, prevent water loss, and soften the skin. You should especially use it after exfoliating (chemical or otherwise), as the process’s abrasive nature can compromise the skin’s barrier, which only a moisturiser can fix.
Shaving Carefully
Shaving is a convenient way to remove unwanted hair from your body. To ensure a skin-friendly experience — one that doesn’t come with razor burns:
Shave after showering. It softens your skin and preps it for the razor, which can reduce the risk of cuts.
Exfoliate to loosen dead skin cells
Use shaving cream or gel, not soap, to lubricate your skin. This will ensure the razor won’t irritate your skin.
Shave in the right direction (against the direction of hair growth) depending on what area you’re removing hair from.
And remember, go slow; it’s not a race.
Wearing SPF
UV rays can cause sunburns, wrinkles, spider veins, and uneven complexion. Exposure to direct sunlight may also increase your risk of skin cancer.
So, instead of exposing yourself to the sun to get those gorgeous tan lines, use tanning products to achieve that sun-kissed look.
To stay on the safe side, always wear broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher — even if you don’t plan to go out in the sun. It will change your skin’s appearance by arresting signs of aging, such as textural imperfections.
Be Bodywise
While these tips can help you take good care of your skin, they’re not a magic formula. So, stay consistent with your body care routine. You’ll see its effects on your skin in no time. You can thank us later.
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