How I Finally Got Rid of My “Chicken Skin” (Keratosis Pilaris) on My Arms
My Two-Step Solution to Sandpaper Arms
I’ve had those rough, red bumps on the back of my arms my whole life. I used to attack them with harsh, gritty scrubs, which just made them red and angry. The real solution was a chemical, not a physical, one. I started using a body lotion with 10% lactic acid (an AHA) every single night. The acid gently dissolves the keratin plugs that cause the bumps. After a month of consistent use, my “chicken skin” was about 80% smoother. A gentle chemical exfoliant, followed by a good moisturizer, was the combination that finally worked.
My 6-Month Journey to Clearing Stubborn “Bacne” (Back Acne)
The Simple Shower Habit I Was Getting Wrong
I was so embarrassed by the acne on my back that I avoided wearing tank tops for years. I tried everything, but it wouldn’t go away. The culprit turned out to be my hair conditioner. I was washing my body first, then rinsing my hair, letting the heavy, pore-clogging conditioner run all down my back. I made one simple change: I now wash my hair first, clip it up, and then wash my body last, paying special attention to my back. That, plus a salicylic acid body wash, completely cleared my bacne.
Are “Firming” and “Cellulite” Body Lotions a Complete Scam? I Investigated.
My $60 Experiment with a “Miracle” Cream
I fell for an ad and bought a $60 “cellulite-firming” cream that promised smooth, taut skin. I used it religiously for a month, massaging it in every single day. The result? My skin was nicely moisturized, and maybe looked a tiny bit plumper for an hour after application, likely due to the caffeine. But did it magically reduce cellulite? Absolutely not. I learned that no cream can fundamentally change your fat structure. A good moisturizer can improve skin texture, but the “firming” claims are mostly a temporary illusion. I won’t be buying it again.
The $8 Body Wash That Cured My Annoying Chest Breakouts
My V-Necks Are No Longer a War Zone
I would constantly get small, annoying red pimples on my chest, especially after a workout or on hot days. I was treating it like my face acne, which was getting expensive. On a whim, I picked up an $8 PanOxyl body wash with 4% benzoyl peroxide from the drugstore. I started using it on my chest every day in the shower, letting it sit for a minute before rinsing. Within two weeks, the breakouts were gone. It was a cheap, simple, and incredibly effective solution that my expensive face products couldn’t beat.
How to Exfoliate Your Entire Body for the Smoothest Skin of Your Life
From Dull and Flaky to Unbelievably Smooth
My body skin always felt a bit rough and looked dull, especially my legs. I decided to get serious about full-body exfoliation. My game-changing routine is simple. Before I get in the shower, I use a dry brush on my dry skin in upward strokes. It feels amazing and gets the circulation going. Then, in the shower, I use a gentle sugar scrub for a final polish. The combination of the two leaves my skin feeling unbelievably soft and smooth, and my moisturizer sinks in so much better afterwards.
The Ultimate Treatment for Dry, Cracked Heels (That Actually Works)
My “Velcro Heels” Are Finally Smooth
My heels were so dry and cracked they would literally snag on my bedsheets. Lotions did nothing. The ultimate fix was a three-step, overnight process. First, I use a foot file on my dry feet before my shower to slough off the thick, dead skin. After my shower, I slather my feet in a thick cream that contains urea, a powerful softening ingredient. Finally, the most important step: I pull on a pair of cotton socks and sleep in them. This locks in the moisture, and I wake up with sandal-ready, baby-soft feet.
I Used Face Retinol on My Body Stretch Marks for 3 Months. Here’s What Happened.
An Off-Label Experiment on My Tiger Stripes
I had some reddish-purple stretch marks on my hips that made me self-conscious. I had a tube of facial retinol that was about to expire, so I decided to try an experiment and apply it to my stretch marks every night. I didn’t expect much. For the first month, nothing happened. But after three months of consistent use, I noticed a real difference. The color had faded significantly, and the texture of the skin looked smoother and less indented. It didn’t make them disappear, but it was a definite, noticeable improvement.
