Do We Need to Look at Bodycare the Same as Skincare?

Sensitivity, dryness, razor burn, chafing, and sunburn can be mitigated with a touch of extra attention to our body care routine, if we adopt the mindset that bodycare is like skincare.

I have just returned from a relaxing beach holiday in Spain, and after lathering my body in sunscreen multiple times a day, I wondered whether I would need to double cleanse to remove sand, sea, and SPF fully. Additionally, I was concerned about the constant shaving and how my skin would react in such high heat. On top of that, if you are slow to tan and want to prep your colour before a trip, how do you self-tan without a patchy fade? And do we really need After Sun, or does any body lotion suffice?

All of this got me thinking about my body care routine in more detail. Do we need to structure our body care the same way we apply skincare? In between flights and afternoon siestas, I spent my time researching the topic online. The conclusion I drew was that it all depends on the skin concerns you have. As someone with eczema, dermatitis, and razor burn, I have to tackle skin dryness and sensitivity the most. While I don't burn easily, it takes me a while to tan, which makes me lazy in reapplying sunscreen. To avoid skin damage, I tend to self-tan lightly, so that I manipulate my brain into thinking I already have a bit of colour. This raises the question: How do I create an effective body care routine tailored to my specific skin concerns?

Find Your Ideal Cleanse

Let's start with the basics: body wash. I prefer one that has a creamy texture with moisturising ingredients and a yummy, gourmand fragrance. Personally, I look for sulfate-free versions because I find them too stripping for daily use on my eczema-prone skin. When applying sunscreen to your body, it is essential to rinse it off afterwards thoroughly. Similar to the face, oil-based cleansers are more effective at removing sunscreen than water-based cleansers, such as gels or foams. If it makes you feel better, you can double cleanse, but I use more product than I usually would and rub it in for a longer period to ensure all the sunscreen is removed.

At the moment, my favourite body wash has to be Dove's Nourishing Silk Shower Cream because it delivers what it promises and smells divine.

Optimising Your Shaving Routine

Before I was diagnosed with lactose intolerance a couple of months ago, I struggled with breakouts, and Neutrogena's new fragrance-free anti-acne line was recommended to me by my dermatologist. It was great, albeit not moisturising enough for my facial skin. When my skin cleared up (mainly due to a changed diet and less inflammation), I wondered if the line would work on my body to reduce the shaving zits I would ALWAYS get. The discovery I made is one of the most groundbreaking in my beauty journey, as shaving has been a significant concern for my skin. Get rid of your physical body scrubs (too abrasive) and exfoliating mitts (collect bacteria like a public toilet), and make the switch to this routine:

The facial wash in the line contains 2% salicylic acid, which is a BHA great for dissolving oil and declogging pores. This not only helps with acne on the face but also on the rest of the body. I use this all over my body as a deeply clarifying body wash once a week to remove oil, dirt, and buildup, and reduce any irritation that can occur from these substances. It also contains AHA and PHA in small concentrations, making this a true exfoliating powerhouse suitable for sensitive skin.

Then, I use a shower oil to shave with, as it provides a protective lipid layer between the skin and the razor blades, preventing irritating friction. The best one from the drugstore (where there aren't many shower oils to choose from) is the Nivea one. It contains nourishing oils, as well as an emulsifying formula that rinses off easily with water, without leaving a greasy residue.

The razor you choose is also crucial. You may have heard of the pink tax, which makes female hygiene products more expensive than their male counterparts. In the case of razors, they are also usually worse. Razors for men have five blades, which makes for a smoother and more gentle shave,

whereas razors for women usually only come with three blades. Either buy a razor for men, or, if you are like me and cannot stand that aesthetic, I would highly recommend the brand Estrid. I have used them for the past five years, when they were only available via an online subscription, and I have not looked back since. They come in cute colours, shower attachments, travel cases, and replacement heads that are more affordable than Gillette Venus.

Once I have shaved and rinsed off the shower oil, I step out of the shower and dry my skin. The next step is crucial in

preventing razor burn: Use the Neutrogena 7% AHA + Panthenol toner on a big cotton pad (I usually need four for my entire body) and apply it to the areas you shaved. I prefer this formula to the popular Ordinary 7% AHA toner, which stung when applied. This one only has 5% glycolic acid and 2% citric acid, which is a much gentler AHA exfoliant. In combination with barrier-boosting and hydrating Panthenol, this is ideal for a post-shave pat-down.

Next, use the 4% Niacinamide + Panthenol gel moisturiser as a serum on the areas that suffer from discolouration the most, i.e. the bikini area and armpits.

This will also help to build your barrier after using two different exfoliating products, even if they are gentle.

Lastly, follow with your body lotion of choice, of which I will make some suggestions next.

Combine Barrier-Building Ingredients

When looking for body lotions, butters, and creams, pay attention to a few highlighted ingredients that have made a big difference in my skin.

