A consistent body care routine is just as important as a facial skincare routine. The skin on the body is just as important as the skin on the face so developing a routine for how to care for it is necessary. When it comes to issues that people want to target on the body, it’s usually dryness, maybe crepiness or sun damage as well as rough or bumpy texture. Personally I didn’t take my body care seriously until the past few years when I began to see noticeable changes in my skin once I approached perimenopause. Try not to wait that long and begin incorporating a consistent routine for the skin on your body as soon as possible. In today’s post, I am going to share a step by step guide for how to build a body care routine and some products I would recommend to use.

For more posts about skincare and bodycare, check out these other blog posts:

How To Use Body Butter

Skincare Routine For Dry Skin

Body Care Routine

An effective body care routine is one that you will actually do. Consistency matters more than having an overly complicated routine. Start small with what you use in the shower to cleanse the body and slowly add any additional products that will help target your specific concerns.

What Is A Good Body Care Routine

Finding products that you enjoy using and can use regularly is the first step in building a good body care routine. Something is only effective if you commit to being consistent so start with products that you can feel comfortable fitting into your daily habits. You don’t need to have a ton of steps in your body care routine to see results but you do need to use them at least a few times a week if not everyday. The ideal routine will vary depending on you skin type, concerns, and lifestyle but there are a few general steps that everyone can take when building their own body care routine. Once you have the basics down, you can focus on reducing dark spots, finding a skincare routine for radiant skin or helping target loss of elasticity.

Why Is Body Care Important

Helps improve overall skin health

Just like we need to take care of the inside of our body with proper nutrition, we need to care for the outside with the same level of attention. Taking care of the skin on your body can improve your overall skin health.

Support the skin barrier

Protecting and supporting the skin barrier is just as important on the body as it is on the face. A damaged skin barrier can cause irritation, sensitivity, redness, breakouts, etc.

Reduce rough texture

This is one of the biggest issues that people want to address when adopting a body care routine. Reducing rough texture is something many products treat so there are a ton of options for every price point and preference.

Leave skin feeling healthier over time

Well balanced skin will look and feel healthier over time.

Reduce ingrown hairs

If you struggle with ingrown hairs from shaving, incorporating certain products to treat this can make a huge difference.

Reduce dryness in the long run

Tackling dry skin on the body is a slow process so ensuring you are consistent with a proper routine will help alleviate it long term.

Body Care Routine Step By Step

Cleanse

Just like cleansing your face is the first step of a skincare routine, cleansing your body is the first step of your body care routine. Every time you take a shower, you should cleanse your body with a body wash of your choice. It’s best to use a wash cloth or loofah with your body wash to ensure you are able to really give the body a deep clean. Below are some of my favorite body washes:

Saltair Skin Serum Body Wash

There are a few different scents but the texture is the same for all. It’s a thick gel texture that foams up a bit once you add water. The Exotic Pulp version contains vitamin c which helps to brighten the skin but I like to rotate through all of the scents. It’s also incredibly affordable for how luxe it feels!

Cyklar Sensorial Body Wash

There is a reason that this oil-infused body wash has gone viral multiple times. I’ve never felt anything like it before. It’s truly one of the most nourishing body washes I’ve ever used and the scents are to die for!!! A bit of a splurge but they are worth every penny.

Jones Road Beauty Shower Gel

I really love the Shower fragrance so I was excited to have a shower gel ancillary product for that scent. However, I wasn’t expecting to love a shower gel THIS MUCH! The texture is thicker than most shower gels I try so you don’t need as much and the lather it gives is fantastic. It really stays in your hand so you can massage it in without it running through your fingers.

Exfoliate

Physical exfoliation with a scrub or chemical exfoliation with ingredients like glycolic acid is a key step for a good body care routine. This only needs to be done 1-2x/week so as not to strip the skin barrier. Below is a body exfoliator that I always repurchase:

OSEA Undaria Cleansing Polish (discount code: 10MAREE)

The texture is less of a traditional scrub and more of a creamy polish. It’s richly nourishing while also helping to gently exfoliate any dead skin cells. Sometimes I find that scrubs can be too harsh or even too drying for my skin but this body polish solves that issue.