The “Slugging” Trend, But For Your Body: How to Get Baby-Soft Skin Overnight
Waking Up With Skin I Didn’t Recognize
In the winter, my shins and elbows get incredibly dry, flaky, and itchy. My regular body lotion just wasn’t cutting it. I decided to try “body slugging.” After my shower, I’d apply my normal moisturizer to my still-damp skin. Then, right before bed, I’d apply a thin layer of a petroleum-jelly-based ointment, like Aquaphor, over the really dry areas. This occlusive layer seals in the moisture all night. I woke up with the softest, most hydrated skin I’ve ever had. It’s a winter skin game-changer.
How to Get Rid of “Strawberry Legs” (Those Dark Dots After Shaving)
Ditching the Polka Dot Look for Good
I hated how my legs looked after shaving—covered in tiny dark dots that looked like strawberry seeds. These are open pores that have trapped oil, bacteria, and dead skin. I finally found a routine that works. First, I exfoliate before shaving. Second, I always use a sharp, fresh razor blade. The real secret weapon, however, is what I do after. Every day, I use a body lotion containing a gentle chemical exfoliant like glycolic or salicylic acid. This keeps the follicles clear and has made my “strawberry legs” a thing of the past.
The Best Body Lotions with Active Ingredients (AHA, BHA, Retinol)
Upgrading My Moisturizer from Basic to Brilliant
I used to think all body lotions were the same—just basic moisturizers. My mind was blown when I discovered body lotions with active ingredients, the same stuff I use on my face. I started using a lotion with glycolic acid (an AHA), and it completely transformed my dull, rough skin, making it bright and smooth. I also have one with salicylic acid (a BHA) that I use on my back and chest to prevent breakouts. It’s like giving your body the targeted treatment of a face serum.
My Pre- and Post-Workout Shower Routine to Prevent Body Acne
How I Outsmarted the Post-Gym Breakouts
I love working out, but I hated the body breakouts that would inevitably follow. I learned that the key is to not let sweat sit on your skin. My pre-workout routine is just changing into clean, breathable gym clothes. The post-workout routine is non-negotiable. I have to shower as soon as possible, and I use a body wash with salicylic acid. It helps to deep clean my pores and wash away all the sweat, oil, and bacteria that can cause pimples. This simple shower discipline has almost completely eliminated my workout-related body acne.
The Surprising Reason You Have Bumps on Your Butt (And How to Treat Them)
It’s Probably Not Acne, It’s Folliculitis
I used to get these annoying, pimple-like bumps on my butt and couldn’t figure out why. It turns out, it’s usually not acne, but folliculitis—inflamed hair follicles often caused by friction and trapped sweat from tight clothing (like my workout leggings). The fix was simple. I started wearing more breathable cotton underwear and made sure to shower immediately after the gym. The most effective treatment was using a wash with benzoyl peroxide on the area a few times a week, as it helps to kill the bacteria causing the inflammation.
The Art of the “Everything Shower”: My Full-Body Reset Ritual
My Weekly Spa Day in My Tiny Bathroom
The “everything shower” is my favorite weekly self-care ritual. It’s a full-system reset. I start by putting a deep conditioning mask in my hair. Then I light a candle. In the shower, I do a full-body exfoliation with a sugar scrub. I take my time shaving everything. I use my nicest-smelling body wash. The final step is crucial: after I get out, while my skin is still damp, I slather myself in a luxurious body oil. It’s a 45-minute process that makes me feel clean, renewed, and incredibly soft from head to toe.
How to Treat Sun Damage and Dark Spots on Your Chest and Shoulders
My Face Was 30, But My Chest Was 40
I was so diligent with my face sunscreen, but I neglected my chest for years. The result was a smattering of sun spots and fine lines on my décolletage that made me look older. I started treating my chest like an extension of my face. Every morning, my Vitamin C serum and sunscreen go all the way down. Every night, my retinoid goes there too. It’s a slow process, but after six months, the texture is smoother and the dark spots are noticeably lighter. Don’t let your chest betray your age!
