I’m well aware that this will not be a typical winter. We’ll still be social distancing and wearing face masks. Nevertheless, I thought I’d share some of my favorite body products to make my skin look and feel good.
Usually, in the winter, we’re layered in a ton of clothing, and we tend to be more lackadaisical about the skin on our bodies. It’s not until the warm weather hits that most people become more diligent about getting our feet right for sandals and those bikini waxes. But, with the colder weather and the limited places to go, using body products has been a form of self-care and self-love more than ever. I’m going to take care of my body even if no one sees it but me. I’ve also decided to try and find peace and joy even with all the craziness going on. And sometimes, that’s found in simple things like taking a bath, gently exfoliating in the shower, or moisturizing my legs while listening to some 2000’s R&B (Jill Scott anyone?).
Loving yourself wholly and completely is so much more than just looking pretty and put together; it’s all about how you feel. So, here are a few of my favorite body products for EVERY part of my body.
**Self-care is a simple concept, in theory, but it’s something we all often overlook. Proper self-care is key to improving your mood and reducing anxiety. I also think self-care is crucial to having the best relationship with yourself and others.
IN THE SHOWER
As you all know, I suffer from drier skin on my body and more eczema flare-ups in the colder months. Having a rotation of nourishing cleansing products can drastically help with those issues. If dry skin is an issue for you, try out these body cleansers. I’ve put an asterisk after the ones I’d recommend specifically for eczema-prone skin:
- Jordan Samuel Skin After Show Body Cleanser
- Bioderma Atoderm Cleansing Oil
- SkinFix Eczema+ Foaming Oil Body Wash*
- Necessaire The Body Wash – Fragrance-Free
- Aveeno Skin Relief Fragrance-Free Body Wash*
I’m pretty obsessed with using my exfoliating gloves and silicone exfoliating back scrubber in the shower. They do a great job at exfoliating dead skin off your body. And the exfoliating body scrubber is perfect since it can be hard to get to my entire back using just my arms.
As far as exfoliating areas you may shave, and where ingrown hairs can form, I like to use Paula’s Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA. I love using this for my bikini area and under my arms as well, even though I get that area waxed!
To add a little more nourishment to my body, I like to use the Bioderma Atoderm Cleansing Oil if I plan on shaving. Not only does it leave my skin feeling moisturized and supple after a shower, but it can also double as nourishing shaving cream.
BALMS, CREAMS & OILS
Unless you don’t mind turning into a scaly, ashy mess and emerging as a snake instead of a butterfly in the Spring, I’d suggest you heavily moisturize daily this fall and winter. Stay ready, so you don’t have to get ready. You feel me?!
For my body, especially in the colder months, I love an indulgent, rich body cream. And the SKNMUSE Cacao Body Butter smells fantastic and gets my skin right! Some other favorites to protect me from Level 10 ashiness is Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Body Butter and Bioderma Atoderm Body Lotion. These are perfect for New York winters. I also like to layer body oils on top of moisturizers at night. I generally use jojoba oil or sweet avocado oil.
THESE AREAS NEED LOVE TOO (FEET, UNDERARMS & PUBIC AREA)
In addition to using the exfoliating gloves I referenced above on my feet, I’ve also been trying out the Roots & Bloom regimen. They have a system for your feet that helps to exfoliate, hydrate, and repair dry, cracked feet…and it works! I hate when my feet aren’t soft and smooth since I love being barefoot. So, this kit has been a great find! I’d recommend this kit for anyone suffering from dry, cracked feet and heels. Look out for a review on the Roots & Bloom products soon.
Now, when it comes to my bikini area, there are a few products I like to use. As a disclaimer, I get a Brazilian wax every 6-8 weeks. I apply my Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant a few times a week to prevent ingrown hairs and dark spots. You can absolutely use a gentle acid toner that you currently have in your cabinet. I like the 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant because salicylic acid is great for preventing and treating ingrown hairs. A BHA penetrates deeper into the pores to dislodge the dead skin buildup and oil, resulting in fewer blockages. I then apply my Necessaire Body Serum to hydrate the area (you can use any hyaluronic serum you have). Lastly, I moisturize the area with my body lotion. By doing this, I have prevented ingrowns, evened out the skin tone in my bikini area, and my bikini waxes have been quicker and more comfortable.
Finally, people tend to neglect their underarms. And until recently, I was one of them. We scrub them, shave them, and don’t show them much love, but the underarms’ skin might be the most delicate on your body. To prevent razor bumps and reduce discoloration from shaving, I use acid toners too.
PAIN RELIEVERS
I have plantar fascitis, so I frequently experience foot pain. I also wake up stiff and sore when I workout. So, taking a long, warm bath with Naturopatica’s Sweet Birch Magnesium Salt Flakes or epsom salt instantly makes me feel looser, calmer, and less sore. I also love to massage in Naturopathica’s Chill CBD + Kava Balm on my feet and shoulders. Y’all, this stuff is amazing! My body parts are soothed immediately, and in just 15 minutes, those areas become a little numb, too (in a good way)!
Alright beauties, that’s it! I always forget how much I use for my body until I write these posts! It’s quite a lot, but I hope it’s helpful.
What are some of your favorite body products? Leave them below in the comments.
And let me know if you’ve ever used any of the above products and what you thought of them.
For more on my body care favorites, check out this blog post here.
Wow this is amazing! Thank you for this post. I have eczema and this summer my skin freaked I couldn’t wash with anything exfoliating I could only use dove unscented bar soap and my hands. My skin is doing better now thankfully and I will hopefully be incorporating some of the things you’ve mentioned! The mindfulness tip is also highly important. Appreciate you!