Despite what you might think, the first step to a bangin’ body isn’t hitting the gym. It’s debunking the body skincare myths that are leaving your skin dull, dry and – brace yourself – prematurely aged! Because the truth is, while the wrong products or habits will leave your skin dry and dull, the RIGHT ones will leave you soft, supple and glowing.
In this guide to body care BS, we’ll separate the fact from fiction, so you can build a body care routine that will transform your skin – from belly to booty, and everywhere in between. Read on!
Skincare Myth 1: You don’t need to moisturise your body
You moisturise the skin on your face daily, so why-oh-why would you neglect your poor old bod? Maintaining hydration is essential for skin that’s soft, supple, smooth and radiant – so reach for a nourishing, antioxidant-rich body cream or lotion on the reg!
Replacing moisture lost through hot showers, artificial heating and the elements, it will fight flakes and help delay premature ageing. But don’t wait until your limbs are parched or peeling to give them some TLC! Prevention is always better than a cure, so lock in that precious moisture by applying your body moisturiser straight after showering. Your skin will thank you!
Skincare Myth 2: The more you shower, the better
The cleaner your skin the better, right? Well, not necessarily. While we’re definitely not suggesting you let your personal hygiene standards slide, you might want to consider if that third – or even second – daily shower is really necessary.
To keep the skin’s protective barrier intact, it’s best to bathe only once or twice a day to avoid washing away natural – and necessary! – oils. And if you have really dry or sensitive skin? Sticking with once a day will help prevent itching and irritation.
Skincare Myth 3: You don’t need to take as much care with your body skin
If you think you can play rough with the skin on your body, think again. While some areas are hardier than facial skin, other areas – namely the skin on your neck and chest and backs of the hands – are similarly thin and quick to show signs of ageing.
Make sure you keep these areas in particular hydrated and protected from UV exposure, and be gentle when washing, scrubbing and drying your skin – from top to toe.
Skincare Myth 4: It’s fine to use face products on your body
The skin on your face and body differs in terms of thickness, sensitivity and number of hair follicles, oil and sweat glands, so mixing up your face and body care products is a no-no. While using body prods on your face is undoubtedly the bigger blunder, using your facial skincare products on your body is also less than ideal.
Why? Skincare and body care products are specifically formulated for the area they are meant to be applied to. So, sticking to their intended use will yield MUCH better results! You’ll also end up using a lot more product if you put your face prods on your bod – and end up flushing your hard-earned dollars down the drain.
Skincare Myth 5: Fake tan is bad for your skin
This common bodycare myth contains a kernel of truth – but only if you’re reaching for the wrong fake tanning prod! While cheap and nasty self-tanners packed with chemicals and dodgy DHA can leave your skin dry as toast or breaking out, there are also high-quality options that will leave your skin glowing even after your colour fades.
The secret is to choose a self-tanner formulated with hydrating, anti-ageing ingredients that are also non-comedogenic (non-pore clogging, aka non-pimple causing). Bonus points if it’s also firming, like our Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam!
Skincare Myth 6: You can use shampoo as a body wash
You might have tried this in a pinch, but using shampoo as a body wash shouldn’t become a habit. Shampoos designed to strip your hair of dirt, product build and excess oils are too drying for the skin. Regular use will likely leave the skin tight and uncomfortable, and potentially cause irritation.
Skincare Myth 7: You can’t use a body scrub if you have sensitive skin
We’re obsessed with exfoliating – and for good reason. Not only does it boost sluggish skin cell turnover and keep skin youthful and blemish free, it also helps your other products – like body moisturiser and fake tan – absorb and work better. So, it’s a bit of a no brainer.
But what about sensitive skin? While it’s true some skin types should take extra care, there’s no reason to miss out on exfoliating’s many benefits. Instead, make sure you choose a skin-loving sugar scrub with natural ingredients, and apply GENTLY. Go easy with the scrubbing, do a patch test first, and follow your scrub sesh with a moisturiser for silky-smooth, irritation-free results.
Skincare Myth 8: It’s fine to tan your body as long as you protect your face
The sun is the number one culprit for causing premature lines, wrinkles and uneven pigmentation on the face. It’s a fact most of us accept; however, far too many of us bury our head in the sand when it comes to the damage it’s causing below the neck.
The truth is, the skin on your body is just as susceptible to UV-induced ageing as your face. Not to mention skin cancer! The only safe tan is a fake tan, so apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing and seek shade when UV levels are 3 or above.
Check out more guides & tips here!
Written by: Pip Jarvis
Edited By: Vidhya
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