Do Dry Brushes Actually Do Anything? My 30-Day Experiment
My Pre-Shower Ritual and the Real Results
I bought a dry brush, skeptical but intrigued by the claims of smoother skin and better circulation. For 30 days, I spent five minutes before every shower brushing my dry skin in long, upward strokes. Did it get rid of my cellulite or “detoxify” my body? No. But the benefits were real. It’s an incredible physical exfoliant; my skin has never been softer or smoother. The ritual itself also feels energizing and invigorating. It’s a great, affordable step to add for the exfoliation and sensory experience alone.
The Best Body Sunscreens That Don’t Feel Like a Sticky Mess
My Hunt for a Non-Goopy SPF
I hate the feeling of sticky, greasy body sunscreen. It makes sand stick to me and feels gross under clothes. My hunt for a cosmetically elegant body sunscreen led me to two favorite types. First, the super-lightweight “watery gel” formulas from Japanese brands like Biore. They feel like nothing on the skin. Second, for easy application, I love spray sunscreens with a “dry-touch” finish. They absorb in seconds and don’t leave a tacky residue. Finding a sunscreen I don’t hate wearing means I’m much more likely to actually use it.
How to Shave Your Legs Perfectly to Avoid Razor Burn and Ingrown Hairs
The Four Rules for Silky Smooth Legs
I used to rush through shaving and always ended up with nicks and angry red bumps. I finally perfected my technique. Rule 1: Exfoliate first. A quick scrub removes dead skin that can clog the razor. Rule 2: Use a sharp, fresh blade. A dull blade is the number one cause of irritation. Rule 3: Use a real shaving cream or gel, not just soap, to create a protective barrier. Rule 4: Moisturize immediately after you get out of the shower. This simple, four-step process gives me a super close shave with zero irritation.
My Search for a Deodorant That’s Effective But Gentle on My Skin
The Itchy Pits Problem
I was using a super-strong antiperspirant, and while it kept me dry, my underarms were always red, itchy, and irritated. I realized the harsh ingredients were too much for my sensitive skin. My search for a better option led me to deodorants formulated for sensitive skin. I look for ones that are free of aluminum, alcohol, and baking soda (a common irritant in “natural” deodorants). I found a few great options with a neutral pH that use magnesium to control odor. They’re gentle and effective.
The Truth About “Ingrown Hair” Serums and Treatments
A Chemical Solution to a Physical Problem
I’m prone to getting painful ingrown hairs, especially along my bikini line. I used to try and dig them out with tweezers, which only made things worse. I learned that the best treatment is a chemical one. I started using a serum with a blend of gentle chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid and glycolic acid. I apply it to the area every day after my shower. The acids help to keep the skin exfoliated so the hair can grow out properly instead of getting trapped. It has reduced my ingrown hairs by at least 90%.
How to Give Yourself a Spa-Worthy Pedicure at Home
My DIY Foot Facial
I love the feeling of a pedicure, but I don’t love the $50 price tag. My at-home version is just as good. First, I soak my feet in warm, soapy water for ten minutes. Then, I use a pumice stone on any rough spots. I push back my cuticles and trim and file my nails. Next, I do a simple sugar scrub on my feet and ankles. After rinsing, I dry them thoroughly and apply a thick, rich foot cream. Finally, I apply my nail polish. It’s a relaxing hour that saves me money and keeps my feet looking great.
The Unsexy but Magical Cream That Healed My Eczema Flare-ups
My Go-To for an Itch Attack
I get patches of eczema on my arms and behind my knees that get incredibly itchy and inflamed. When I have a bad flare-up, I reach for the most unglamorous product in my cabinet: a tube of hydrocortisone 1% cream. It’s not a fancy lotion; it’s a topical steroid that works by powerfully reducing inflammation. I apply a thin layer to the itchy patches twice a day for a few days. It calms the “itch-scratch” cycle and allows my irritated skin barrier to finally heal. It’s a must-have for any eczema sufferer.
