While many women spend a fortune on the skin on their face, most women I know neglect their body skin. Why should your beauty stop at your neck? My guess is that we are time poor and not many people see the skin on the body, so it gets neglected.
Common Sense Advice for the Body Skin
Protect your body from the sun – Physical Barriers
I’ve been guilty of this and most people I know apply loads of sunscreen to their faces, but less to the skin on the body. In order to fend off ageing factors like drooping boobs, dangly bits under the upper arms, saggy bums, we need to really take care of the skin on the body, as much as the skin on our face. Covering up when exposed to the sun is the best protection and the best way to cover up when exposed to the sun is a physical barrier, such as with rashies and kaftans. The humble kaftan has come a long way since the 70’s and these days there are some very glamorous versions around. The same applies for rashies (lycra cover-ups).
Protect your body skin from the sun – Sunscreen
There are so many different sunscreens on the market, it’s easy to be confused. My preferred top two are listed below, along with some close contenders. Ella Bache researches, formulated and manufactures their sunscreen in Australia, so I like to support a brand that supports Aussies.
A quick note on Vitamin D and sun exposure: there is a lot of confusion between Vitamin D deficiency and sun exposure, but experts cannot agree or establish consistent guideline. You can read the position statement on pros and cons of sun exposure here. I have a severe vitamin D deficiency and it is probably because I always protect myself from the sun as I am so fair. I take a supplement as I just don’t trust the sun here in Australia – it has a real bite to it. My father gets cancers all the time, and I lost an uncle to melanoma, so I take care in the sun.
Washing the Skin on The Body
In The Shower
Make sure that you tend to have showers as they are better for your body skin than log baths. Make sure your water is warm, not scalding hot or you could damage your body skin. Afterwards, pat the skin dry gently.
Cleanse with Scented Luxury
I love using scented body wash in the shower. I do have to be careful though as I have sensitive skin, prone to rashes. If I choose a body wash that’s scented I choose higher end cleansers as they tend to have better quality ingredients. And, as you may be aware by now, I am obsessed with packaging, and there are some stunning bottles, tottles and tubes out there to pretty up the bath and shower.
Sensitive Skin Cleansers
Sometimes our skin becomes sensitive or for some people, it is all the time, so we need to opt for less glamorous versions. You can, however, purchase some lovely pump bottles in department stores to keep your bathroom aesthetic (or you might not be as OCD as me with packaging!). Some examples of sensitive body cleansers are below, as well as some examples of dispensers to de-pot your no nonsense packaging into.
Protect and Nourish The Skin On The Body
Body Lotions
I use body lotion religiously after ever shower and as a result, I have very soft skin and I think it has prevented stretch marks and sagging skin on areas like the boobs, bum, thighs and tummy (after two babies – not a stretch mark – could be genetic). I prefer to use the scented versions, due to the gorgeous packaging and smell, but again people with sensitive skin, stick to the gentle, simple formulations. Pay attention to elbows, feet and knees, as well as decolletage, boobs and bottom.
Oils for Body Skin
If you are in a rush, this is a favourite tip of mine. Grab yourself a moisturising oil, designed fort he body and apply to wet skin after the shower. Shake off excess water and pat the skin dry. Oil leaves the skin dewy, not oily and if you use a scented version, the fragrance lingers.
You Scrub Up Alright!
Every week or so I do a body scrub. This can be done with a body brush (as in dry skin brushing), with special exfoliating gloves or with a sugar/salt scrub. Don’t buy anything with microbeads that aren’t salt, sugar, nut or seed granules, as the plastic ones a not good for the planet.
Last words for beautiful body skin:
- Drink loads of water to stay hydrated
- Eat healthy food
- Get enough sleep
- Exercise
Cover image: Shutterstock.com