Since I already have panthenol and niacinamide, both barrier boosting ingredients, in the gel moisturiser, I don't use a separate product. If you want an alternative option that comes in a bigger size and is made for the body, I can only recommend Nivea's Repair & Protect body lotion. It is the only one in the drugstore that combines Niacinamide, Panthenol, and a high percentage of glycerin, which helps the lotion to be fast-absorbing and allows the key ingredients to penetrate the skin more effectively, nourishing oils. Do not worry about the denatured alcohol in the ingredient list, as this helps the lotion to be fast-absorbing and the key ingredients to penetrate the skin better. It will not dry out your skin, as the many other moisturising ingredients in the formula counteract its drying properties.

Another absolute ingredient highlight is Urea. The best drugstore option (again, not that many to choose from) is from Garnier. It boosts an impressive 5% of Urea, which is the same

percentage La Roche Posay uses for double the price. In addition to shea butter, glycerin and hyaluronic acid, this milk is quick-absorbing and a moisturising delight. Over time, Urea can even prevent eczema and dermatitis flare-ups, which is why it is recommended for atopic skin. However, if you struggle with razor burn, Urea is your best friend.

Garnier Body also has a fantastic Cocoa & Ceramide Cocoa Butter. Not only does it smell divine, but it is also the thickest option so far if you like a creamier feel. When you look at the ingredient list, don't be disappointed if you don't see any ceramides listed, because this butter contains ceramide-building ingredients, such as 2-OLEAMIDO-1,3-OCTADECANEDIOL. Fantastic option for dry, winter skin.

For those of you concerned with stretch marks and firming, the best option is Neutrogena's

Visibly Firming Body Lotion. This is so lightweight, I sometimes like to use it as a body serum underneath a thicker cream. Only in the heat of summer do I long for its milky, thin texture, which absorbs immediately and leaves a hydrated glow on the skin. The key ingredients that help to firm the skin are Magnesium Aspartate, Zinc Gluconate, and Copper Gluconate. A stunning option if you dislike the greasy feel of lotion, as this feels cooling and refreshing, almost like a serum.

I like to alternate among these options since they provide different benefits to the skin, which I need. My skin type enjoys daily moisturisation, so one body lotion would not last very long. As the seasons change, so does my skin, and I like having the most adequate option available. In terms of After-Sun, I think its a marketing scam. Either buy an aloe vera gel from your chemist and layer it underneath a thick body cream, or just use your preferred body lotion. If you look at the ingredient lists for most After-Sun creams, you will find that they are not significantly different, sometimes mixed with menthol for a cooling effect that can also irritate.

Protection From the Sun & an Easy-to-Maintain Tanning Routine

Recently, there has been a lot of sunscreen fear-mongering online, saying that chemical sunscreens are hormone disruptors and cause cancer. You know what a hormone disruptor is? Your phone, your laptop. Don't see anyone getting rid of those anytime soon. You know what will give you skin cancer for sure? Unprotected sun exposure. If you still doubt the safety of sunscreens, watch this video by Lab Muffin (she has a PhD in Chemistry and a certification in Cosmetic Chemistry).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCPp8EJSG-Y

This does not mean that there are some sunscreens that are better than others, but this usually concerns texture and ease of use rather than safety. I like my body sunscreens to be hydrating, even greasy because I love the oily look on the beach. I hate it when the sunscreen is formulated to be non-greasy to the point it feels drying with frequent reapplication (which I do after every water dip!). Pilling also annoys me because it makes me feel like I have dirt on my skin. Based on my preferences, I love the Garnier Ambre Solaire Ideal Bronze SPF 30.

It is an oil that will give you a Copacabana Beach glow, while also enhancing your tan due to Beta-Carotene, which is an antioxidant known to help with tanning. For my body, I think SPF 30 is enough because I reapply it more often, anyway.

Another trick I use to encourage sun protection over tanning results, is implementing a natural gradual tanning lotion into my routine ahead of the holiday. My absolute favourite, drugstore or not, has to be Dove's Summer Revive Body Lotion. You can tell a difference after the first use, it has none of that icky fake tan smell, and the colour is neutral, so you don't end up looking like a certain President.... Hot tip: use this a day after you shaved, so the tan doesn't develop in the open pores, making it look like strawberry skin. Take it with you on holiday as your after sun lotion, as the formulation also contains hydrating properties, and your tan will be maintained easily, without patchy fading.

All in all, you certainly don't need all of these products, but they are some of the best drugstore examples with the key ingredient highlights that I have personally used and enjoyed enough to repurchase and recommend. Pick whatever addresses your body's skin concerns the most and alternate use. If you are God's favourite, and your body is fine with any body wash and a body lotion once a week, go with whatever works best for you. Otherwise, have fun with these options that treat bodycare like skincare!