Why Your Neck and Hands Age Faster (And a Routine to Protect Them)
The Forgotten Frontiers of Skincare
I was so focused on my face that I completely ignored my neck and hands. The skin there is thin and gets a ton of sun exposure, so it shows signs of aging, like spots and wrinkles, even faster. I finally started a simple routine. Every morning, whatever is left of my Vitamin C serum and sunscreen from my face gets applied to my neck and the backs of my hands. At night, my hands and neck get a layer of my facial moisturizer. It’s a simple extension of my routine that makes a huge difference.
The Best Soaps and Washes That Won’t Strip Your Skin
Ditching the Squeaky-Clean Feeling
I used to use harsh, antibacterial bar soaps on my body, thinking the “squeaky clean” feeling meant I was getting really clean. In reality, that feeling was my skin being stripped of its natural, protective oils, leaving it dry and tight. I made the switch to gentle, hydrating body washes. I look for formulas that are pH-balanced and sulfate-free, and contain hydrating ingredients like glycerin or shea butter. My skin now feels clean, but also soft and comfortable, not like a stretched-out drum.
How I Faded a Surgical Scar on My Body
My Post-Op Healing Protocol
I had a small surgery on my leg that left a dark, raised scar. I was determined to help it heal as best as possible. As soon as the stitches were out, I started my routine. Twice a day, I would firmly massage the scar for a few minutes to help break down the scar tissue. Then, I would apply a silicone scar sheet or gel. Silicone is proven to hydrate the scar and regulate collagen production. Most importantly, I was absolutely fanatical about keeping the scar covered or protected with SPF 50 sunscreen, as sun exposure can make scars darker.
The “Body-Mapping” Guide: What Rashes and Bumps in Different Places Mean
My Body Was Trying to Tell Me Something
I started paying attention to where my body skin issues were popping up. The small, rough bumps on the back of my arms were Keratosis Pilaris. The red pimples on my back and chest were acne, likely from sweat and my conditioner. The itchy, red patches in the crooks of my elbows were my eczema. The bumps on my butt were folliculitis from my workout leggings. Learning to “map” my body and identify the specific condition in each area allowed me to treat them correctly, instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach.
My Review of At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices for Body Hair
Zapping My Way to Smoothness, Slowly
Tired of constantly shaving my legs, I invested about $450 in an at-home IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) hair removal device. It’s a big commitment. You have to use it consistently once a week for several months. The process is a bit tedious, and each zap feels like a warm rubber band snap. It’s not a permanent solution, but it has significantly reduced my hair growth. I now only have to shave about once every two weeks. For me, the convenience and long-term results were worth the upfront cost and time investment.
The Most Hydrating Shower Oils for Chronically Dry Skin
The In-Shower Moisturizing Hack
In the dead of winter, my skin gets so dry that lotion sometimes isn’t enough. My secret weapon is a shower oil. I use it as the very last step of my shower. I turn the water off, and while my skin is still wet, I apply a thin layer of a shower oil (I love the one from L’Occitane). It mixes with the water on your skin to create a light, hydrating milk. Then I gently pat myself dry. It leaves my skin feeling soft and moisturized before I even step out of the bathroom.
How to Do a “Body Peel” Safely at Home for Brighter Skin
A Youth-Boosting Treatment for Below the Neck
My body skin was looking dull and I had some dark spots on my shoulders. I decided to try an at-home “body peel.” I found a product specifically formulated for the body, which had a higher concentration of glycolic acid than a face peel. One night, after my shower, I applied the peel solution to my arms, legs, and chest, and left it on for ten minutes before rinsing. My skin was a little pink afterwards, but the next day it looked so much brighter and felt incredibly smooth. It’s a great once-a-month treatment.
