7 Bodycare Tips That Work Smarter, Not Harder, for Soft Skin

Remember when I said I was going to Invest heavily in body care Will winter come for fresh skin? Yes, that was before New York City experienced an arctic heatwave that felt like 9 degrees Fahrenheit. As much as I tried to prevent the resulting dryness, shin scale season arrived with full force. That said, it’s a little more manageable considering I use all the basics like scrubs, moisturizing cleansers, and plenty of body oils, but it’s still soul-devastating.

So I’m trying to get my skin back to its baby-smooth state. Given the fact that we’re flopping around in the dead of winter, we need to focus on effective tips (or should we say smart strategies that aren’t difficult) that have immediate and long-term results, so we sent out an SOS call to the experts for the most reliable hacks. Find all of them and the products I use below that have really made a noticeable difference.

1. Dry brush before showering

Dry brushing has many benefits, including improved blood circulation, improved lymphatic drainage, and smoother skin without flaking. It’s not a lie. Literally, as you brush with gentle upward strokes, you can feel the dead skin lifting off your hands and feet (gross, but very satisfying). I try to do this routine at least three times a week, and ideally every day during the winter. I also keep my chosen brush above my bathroom sink for easy access (and a visual reminder) before I step into the shower. please remember everytime Moisturizing after rinsing is an important precaution, but especially after dry brushing. This physical exfoliation improves the absorption of body lotions and oils, so you should take advantage of a clear, even canvas.

2. Try a deep conditioning body treatment

you’ve probably heard of it It’s a deep conditioner for your hair, but what about your skin? Similar to applying a buttery mask to your hair, these body treatments act as an in-shower step for some extra TLC. After cleansing your body as usual, apply a scoop of the product directly to wet skin (the areas that are most prone to dryness), massage, and wait 1-2 minutes for the nutrients to be absorbed. Rinse without scrubbing (don’t remove the butter or oil completely), pat your skin dry, then apply another lotion or oil to lock in moisture. It may sound a little extra, but for me, the extra shower step Made a huge difference to my reptilian level shins.

3. Apply body oil in the shower

“Never [use] It’s the oil itself,” declares the esthetician. jess bowers. Oils are occlusive in nature, trapping moisture in the skin. However, it cannot do its job effectively if it cannot trap moisture underneath. If you’re casually applying body oil, but somehow your skin feels drier than before, reconsider how you apply it. You may be harming your skin without even realizing it.

Experts recommend patting your skin dry with a towel to ensure you can use your next body care product while your skin is still damp. Really For extra hydration, try skipping towel drying altogether. As soon as you stop spraying, apply body oil in the shower and massage until completely absorbed. At this point, your skin is no longer drenched and is naturally buttery soft.

4. Mix body oil and lotion

Even if you can’t imagine skipping a towel dry (in moderation), make sure your skin is slightly damp before applying the oil. And if you want to add a little more shine, “mix a few drops into yours” I’m a big believer in this hack personally, especially if you’re preparing for an event that will expose your shins and shoulders. This oil will keep your hands and feet looking shiny without being too sticky or slippery to wear after rinsing.

5. Apply a foot mask overnight

Is there anyone who is worried about heel deterioration? I swear, as soon as the weather gets nice, my feet are the first to get stiff. And look, we know it’s not sandal season, but you can’t ignore your chapped, dry feet and ensure baby-smooth skin all over your body. It just looks unstable. A regular foot mask, especially one that can be left on overnight, can be very helpful in alleviating that painful dryness. Apply a deep moisturizing formula and wear socks to keep gunk from staining your sheets. You’ll be impressed by how soft your feet feel in the morning

Don’t you have a mask? No problem. Just use an occlusive jelly balm like Aquaphor. “One of my favorite tricks is to apply Aquaphor to the feet under the socks at night,” says the double-board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Kelly Killeen, FACS. “This really keeps your feet moisturized and prevents them from cracking.”

Important note: When using a pre-formulated foot mask, make sure the product you choose is strictly moisturizing, rather than an exfoliating acid-infused peel. The latter is great for sloughing off dead, flaky skin, but you definitely don’t want to leave it on overnight and risk irritation.

6. Sleep next to a humidifier

using ‘ Humidifiers can help keep your skin hydrated during the dry winter months, says a board-certified dermatologist. Dr. Camille Howard Verovich. Bowers agrees, recommending a desktop option that you can keep next to your bed. “In addition to providing warmth, this also draws moisture away from the skin during dry seasons,” she points out. Not to mention, transepidermal water loss (that’s when water literally evaporates from your pores, great thing!) increases at night when your skin goes into repair mode. Using a humidifier can prevent dry air from accelerating this process. Pro tip from Bowers: Choose a travel-sized device that’s easy to clean, refill, and take with you on the go.

7. Put your extra skincare to good use

My beauty rule is to not towel off excess skin care products. grabbed a lot Night cream? Apply generously to décolletage. Do you have any leftover AHA toner? Tap it on the back of your arm. Are you using too much face oil? Please use it for cuticle care. There’s always one part of your body that can benefit from powerful actives, but when in doubt, Bowers advises massaging the leftovers into your hands. “Recently, what I love is Songy [Multi Moisture Cream]— use the extra on your hands,” she shares.[It’s] It’s the best non-sticky formula. ”

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