We spend a lot of time using skincare on our face, but we often forget that the rest of our body is also susceptible to ageing too.
People rarely think about using specific products on their body in the same way they do their face – for most, it’s just body lotion and you’re done!
As with your face, your body skin changes with age.
According to the National Institute on Ageing in the US (NIA), it becomes thinner, loses fat, and no longer looks as plump and smooth as it once did. Your veins and bones can be seen more easily. Scratches, cuts, or bumps can take longer to heal.
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We should be taking care of our body in the same way we do our face in order to keep our skin as healthy and as youthful looking as possible.
Here’s some steps to incorporate into your body care routine to keep the rest of your body looking as young as your face.
Exfoliate
According to Healthline, removing dead skin cells can help to improve skin texture and skin tone.
Blood circulation is also a big benefit of exfoliating – stimulating your blood flow and the motion of exfoliating helps the appearance of cellulite and your all over glow.
It also can help to strengthen the skin tissue, helping with skin tone and the health of the living tissue. Removing the dead old layers of the skin also allows the body to more easily absorb the products you apply after like body moisturiser and oils.
The skin on our body is tougher than the skin on our face, meaning we can use abrasive scrubs and it won’t damage the skin or be overly harsh. Sanctuary Spa Salt Body Scrub (€18.00) is a nourishing but exfoliating scrub that has a luxurious scent.
If you’re not crazy for a physical scrub, the Ultraceuticals Retexturising Body Complex (€85.50) is a chemical exfoliant in a body lotion, so it works at removing that dead skin without you needing to scrub your skin. It also has added moisturisers to make sure your skin won’t dry out.
Hydrate
Are you a face-only moisturising person? If so, you may want to change that. The skin is the largest organ we have, and works as a unified system. If you’re neglecting a large part of it, then the rest is working overtime – meaning your skin won’t look its best.
Mona Gohara, a dermatologist at Yale University, told Allure: “Your skin is the biggest organ in your body. It’s not bloody or guts-y, but it’s still an organ, and organs need water.”
Make sure you’re using a moisturiser that’s right for your skin – if you’re dry, use something very hydrating. If you’re oily, you might want to opt for something that’s more of a lighter gel.
If you have any specific skin issues, you could look into a moisturiser that combats that, such as Cerave Salicylic Acid Cream (€12.99), which works to exfoliate the skin, eliminate texture and combat acne.
You’ve heard of retinol for your face, but retinol can also be found in body lotion, such as The Solution Retinol Body Lotion (€12.00) and it can give a smoothing, youthful look to the skin.
Protect
One of the most basic things you can do that makes a massive difference with visible ageing, is wearing SPF – otherwise known as suncream. While we should be wearing it year round, it’s especially important as we’re coming into the summer.
It is the number one anti-wrinkle, anti-dark spot, anti-sagging product you can use.
Avene Very High Protection Sports Fluid (€21.95) is a light sun cream that sinks into the skin fast and is suitable for sensitive skin types.
The Rituals Sun Protection Milky Spray (€18.50) is an easy option to use to top up your protection throughout the day.
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