The Connection Between Your Laundry Detergent and Body Itchiness
The Invisible Irritant in My T-Shirt
I was experiencing random, itchy patches on my back and sides and couldn’t figure out the cause. I hadn’t changed my body wash or lotion. Then I realized I had bought a new laundry detergent that was heavily fragranced and had “fabric softeners” built in. I switched back to a simple, “free and clear” detergent with no dyes or perfumes. Within a week, the mysterious itching stopped. It was a powerful reminder that sometimes the source of skin irritation isn’t what you put on your body, but what you put on your clothes.
How to Create a Luxurious Bath Ritual That Actually Benefits Your Skin
More Than Just Bubbles
A bath for me isn’t just about getting clean; it’s a skin treatment. First, I add a few scoops of Epsom salts to help with muscle soreness. Next, instead of drying bubble bath, I add a capful of a nourishing bath oil. The oil disperses in the warm water and lightly coats my skin, so I’m moisturizing while I soak. I keep the water warm, not scalding, to avoid stripping my skin. When I get out, I gently pat dry to leave a light layer of the oil behind. My skin is left feeling soft and supple.
The Best Hand Creams That Aren’t Greasy (I Tested 10)
For Hands That Don’t Feel Like Alligator Skin
I’m constantly washing my hands, which leaves them dry, rough, and cracked. I hate the feeling of a greasy hand cream that leaves fingerprints on my phone. I went on a quest to find the best non-greasy options. My two winners were Neutrogena’s Norwegian Formula, which is super concentrated so you only need a dab, and L’Occitane’s Shea Butter Hand Cream. Both absorb incredibly quickly, leave my hands feeling soft and protected, and don’t have an overwhelming scent. I now keep a tube in my car, at my desk, and by my bed.
What to Do About “Crepey” Skin on Your Arms and Legs
The Thin, Crinkly Skin Solution
I started to notice the skin on my upper arms and above my knees was looking thin and crinkly, like crepe paper. My regular body lotion wasn’t helping. I found a two-part solution. First, hydration is key, so I apply a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid to damp skin. The real game-changer was adding a body lotion with a gentle retinoid into my routine a few nights a week. The retinol helps to stimulate collagen production, which over time, has helped to thicken the skin and improve its firm, smooth appearance.
The Surprising Benefits of Cold Showers for Your Skin
The Icy Blast That Calmed My Itch
I’d always heard about the benefits of cold showers and decided to try ending my regular warm shower with a 30-second blast of cold water. It was a shock to the system, but the benefits for my skin were real. The cold water is anti-inflammatory, so it helped to calm my itchy, eczema-prone skin. It also constricts blood vessels, so my skin looked less red and blotchy afterwards. And I found that it helped my hair look shinier. It’s a bracing but free and effective skin treatment.
How to Fake a Healthy Glow With Body Bronzers and Shimmer Oils
My Secret to Sun-Kissed Skin, No Sun Required
I’m very diligent about sun protection, but I still love the look of a healthy, sun-kissed glow. My secret is a good body bronzer or shimmer oil. For a subtle, all-over warmth, I mix a few drops of a liquid body bronzer into my daily body lotion. For a night out, I’ll apply a shimmer oil directly to my collarbones, shoulders, and down the front of my shins. It catches the light beautifully and makes my skin look radiant and healthy, without any of the sun damage.
My Guide to Finding the Right Exfoliating Scrub (Physical vs. Chemical)
Scrub-a-Dub-Dub, Choose the Right Rub
When it comes to body exfoliation, you have two main choices. Physical scrubs, like those with sugar or salt, manually slough off dead skin. They provide instant gratification and are great for non-sensitive areas like your feet and legs. Chemical exfoliants, usually lotions or washes with acids like AHA or BHA, work by dissolving the bonds holding dead skin cells together. I find these are better for sensitive areas or for targeting specific issues like body acne or “chicken skin,” as they are less likely to cause irritation than a harsh scrub.
The Financial Cost of Body Care: How Much Is Too Much?
Where I Save and Where I Splurge Below the Neck
I used to think body care had to be cheap. But I’ve developed a “save vs. splurge” philosophy. I save on body wash; a simple, gentle one from the drugstore does the job perfectly. I also save on basic daily moisturizer. I splurge on treatment products. I’m willing to spend more, around $30, on a well-formulated body lotion with active ingredients like retinol or glycolic acid, because that’s where I see real results for texture and tone. I also invest in a good, high-quality body sunscreen, because prevention is priceless.
