Best in Body: Summer Body Care Essentials

skin care11 months ago

Planning to show some skin this summer?

Here is your lineup of the best in summer body care essentials. Summer has arrived, and it’s not just our wardrobe go-to’s that need to be swapped – we have to revamp our body care regimen, too.

Say hello to products that will keep your skin smooth, clear, and hydrated. I made sure to include products in all price ranges in each section, because a luxury price tag doesn’t always been a better product.

Also, I’d be remiss not to mention what derms everywhere have been telling us for ages – WEAR YOUR SPF!

scrubs + exfoliants

Exfoliants are an absolute must-have in your summer body care routine! Not only does buffing help cleanse the skin of grease and sweat, but it also sloughs away dead skin cells, which helps your moisturizing products penetrate into your healthy, living layers of skin instead of dead skin (which won’t be able to absorb and use it). The ones I linked below are all physical exfoliants; but some of them incorporate chemical exfoliants (like glycolic acid), too. A balanced combination of using the two are key. Don’t underestimate a good tool, either!

skin-friendly body wash

No shower routine is complete without a fantastic body wash. If you haven’t already, switch to a body wash infused with hydrating ingredients that provide a refreshing boost to your skin. Necessaire and Saltair products are full of skin-loving ingredients like niacinamide which strengthens the skin barrier and promotes brightening. The viral kojic acid bar soap is chock full of turmeric and vitamin C, and has been heralded as a heaven sent solution for blemishes and scarring. If I’m in the mood to layer fragrance, Byredo makes my favorite scented products.

serums + toners

Just like facial toners, body serums and toners are a worthwhile addition to your skincare routine for improving skin tone and texture. Tiktokers have shown how versatile the affordable the Toning Solution from The Ordinary for brightening dark skin to getting rid of back acne. Others boast firming and smoothing ingredients. Any products with chemical exfoliants (AHA, BHA, etc.) will help accelerate skin cell turnover, too.

moisturizers: balms, creams + lotions

If you want healthy, resilient, vibrant skin – you should be moisturizing every day. Here are some of the best reviewed balms, creams, and lotions for keeping your skin barrier strong. They include ingredients that help trap water into the skin to keep it hydrated and flake-free. Depending on how much revival you need, this super rich formula from Black owned beauty brand 54 Thrones is thick and perfect for protecting cracked skin.

oils

Not into creams and lotions, or need an extra layer of occlusion? Contrary to what some may think, body oils don’t leave you dripping and ready to be deep fried – they are typically lightweight, and many of the ingredients actually mimic our body’s natural lipids and are therefore easily absorbed. Antioxidant rich formulas help protect against and reverse damage from time spent in the sun.

hair removal must-haves

Since you’re likely to show a little more skin, summer body care essentials don’t end there. Whether you shave, wax, or laser – that skin that’s being pulled and tugged needs a little extra love! You should always prepare your skin prior to hair removal, and post care is equally as important for optimal results. Here’s what you need for the before, during, and after.

You’ll see some of my fav products cross over from my cold weather skin and haircare lineup. What are some of your tried and true year-round products? Let me know which of my summer body care essentials you’re adding to cart, too!