5 Easy Tips on Starting Your Body Care Routine

Many of us associate skincare with just facial care. However, skincare shouldn’t be limited to your face only.

Why is that? Because keeping all of our skin healthy is integral in protecting our whole body. As the largest external organ, the skin is our primary defense against our immediate environment. Our skin – not just the face – gets exposed to different irritants like pollution and extreme heat, hence, they are also prone to issues such as dead skin build-up, dry skin, and inflammation. 

Developing a full-body skincare routine will help you maintain overall skin health. 

If you’re a newbie to the whole body care approach, then you’re in for a treat! We’ve listed down some tips to consider when building a body care routine that will cater to your needs. 

1. Know your skin type 

It’s important to understand that skincare isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. Knowing your skin type will set the foundation for your body care routine. Before you start buying products and tools, it’s best to know what works for you to ensure their effectiveness and so as to avoid irritation or worse, damaging your skin. 

There are five skin types and they all require different types of treatment. Here’s a quick rundown on each:

•   Normal Skin

Normal skin type is essentially well-balanced skin. It’s neither too oily nor dry, and it doesn’t have any persistent skin concerns. It’s also less reactive to the external environment.

However, just because you don’t have any major concerns to address, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t prioritise skincare anymore. Your body care routine should still include cleansing, moisturising, and sun protection to maintain your skin’s natural balance.

• Oily Skin 

Oily skin is easily distinguished by its shine and greasiness. This happens because of excessive sebum production. If you have oily skin, it’s highly likely that you are more prone to clogged pores, resulting in breakouts, acne, and blackheads.

Use products that focus on exfoliation, acne prevention, and regulating oil production. It’s also recommended to use lightweight moisturisers and toners with salicylic acid to clear clogged pores.

• Dry Skin

Dry skin is often characterised by the skin’s peeling, flaking, or cracked appearance. Because the skin isn’t producing enough sebum, dry skin can often feel tight and rough.

If you have dry skin, your priority should be to hydrate and moisturise your skin. Lotions and serums packed with natural oils that help retain moisture are your go-to products. You should also avoid long hot baths as these tend to strip the natural oils from your body.

• Combination Skin 

Combination skin tends to have dry skin in some areas and oily in others. This is caused by non-uniform oil production where you have more active oil glands in your T-zone and less active oil glands elsewhere. 

It could also be triggered by seasonal changes; for example, your skin is oilier in the summer and drier during winter. This can be tricky to identify and often feels like a balancing act. In this case, you would need to have neutral skincare products which have both moisturising and acne-prevention ingredients.

• Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin can look red, swollen, and itchy skin. Your skin is very reactive and gets irritated easily. Experts generally agree that this heightened sensitivity stems from a disruption in the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

Since some flare-ups can be immensely painful, if you have sensitive skin you should be more mindful of the products and treatments you use. Products with fragrances, dyes, alcohol are a big no-no. Opt for mild products with cooling effects instead. 

Once you know your skin type, this will set the precedent as to how you should implement your body care routine. 

2. Start with a clean slate: regularly cleanse your body 

Cleansing is the act of washing the skin to remove surface-level impurities such as dirt, sweat, and make-up. This is usually done when taking showers or even as simple as washing your face in the morning and before going to sleep. 

When you thoroughly cleanse your body, you start with a “clean slate” per se. Benefits include reducing acne-causing bacteria; it purifies your pores and helps with achieving clear and glowing skin. For optimal results, you are encouraged to cleanse at least twice a day to prevent dirt or bacteria build-up. 

As for the products to use, it’s crucial to choose a cleanser that won’t dry out your skin, regardless of your skin type. You can accompany your hydrating cleansers and soaps with a body brush for better results. 

3. Say goodbye to dead skin cell: exfoliate like an expert 

Unlike cleansing where you wash away surface-level impurities, exfoliating cleans the skin deeper; it scrapes away dead skin cells to bring about younger and healthier skin cells. Exfoliating sloughs off harder debris cleansing can’t get rid of. In terms of frequency, exfoliating should be done at least once or twice a week. 

As you remove dead skin cells, this allows your skin to better absorb the skincare products you use. If you’re heavily using brightening creams, exfoliating will help fast-track the act of fading your skin’s dark spots. 

Exfoliating helps to stimulate collagen production and boost lymphatic draining. To enjoy these benefits, you can use accompanying tools such as the Zobelle Sonica Silicone Body Brush to help with achieving clearer and smoother skin. This electric body brush is also economical because you can use it not just for exfoliating but also for cleansing or massaging your skin. Consider adding this brush to your body care routine to achieve plump, healthy skin. 

4. Say hello to supple skin: moisturise daily 

After you have cleansed and exfoliated your skin, the next step is to moisturise. Once you’ve rid your skin of impurities, it makes sense to lather it with moisturisers or lotions to lock in nutrients and hydration. And again, regardless of your skin type, keeping your skin hydrated is crucial to achieving healthy and supple skin. 

There are two popular ways to moisturise. One is by using ultra-hydrating shower gels, and from the name itself, this is done when you shower. The other one is using creams or lotions after showering. These are best used when your skin is still clean and damp right after you shower. 

5. Protect your skin from the sun: use sunscreens

SPF is a non-negotiable in any skincare routine. Sunscreens shield your skin from sun damage, which prevents skin cancers from forming. Other benefits include preventing hyperpigmentation, dried-out skin, wrinkles and fine lines. 

With skincare getting more innovative, you can now choose from a wide range of sunscreens with different formulations. Depending on your skin type, you can choose sunscreens that are either lightweight or extra-hydrating.

We’ve covered the most basic yet important skincare must-dos to help you jumpstart your body care routine. By incorporating these tips into your daily activities, you’ll be on your way to achieving healthier, more radiant skin. 

Remember that time spent caring for the self is always time well spent. Whether you are leaning towards a more minimalist skincare routine or you’re a ritualist who is committed to a more extensive regimen, having a body care routine will ultimately help you feel good, thus making you look good as well.