How to Treat Psoriasis on the Body: My Personal Journey
Calming My Silver Scales
My psoriasis shows up as thick, scaly, silver patches on my elbows and knees. It’s an autoimmune condition, so there’s no cure, but I’ve learned to manage the flare-ups. My routine involves using a body wash with salicylic acid, which helps to soften and lift the scales. After my shower, I apply my prescription topical steroid cream directly to the patches to calm the inflammation. On top of that, I slather on a very thick, occlusive moisturizer to keep the area hydrated. This consistent routine helps keep the patches smoother and less noticeable.
The Best Products for Soothing a Sunburn on Your Body
My Post-Burn Emergency Kit
I fell asleep on the beach and woke up with a lobster-red, painful sunburn on my back and shoulders. My emergency recovery kit was simple but effective. First, a cool shower to bring down the skin’s temperature. Then, while my skin was still damp, I gently applied a pure aloe vera gel that I’d been keeping in the refrigerator. The cold gel felt incredible. Before bed, I took an ibuprofen to help with the inflammation and pain from the inside out. I avoided all other products and just let the aloe do its work.
Why You Should Moisturize Your Body on DAMP Skin
The Golden Rule of Hydration
I used to dry myself completely after a shower before putting on my body lotion, and I always wondered why my skin still felt dry an hour later. I learned the most important trick: apply moisturizer to slightly damp, towel-patted skin. A moisturizer’s primary job isn’t to add water to your skin, but to trap the water that’s already there. By applying it to damp skin, you’re locking in all that hydration from the shower, making the product infinitely more effective. This one simple change in timing transformed my dry skin.
I Tried a “Booty Mask.” Was It Ridiculous or Revolutionary?
A Sheet Mask for My Other Cheeks
I saw a “booty mask” online and bought it out of sheer curiosity. It was essentially two large, cheek-shaped sheet masks. I felt completely ridiculous applying it. The mask was infused with ingredients like caffeine and clay, promising to “firm” and “detoxify.” Did it revolutionize my rear end? No. But it was a fun, hydrating, and surprisingly cooling experience. It’s a totally unnecessary gimmick, but for a silly self-care Sunday, I can’t say I hated it.
The Best Lotions for Fading Body Hyperpigmentation and Scars
Evening Out the Canvas Below My Neck
I had some dark marks on my legs from old bug bites and a few sun spots on my shoulders that bothered me. I started looking for a body lotion that could actually treat hyperpigmentation. I found that the most effective ones contain a cocktail of ingredients. I look for formulas with a gentle chemical exfoliant like glycolic acid to increase cell turnover, combined with a brightening ingredient like niacinamide, Vitamin C, or retinol. Consistent, nightly use of a lotion like this has done wonders for fading those stubborn body spots.
How to Deal With Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis) and Skin Irritation
My Battle with My Overactive Sweat Glands
I sweat a lot, especially from my underarms, which used to lead to constant wet patches and skin irritation. Regular antiperspirant wasn’t cutting it. The solution for me was a “clinical strength” antiperspirant. I apply it at night to completely dry skin. Applying it at night gives the active ingredients time to work and form a plug in the sweat ducts. This has reduced my daily sweating by at least 70%. For the remaining irritation, keeping the area dry and wearing breathable fabrics is key.
The Role of Fabric (Cotton vs. Polyester) in Body Acne
My T-Shirt Was Giving Me Bacne
I used to wear tight, polyester-blend tech shirts for my workouts, thinking they were high-performance. But I was always getting acne on my back and chest. I learned that synthetic fabrics like polyester trap heat and moisture, creating a perfect environment for the bacteria that causes acne. I switched to wearing loose-fitting, 100% cotton t-shirts instead. Cotton is much more breathable and absorbs sweat. This simple fabric swap, along with showering right after my workout, made a huge difference in clearing up my body breakouts.
