The only body care routine you’ll need for a radiant and even toned skin

In the quest for efficient skincare routines that would make our skin look its glowing best, we often neglect the rest of our body. The result? Dry, parched skin that is often in need of some serious hydration. Factor in seasonal changes, environmental stressors or any underlying skin concerns, and you have dry, itchy and uncomfortable skin. This is where a body care routine steps in!

Our body deserves the same love that our face receives. Even if we only have a few minutes in the shower, the right products can help soothe our skin and boost our overall mood.

HealthShots spoke to Nidha Adeni, skincare expert and founder of Cinnamon Soul, about various ways one should take care of their bodies.

Here are simple steps of a body care routine to help keep our bodies feeling healthy, nourished and glowing:

1. Good skin begins in the shower

Sometimes a good hot shower can be as comforting as a warm cup of tea, but frequent, pepping hot showers can actually be damaging for our skin as it washes away our skin’s natural moisturizing factor (NMF), the natural humectants in our skin. This is one of the main culprits for the dry upper back winter itch.

2. Clean the right way

Using the right kind of cleanser for our skin is a vital step for setting the foundation for healthy skin. Look for body washes or gentle soap bars for your body care routine with ingredients that won’t irritate your skin or dry you out. For people with sensitive skin, this might be the root cause for your irritation or allergic reactions.

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Humectants (like glycerine) in cleansers are great as they avoid that tight, itchy, dry feeling that you may sometimes experience after using some shower gels. Products with ceramides and niacinamide (vitamin B3) that are skincare favorite ingredients, are perfect for sensitive skin as well, as they help support the skin barrier.

3. Exfoliate once or twice a week

Your body’s skin is a bit tougher and a bit thicker than face skin, so exfoliation helps to slough off dead skin, free ingrown hair, and helps keep our skin feeling soft. There are a few different ways to exfoliate. One can use a body scrub or a tool like a body glove/ wash cloth or a natural loofah. If body acne or back acne is a concern, using products that also contain chemical exfoliants as Alpha hydroxy Acids(AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids(BHAs) help exfoliate the skin surface, keep our pores clean and improve its texture.

Either way, care should be taken to avoid harsh abrasives that will disturb your skin barrier and can create micro tears in the skin, suggests Adeni.

4. Moisturize

While your skin is still slightly damp from your shower, it is the ideal time to hydrate your skin and lock in the moisture. Whether your skin is oily, dry or anything in between, using the right body lotion can make all the difference.

“For someone with perpetually dry skin, using a good body oil with a blend of cold pressed oils helps lock in the much needed moisture. Look for body oils formulated with jojoba, olive squalane, Rosehip, and apricot, as they are rich in vitamins B, C and E along with omegas,” says Adeni.

5. Use a good sunscreen

Stay safe in the sun and avoid over exposure of bare skin to direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with a good SPF protection, over your neck, forearms, hands, and legs (if exposed to the sun)

For overall skin health, a healthy diet plays an important role. It is something responsible for keeping your skin healthy from the inside out.