Your Body Needs a Skincare Regimen Too, and These Products Mean Business

I get it—it can feel like enough of a chore just picking up your facial cleanser to take your makeup off (because we’re absolutely, categorically not using skin and earth-damaging face wipes anymore, right?), let alone adding in any extra steps to your beauty routine, but hear me out on this. While committing to caring for the skin on your face is an absolute priority (the face is constantly exposed to changing temperatures, dirt, bacteria and pollution throughout the day), the skin on the rest of your body requires some TLC too.

And I’m talking real TLC—not just a 99-pence shower gel and some fruity moisturiser when your legs are looking a little scaly. Just like the skin on your face, the skin on your body can suffer if you’re not looking after it correctly and using the right products. To help get to the bottom of exactly what the skin on your body is trying to tell you, I’ve enlisted the help of Lesley Reynolds, skin expert and co-founder of Harley Street Skin Clinic. Keep scrolling for all of the issues you might be experiencing as a result of a body care regimen that isn’t right for you.

Dryness

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(Image credit: @EMMAHOAREAU)

Besides having dry, flaky skin in the summer after spending too much time in the sun, the skin on your body can become dehydrated at any time of the year. "Our skin (with the exception of the neck and chest) is thicker on the body than on the face. Body skin has fewer sebaceous glands and requires a lot of moisturising, otherwise, dead skin buildup will cause it to look dull, flaky and in severe cases will crack,” warns Lesley. So, if you’re wondering why your skin looks so dull, but you’re guilty of slipping straight into your clothes post-shower without using any body cream, you might just have your answer.

On top of making sure you’re regularly moisturising, it’s also important to keep the skin on your body exfoliated. To make sure you avoid dryness, Lesley advises, "Exfoliation is the key, along with good hydration and high sun protection.”

Breakouts

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(Image credit: @STELLASIMONA)

While many people dedicate a lot of time to dealing with acne and breakouts on their face, body breakouts are often overlooked and simply put up with, meaning they can often lead to scarring and pigmentation issues. "Body breakouts are caused by excess oil production. The back can be a problematic area because it has a greater number of sebaceous glands,” says Lesley.

So what can be done? The key is to incorporate similar ingredients into your body care as you would your usual face skincare. "Look out for ingredients like glycolic, salicylic and lactic acid in your moisturiser to help control breakouts,” says Lesley.

Irritation

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(Image credit: @BAMBIDOESBEAUTY)

If you know the feeling of red, itchy skin all too well, it’s time to look to your bodycare lineup. "Winter weather can trigger dry, tight, itchy skin. The cold, dry air and low humidity cause the skin to moisture,” warns Lesley. The key, therefore, is making sure your body care regimen works to restore moisture and prevent any further drying.

However, if you feel as though your skin is irritated all year round, it could be down to the products you are already using. Lesley says, "Skin irritation and dryness can also be caused by perfumes and fragrances used in many beauty products, including shampoos, which can be very harsh on the skin.” If this is the case, it’s important to limit the amount of fragrance, alcohol and retinoids in your regimen to minimise the risk of dehydration and irritation.

Sound like something you could get on board with? Keep scrolling for the very best products to help get your body skincare regimen started.

Cleanser

Scrub

Serum

Moisturiser

Oil

Next up, I have a bath every single night and have invented the perfect routine.

Freelance Beauty Editor

Shannon Lawlor is a renowned beauty journalist and has contributed to Who What Wear’s beauty content since 2020. As a leading beauty editor, expert and brand consultant, she has over eight years of experience working for some of the industry’s most esteemed titles, including Who What Wear (of course), Glamour UK, Stylist, Refinery29 and Fabulous.

Having also worked behind the scenes with some of the industry’s biggest brands and retailers, Shannon has a unique insight into what people really want from their beauty routines. Understanding that beauty lovers seek honest, open and responsible advice, she has it made her mission to demystify the intimidating world of beauty, taking a no-frills approach to the most relatable topics.

While Shannon is the first to admit she doesn’t hold the answer to every beauty question out there, she is dedicated to sharing her expert insights in a bid to help. As a self-proclaimed lazy girl, Shannon has an affinity for easy-to-use, foolproof beauty products and has made it her mission to scope out the best of the best.

When she’s not working, Shannon is likely soaking in the bath or giving no-holds-barred beauty reviews on Instagram from her bathroom floor.