My “Get Ready for Summer” 1-Month Body Care Plan
Operation: Shorts Season
About a month before summer, I kick my body care into high gear. Week 1, I focus on exfoliation, using a body lotion with AHA every night to get rid of dull winter skin. Week 2, I introduce a self-tanner, applying it every few days to build up a gradual, natural-looking glow. Week 3, I get an at-home pedicure and focus on getting my cracked heels smooth. Week 4, the final week, is all about hydration. I use rich body creams and oils every day so my skin is plump, smooth, and radiant.
The Ultimate Guide to Self-Tanning Without Streaks or Orange Hands
My Foolproof Faux Glow Method
I’ve had every self-tanning disaster imaginable. I’ve finally perfected my streak-free method. First, I exfoliate my entire body 24 hours before tanning. Right before application, I apply a light layer of regular lotion to my dry areas—knees, elbows, ankles, and wrists—to prevent them from getting too dark. I always, always apply the tanner with a velvet mitt, using long, sweeping motions. For my hands and feet, I use the leftover product on the mitt for a very light touch. And I wash my hands with soap immediately after.
How to Care for Your Skin After Waxing or Sugaring
Preventing the Post-Hair-Removal Bumps
The 24 hours after a wax are crucial for preventing irritation and ingrown hairs. My post-waxing rules are simple. I avoid all heat: no hot baths, saunas, or intense workouts. I wear loose, soft, breathable clothing to avoid friction. I don’t apply any heavily fragranced lotions. Starting two days after the wax, I begin to gently exfoliate the area every day with a salicylic acid pad. This keeps the follicles clear as the new hair starts to grow in, which is the key to preventing those painful ingrown bumps.
The Unsung Heroes of Body Care: Products You Didn’t Know You Needed
My Odd-But-Essential Body Product Lineup
Beyond just lotion and soap, I have a few unsung heroes in my body care arsenal. First, a good foot file—it’s more effective than any scrub for calluses. Second, an exfoliating body lotion with AHA or BHA—it does the work of a scrub while you sleep. Third, a silicone scar sheet—the best non-invasive treatment for fading scars. And finally, a simple tub of Aquaphor. I use it on dry cuticles, cracked heels, and chapped lips. These aren’t glamorous products, but they are incredibly effective problem-solvers.
My “Before Bed” Body Care Routine for Softer Skin by Morning
My 3-Minute Nightly Ritual
My simple, nightly body care routine ensures I wake up with softer skin. It takes about three minutes. First, I focus on my feet. I slather on a thick foot cream and then pull on a pair of socks to lock it in. Next, I apply a rich, nourishing hand cream and really massage it into my cuticles. Finally, I apply a lip mask or a thick layer of balm to my lips. These three areas—feet, hands, and lips—tend to get the most dry, and giving them this extra attention at night makes a huge difference.
How a Bath Oil Transformed My Dry, Itchy Winter Skin
The In-Bath Moisturizer
I love taking baths in the winter, but the hot water would always leave my skin feeling dry, tight, and itchy. Bubble baths just made it worse. The game-changer was a bath oil. I add a capful to the warm water as the tub is filling. The oil disperses and lightly coats my skin while I’m soaking. It feels incredibly luxurious, and when I get out, my skin is left with a fine, moisturizing film. I just gently pat dry. It combats the drying effects of the hot water and leaves my skin feeling soft for hours.
The One Body Care Habit I Wish I Started in My 20s
The Easiest Anti-Aging Trick in the Book
If I could go back in time, the one body care habit I would force on my 20-year-old self is applying sunscreen to my hands and chest every single day. I was so good about my face, but I completely ignored these areas. Now, in my 30s, I can see the evidence in the form of small sun spots and fine lines on my décolletage. Using the leftover sunscreen from my face and rubbing it onto my chest and the backs of my hands takes ten extra seconds. It’s the easiest, cheapest, and most effective anti-aging insurance policy there is.