Let’s talk about that PROTECTOR! The most recognizable type of skin is that which covers most of your body. It includes your face, arms, and legs. The most important thing to remember about body skin is to keep it clean and moisturized. You’ve seen what dried out leather looks like – haven’t you? That is not what you want your skin to look like – IS IT?
There are 3 steps to healthy body skin. They are washing, exfoliating and moisturizing.
Washing is the first step to caring for body skin. There is a lot to be said for clean skin – so, lather up and wash well!
- Start with a fluffy, good quality washcloth or moderately dense lather builder (bath pouf) so your body wash or bar soap can create a lot of lather.
- Washing with a good amount of lather loosens soil, bacteria and other impurities you don’t want attacking from the outside.
- Plus, a good lather provides a buffer so your washcloth or lather builder can move easily across your skin.
Exfoliation is roughing up and removing old, dead skin so new, renewed layers can rise to the surface. This can be done in a variety of ways and works well for most people at 2-3 times per week.
- You can use a loofah with lots of lather. Be careful to rinse it well, boil twice a week to keep it sanitary – and – replace it once a month. (The same applies to lather builders – not the boiling but please replace them regularly)
- You can also use a salt or sugar scrub with your hands, but only use a washcloth on the toughest areas (think heels, elbows, knees). Sugar or salt is a personal preference unless you want the impurity drawing and healing properties of salt.
- Last – and my favorite – is a body wash that is also a scrub. It should provide good lather plus fine grains that dissolve as you scrub. Let’s talk about my favorite (below)!
Moisturizing is the one step most people skimp on or don’t pay enough attention. Here are a few notes on moisturizing body skin.
- Normal skin doesn’t feel tight 1 hour after a shower and a good quality, water-based lotion will provide humectants (like lanolin-they draw water into your skin) or just enough emollient to keep skin from becoming dry during the day (like shea oil-these products smooth skin and keep water from escaping).
- Oily skin and combination skin can be a real challenge as some parts of your body may need more or less moisturizing than others and you’ll have to find one that works for both types or two different types that work for each area.
- Dry skin (like mine) looks ashy as soon as it is dries. Truly dry skin requires frequent exfoliation coupled with a rich lotion, heavy cream or petrolatum that is super high in emollients. The object is to keep skin from drying from the outside while sealing in natural moisture.
Advice from the Mayo Clinic (includes drinking plenty of water!) will help you take the best care of your skin. I can help you design a – Daily Ritual Execution And Motivation Strategy – D.R.E.A.M.S. for your own self-care to look young and keep skin feeling its best for as long as possible! Let’s get started!
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