How to Build a Body-Care Routine For Everyday Use
If you’re already a skincare master (and who isn’t, with TikTok making it easier than ever?), it may be time to move on and think about building a body care routine. You might already know about the importance of using ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids, hyaluronic acid, and SPF to protect the skin on your face, but the skin on the rest of your body is just as important.
Think about it: The skin on your neck, your arms, and even parts of your chest can be so delicate and thin. To make sure you’re keeping the largest organ on your body, your skin, as healthy as possible, it’s time to dive into a body care routine that you can stick to over time. To find out the best way to start a body routine, we tapped esthetician Sylvia Brownlee for everything you need to know.
Meet the Expert
Sylvia Brownlee is an esthetician and founder of Skin by Brownlee & Co.
How to Build a Basic Body Care Routine
1. Exfoliate
According to Brownlee, you should only exfoliate two to three times per week. You can exfoliate with a chemical exfoliant, like a body wash that contains AHAs and BHAs (we love TULA’S Take Care + Polish Revitalize & Cleanse Body Exfoliator Duo for this!), or physically with a dry brush (we’re huge fans of KENSIE FRAGRANCE’S Dry Brush). If you’re exfoliating with a dry brush, do so before you hop in the shower.
2. Wash Your Hair
You might be wondering what hair washing has to do with body care, but according to Brownlee, it’s the first step to caring for the skin on your body. In the shower, make sure to tend to your hair first with shampoo and conditioner, “as we don't want the oils from the conditioner to clog the pores,” says Brownlee. This is especially true if you have acne-prone skin.
3. Cleanse Your Body
Depending on your skin type, the ingredients you use in your body wash can be crucial. If you have acne-prone skin, Brownlee recommends using a “body cleanser with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to help with breakouts.” This will help encourage cell turnover on the pores of the body and get rid of any gunk that could be clogging them and contributing to breakouts. If you have dry skin, look for a body wash with hydrating ingredients like shea butter or fruit oils.
4. Apply Body Serum
Yep, body serums exist just like face serums! Body serums can help target skin concerns like sagging skin, wrinkles, and even bumpy skin. Body serum always goes on first before moisturizer because it’s thinner in consistency and will absorb into the skin faster after cleansing. Body serums that contain caffeine, niacinamide, antioxidants, and vitamin C can help naturally tighten the skin, protect it from environmental stressors, and brighten the overall appearance of skin. We reach for the SKIN INC Body Sculpt Fit for this.
5. Apply Moisturizer
Finally, seal the hydration deal with an all-over body moisturizer. If you have dry skin, Brownlee says a good tip is to apply your moisturizer to damp skin to allow for better absorption. If you have oily skin, choose an oil-free moisturizer. You can also add more skin-loving ingredients to your body through your moisturizer for even more anti-aging properties. We love that GOLDFADEN MD’s Body Surge Hydrating & Restoring Body Moisturizer contains caprylic triglyceride and glycerin for extra hydration.
6. Add SPF
Just like your face, you should be adding SPF to any exposed skin. This should be done in the morning before you leave the house. We love PURSUIT BEAUTY’s Body Surf SPF 40 Body Sunscreen for daily use since it also has skin-nourishing ingredients like jojoba seed oil.
What If I Wanna Level Up My Body Care?
“Don’t overwhelm yourself with too many rules or requirements for your routine,” suggests Brownlee. “It’s okay to start little by little, establishing a routine first and foremost, and building onto it. Remember that consistency is key!”
But if you do feel ready to level-up your body care routine, here are a few ways to do so.
1. Add a Signature Scent
If you’re not allergic to fragrances or have sensitive skin, adding a signature scent to your body care routine can help cement it in your mind as, well, a routine. If you do your body care routine at night, adding a scent that’s associated with bedtime may also help alert your brain that it’s time to wind down and get ready for bed.
2. Add Retinol
Just like in your skincare routine for your face, retinol body serums and lotions are available to help smooth out uneven skin tone, texture, and even add firmness to the skin over time.
Building a body care routine isn’t just about pampering—it’s about prioritizing the health of your skin from head to toe. Whether you’re just starting with the basics or ready to level up with signature scents and powerhouse ingredients like retinol, the key is consistency. Start small, stick with it, and let your routine become an essential part of your self-care practice. After all, your skin deserves the same love and attention as the rest of you!