The right skincare routine is an absolute necessity to make sure your complexion is getting everything it needs to stay healthy and youthful-looking. But so many men and women ignore this advice when it comes to the skin below their neck. You can’t expect your body to say supple, soft, and hydrated if you’re not giving it the proper care. If this is your first foray into caring for skin other than what’s on your face, we’ve put together an effective body care routine for soft skin. See our guide to body skincare below, plus all the products you’ll need to keep your skin soft, smooth, and looking its best.
Step 1: Start By Getting Clean
Whether you prefer to shower in the morning or before bed, soaping up should always be the first step in your body care routine. Apply your chosen body wash to dampened skin and use a loofah, washcloth, or your hands to lather up and wash away dirt, sweat, and oil. Look for a formula with hydrating ingredients, like one of the below, to help keep your skin soft and smooth.
For All Skin Types:
"Made for ALL" Gentle Body CleanserOur top-rated "Made for ALL" Gentle Body Cleanser is a favorite amongst Kiehl’s customers, thanks to its ultra-mild formula. The biodegradable body wash is made with 95 percent naturally-derived ingredients, including aloe vera and soap tree extract, for a gentle full-body clean. It’s dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested, so it’s safe for those with sensitive skin.
For Normal Skin:
Bath and Shower Liquid Body CleanserTo address your daily body wash needs, we recommend reaching for the classic Bath and Shower Liquid Body Cleanser. This gentle foaming body wash contains sodium PCA, a humectant derived from amino acids to help skin maintain moisture. It’s available in four stunning scents, including a refreshing grapefruit variety, coriander, lavender, and a "pour homme" aroma for men. Pick your favorite fragrance and lather up for a refreshing (and aromatherapeutic) shower ritual.
For Dry Skin:
Creme de Corps Smoothing Oil-to-Foam Body CleanserIf you have dry skin, create suds with a hydrating body wash, such as Creme de Corps Smoothing Oil-to-Foam Liquid Body Cleanser. This unique oil cleanser transforms into a light, fine foam to gently remove dirt and oil from the skin’s surface. The silky formula contains antioxidant-rich grapeseed oil and castor oil to leave skin feeling soft, supple, and hydrated.
Kiehl's Expert Tip: To provide your skin with a little extra TLC, hop in the tub and add Lavender Foaming Relaxing Bath to the water while you soak. This fragrant bath foam features glycerin to help condition and moisturize the skin, plus lavender essential oil to relax the senses for an ultra-calming bath experience.
Step 2: Slough Away Dead Skin
Keep your skin soft and smooth by incorporating a body scrub into your weekly body skincare routine. We recommend Gently Exfoliating Body Scrub, which stars comforting chamomile extract and powdered apricot seeds to exfoliate the skin without over-drying. The rich formula also contains cocoa butter and shea butter for an ultra-hydrating, indulgent feel.
While you’re in the shower, apply the scrub to clean, wet skin and gently massage it in circular motions. Pay special attention to dry, cracked areas, and avoid the face and other spots where skin is more sensitive. Rinse thoroughly to remove all abrasives and any scrub residue.
Kiehl's Expert Tip: Steaming showers may be relaxing (and feel amazing in the winter), but we recommend showering with warm (not hot) water. Super-hot water can dehydrate the skin and damage the skin barrier. If you must take a steamy shower, try to limit it to 10 minutes or less to minimize damage to your skin.I
Step 3: Moisturize Your Body
Arguably the most important step in your body care routine for soft skin is moisturizing. Regardless of your skin type, keeping the skin barrier hydrated is crucial for healthy-looking (and supple-feeling) skin. You’ll want to reach for a body lotion formulated for your specific skincare needs and apply it every day after showering. Instead of toweling off post-shower, moisturize while skin is still damp to lock in moisture. Choose from these three Kiehl’s-favorite body moisturizers.
For All Skin Types:
Creme de Corps Body LotionOur best-selling Creme de Corps body lotion has remained a Kiehl’s body skincare staple since the 1980s. The classic body cream is formulated with softening cocoa butter and hydrating squalane to help moisturize and improve skin texture. Apply after showering, while skin is still damp, and let it soak in as you continue your body care routine.
For Normal Skin:
Deluxe Hand & Body LotionSoften and pamper your skin with the iconic Deluxe Hand & Body Lotion (a Kiehl’s essential for nearly 60 years). This gentle formula includes aloe vera and oatmeal to nurture and soften the skin. It’s suitable for all skin types and soaks into skin easily for a silky, hydrated feel. Pick from three classic scents: soothing lavender, herbaceous coriander, or refreshing grapefruit.
For Dry Skin:
Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Whipped Body ButterFor deep hydration, reach for Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Whipped Body Butter. This decadent yet surprisingly lightweight body butter features rich jojoba butter and emollient honey to provide all-day hydration. It soaks in quickly, leaving dry skin feeling soft and smooth.
Step 4: Care For Your Hands and Feet
The final step in your body skincare routine is to moisturize your hands and feet. The formula you choose should be designed to target your unique needs. For daily moisture, a lightweight, multi-use formula is ideal, while those with ultra-dry or damaged skin may benefit from a more intensive treatment.
For Hands:
Richly Hydrating Scented Hand Cream or Ultimate Strength Hand SalveEven if your hands don’t feel dry, they require deeper hydration than the rest of your body since you’re always using (and washing) them. We recommend using a thick lotion, such as Richly Hydrating Scented Hand Cream. This moisturizing formula features shea butter and vitamin E to leave skin feeling soft and moisturized all day.
For ultra-dry, cracked, or irritated skin, reach for a soothing repairing hand treatment, such as Ultimate Strength Hand Salve. This super-rich formula features rich avocado oil and eucalyptus oil and forms a glove-like barrier to protect skin against moisture loss. It’s ideal for repairing and soothing severely dry, cracked hands, particularly those exposed to harsh elements or used for manual labor.
For Feet:
Intensive Treatment & Moisturizer For Dry or Callused AreasHydrate dry, callused feet with Intensive Treatment & Moisturizer For Dry or Callused Areas. This heavy-duty moisturizer contains a blend of rich plant-derived emollients, including avocado oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter to help soothe parched skin. Massage a small amount onto clean feet after showering to soften rough, calloused soles.
Kiehl's Expert Tip: For extra hydration, apply a thick layer of this intensive treatment to clean feet before bed. Before it absorbs, pull on a pair of breathable cotton socks. This helps lock in moisture for softer feet by morning..
Next: How to Exfoliate your Body
Source:
I."Ask a Dermatologist: Do long, hot showers damage your skin?" American Academy of Dermatology. 6 Oct 2018. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/hot-showers-damage-skin
