The proper diet and the right type of movement are fundamental, no wonder, but it’s not just about that. A toned-up body needs a rigorous beauty routine. Yup, skincare ain’t just about our face; there’s skin on every square inch of the body and we should learn to take care of it at best to feel toned, young, and glowy!
The two secrets here are EXFOLIATION and HYDRATION!
What is the job of exfoliators?
Exfoliators remove dead and dulling cells on the surface of the skin. This speeds up and optimizes skin turnover keeping your skin young, elastic, and glowy over time. Exfoliation can be chemical (with the use of acids) or physical (via rubbing), and each of us has a type of exfoliation that best fits the skin. You may be asking now “okay, so how do I know which type of exfoliation works best for me?” Don’t worry, I’m here to help!
Let’s choose the right exfoliant…
| SKIN | THE RIGHT EXFOLIANT | THE RIGHT PICK FOR YOU |
| Oily and combination skin | You can easily go for sandy, scrubby exfoliants. You are at low risk for irritation and your skin usually needs a stronger action for proper exfoliation. | – Scrubbing Clay by Cocokind – Earth Body Scrub by Osea Salts (for extra dry skin) |
| Sensitive skin | You should stay away from physical exfoliation and go for chemical exfoliation using acids, such as PHAs (polyhydroxy acids) or Niacinamide. You are at higher risk for irritation and your skin needs gentle exfoliation to get all the benefits. But if you crave a physical scrub, make sure you get something gentle and containing colloidal oatmeal, chamomile extract, or shea butter which help soothe the skin preventing any serious form of irritation | – Glossier Body Hero Exfoliating Bar – Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA by Paula’s Choice (leave-on treatment) – The Body Exfoliator by the Necessaire – The Body Lotion by the Necessaire (leave-on treatment) |
| Body acne | Salicylic acid is a must for you. I recommend washing your body 4-5 times a week using a shower gel containing acids. | – Buffing Bar by Soft Services – Glycolic acid 7% Exfoliation Toning Solution by The Ordinary (yes it works for the body too!) |
| Keratosis pillaris (Dry, rough patches and tiny bumps – often appears on the arms, thighs, cheeks and buttocks and usually disappear by the age of 30) | AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) are an essential part of your beauty journey. Try to use products containing acids such as glycolic and lactic acids. | – Buffing Bar by Soft Services – Bump Eraser Body Scrub by KP – Glycolic acid 7% Exfoliation Toning Solution by The Ordinary |
How often should we use exfoliants?
If you’re new, I recommend starting once or twice a week. If you have oily or combination skin, you can work it up to three or four times a week, but I highly recommend staying within two times a week if you have sensitive skin.
HYDRATION WITH BODY LOTION
Remember that hydration MUST follow exfoliation. Yes, it’s a must – a mandatory step you cannot choose to skip. Think of exfoliation as the preparatory step for hydration. Hydrating the skin helps prevent irritation and inflammation, plus it is key to maintaining your skin elastic, smooth and young over time. Oh and hydration should be a daily thing regardless of exfoliation!
I recommend choosing vegan, sulfate-free, fragrance-free products or products made with natural fragrances. I’ve been using the original unscented very emollient body lotion by Alba Botanica for years here in the US and when I’m in Italy I buy Natrux Crema Fluida Corpo.
Tip: apply body lotion moving upwards to boost blood flow and help with water retention and cellulite.
ADDITIONAL TIPS TO TIGHTEN UP YOUR SKIN:
- End shower with 20-30 seconds of an ice-cold shower
- Legs up the wall for 10-15 minutes before going to bed
- Guam mud seaweed once a week/every 10 days