While most of us will have a multi-step, concern-led skincare routine that targets underlying concerns (re: acne, dehydration, pigmentation, dullness, and more), our efforts seem to falter with body care. If you are guilty of this grave oversight (been there, done that), here's a reminder that skincare goes well beyond the face. So, this year, recommit yourself to an intensive care body regimen with picks from Nykaa. Before you get to this editor-approved curation, take a look at reasons why a customised body care regimen is non-negotiable.
Why a Tailored Body Care Routine Is Important
Like your face, the rest of your body also demands an unfailing cleanse, treat, seal and protect ritual on the reg. Needless to say, the use of generic products on a lonesome Sunday won’t hit the sweet spot – even if it ensures a luxurious and relaxing experience for the soul. Instead, you must swear by a customised regimen complete with active-laced formulations suited for your skin type and its concerns. Actives in body care have seen stratospheric success for showing time-bound, visible results for a gamut of concerns.
From retinol to combat premature skin ageing to hyaluronic acid to ensure supple and soft limbs, the right recipe for the right individual can elevate their overall skin health exponentially.
1. Cleanse
The preliminary step in your body care ritual, cleansing, removes every morsel of dust, sebum and pollution from the pores for a renewed complexion. Furthermore, based on your concern, you can narrow the search for the perfect body cleanser (or wash) in an avalanche of offerings. If you wish to combat dryness or flakiness, look for a humectant-based formula that serves as a moisture bank for your skin. On the far end of the spectrum, if the sight of clogged pores, strawberry skin or excessive greasiness has you down in the dumps, exfoliant-forward (salicylic, glycolic, and lactic acid is the way to go.
Nykaa Recommends:
For Bolstering Skin Health - Dot & Key Hyaluronic & Ceramides Daily Hydrating Body Shower Gel For Normal to Dry Skin
For Deep Hydration - Moody 7D Hydro Burst Body Wash- Hyaluronic Acid, Deeply Cleanses Skin, Provides Instant Hydration
For Fighting Acne - Be Bodywise Acne Defense Pack 1% Salicylic Acid Body Wash & 1% Kojic Acid Body Lotion SPF 30
For Curbing Excess Oil Production - Dr. Sheth's Neem & Salicylic Acid Body Wash
2. Exfoliate
In case your skin has excessive buildup sitting atop, turn to a potent exfoliant in the form of a body scrub. This grainy whip dissolves dead-dried cells to encourage healthy cell turnover. Results? A rejuvenated and bright complexion. Furthermore, a body scrub prevents episodes of razor burns and ingrown hair – the perfect precursor to an in-shower shave session. Turn to formulas crammed with AHAs, BHAs or natural exfoliants (like walnut, orange peel, oatmeal, caffeine, sugar and more) to get a single-tone complexion.
Nykaa Recommends:
For Preventing Razor Bumps - Sanfe Spotlite Ingrown Hair & Bumps Clearing Body Scrub For Dark Underarms, 10% Glycolic Acid
For Removing Tan - MCaffeine Exfoliating Coffee Body Scrub For Tan Removal & Soft-Smooth Skin - 100% Natural
For A Brightened Complexion - Love Beauty & Planet Exfoliating Vitamin C & Orange Body Scrub
For Buffing Away Dead Cells - Plum BodyLovin' Vanilla Vibes Sugar Body Scrub
3. Treat
A body serum is a concentrated, lightweight treatment that seeps into the skin to address concerns. Earlier a niche, ‘body serums’ are slowly and steadily cementing their position in the beauty market – as consumers create more holistic beauty regimens to elevate their skin health and wellness. So, if you are looking to tackle skin dullness, opt for a vitamin C-infused body serum. A powerful antioxidant, vitamin C reduces dark spots and patches while shielding the skin against external aggressors. To double down efforts for body exfoliation, turn to AHA or BHA imbued formula.
Nykaa Recommends:
For Skin Brightening - Pilgrim Hydrating Vitamin C Brightening Body Serum
For Hydrating and Tightening - SKINDULGE Revive My Skin Body Serum
4. Moisturise
Next, slather a generous amount of your body moisturiser to seal in the treatment. Just like the face, your body needs a healthy mix of emollients and hydrators (in the AM and PM) for its supple, soft appearance. You can opt for a cream enriched with natural humectants like aloe, coconut water, jojoba oil – the safest bet for folks with skin sensitivities. Remember, sun protection is non-negotiable, which is why we recommend concoctions with SPF 15 to prevent damage and superficial skin burns.
Nykaa Recommends:
For Protection Against Aggressors - NIVEA SOFT Light cream-Vit E & Jojoba oil for Non-sticky- Fresh, Soft & Hydrated skin
For Sun Protection - WishCare Sunscreen Body Lotion SPF 50 Broad Spectrum - PA+++ UVA & UVB Protection
Alternatively, if you have exceptionally parched skin or are facing the brunt of a biting winter – swap your regular body lotion/moisturiser with a body butter. This decadent whip will deeply nourish and condition your skin without clogging the pores for a lustrous shine.
