Body skin is usually protected due to the fact that we are wearing clothes. However, even though clothing protects our skin from the environment, non-breathable clothing or multiple layers prevents our skin from “breathing” and allows bacteria to grow on our skin if we are sweating. This can lead to skin irritation and body odour.
In general, good body skincare is much more simple compared to facial skincare. It mostly involves good personal hygiene and some additional steps depending on any skin conditions that you may have.
Body skincare routine
- Shower
- Once or twice a day; After exercises; After sweaty hard work; After prolonged sweating in hot weather;
- It is important to shower at least once or twice a day. Showering not only keeps you clean but reduces bacterial buildup.
Equally important is to shower after you sweat to prevent the bad bacteria on your skin from feeding on the sweat thus increasing the population of bad bacteria on your skin. After feeding on the sweat components, the waste materials contribute to body odour.
- Exfoliate / Scrub
- One to two times a week
- You may use a body scrub to remove dead skin cells, clear pores and reveal healthier skin at the deeper levels.
- Applying Moisturiser or Body Lotion
- Once or twice a day (optional)
- Use a moisturiser or body lotion to keep your skin hydrated throughout the day. The elements are can be extremely stressful for your skin. At night, it would be good to apply a body lotion after showering because showering removes dirt and grime but it also removes some of your natural body oils which could dry your skin. Applying a lotion is important for those experiencing dry skin and if you sleep using air-conditioning during the night.
- Applying Sunblock
- Once a day (optional)
- If you are stepping out into the sun, use sunblock to prevent the UV rays from damaging your skin.