Treat

If you want to begin targeting additional concerns on the body outside of simply moisturizing and exfoliating, there are so many great products on the market to hellp with uneven skin tone, crepiness, loss of firmness, etc. If you decide to add in this additional step to your body care routine, your treatment products would most likely go before your final step of moisturizing. Below are some of my favorite targeted body care treatments:

One Skin OS-01 Body Topical Supplement (discount code: MAREE15)

This is a true body treatment among the best body care products, designed to help reduce and reverse the signs of aging on the skin. It improves skin hydration and skin barrier function as well as texture and the overall appearance of the skin. While you can use this alone, I like to use it as a first step body product and layer a body cream, oil or balm over top. It feels weightless and layers really nicely so I never have to worry about products pilling.

Saltair Hyaluronic Acid Body Serum

I love hyaluronic acid products for my face because they help to intensely hydrate as well as hold onto moisture for longer. Additionally, hyaluronic acid is great for helping to plump, firm and boost skin elasticity. Adding a hyaluronic acid treatment serum into my body care routine has really helped with any dehydration or intense dryness. I typically like to layer this under a body cream or body lotion for that added boost of hydration in my routine.

Moisturize

After cleansing, moisturizing daily is a key step in helping improve the overall health of your skin. Moisturizing the body can be done with any texture you prefer – lotion, oil, cream, balm, etc. Choose something that fits your preferences so that you will be more willing to stick with applying it daily. You don’t have to moisturize morning and night – only once a day is sufficient to help keep your skin balanced. Below are some of my favorite products I use to moisturize my body:

UNI 24-Hour Body Serum (discount code: MAREE15)

This is a gel cream texture that instantly feels cooling and refreshing on the skin. And when they say it keeps your skin hydrated ALL day long, they aren’t kidding. It is formulated with their uni marine complex which deeply hydrates, Australian lime caviar which naturally exfoliates and Australian Kakadu Plum that aids in the production of collagen and improves elasticity over time.

Hanni Splash Salve

This is a solid balm that you apply after the shower when you skin is still damp. You massage it all over, quickly rinse off the excess and then gently pat dry. When I tell you my skin feels BABY SOFT after using this, I am not exaggerating. It dries very quickly so you can get dressed right after and there is no greasy feeling left on the skin. And the scent is absolutely AMAZING!

Cyklar Nutrient-Rich Body Cream

I have yet to try anything from Cyklar that I didn’t immediately fall in love with. This body cream is intensely rich and moisturizing but absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy film on the skin. Also the scents last for HOURS! If you prefer a scented body cream for your daily fragrance, this will be a must try.

Cyklar Ceramide Milky Essence

I use milky essences on my face both morning and night so I am so happy to be using one for the body. I prefer to use this in the morning because it is incredibly lightweight. It doesn’t take long to absorb and keeps my skin hydrated all day long. If you are experiencing extra dry skin, layer this under your favorite rich body cream for additional bit of moisture.

Mutha Body Butter (discount code: MAREE15)

This is a true body BUTTER made with ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter and mango butter. It’s thick and buttery – almost like a solid balm. In addition to moisturizing my skin like never before, it’s intensely firming and also leaves the most gorgeous hydrated glow on the skin. It’s pricey but honestly I have never tried anything this luxe before.

Protect

Applying daily sunscreen to the body is just as important as applying it to the face. Your clothing can help protect you in most instances but especially in the warmer weather, you need to make sure any body parts that aren’t covered have sunscreen on them. Below are the sunscreens I love to use for the body:

OneSkin Triple Power OS-01 Body SPF 30+ (discount code: MAREE15)

The OneSkin Triple Power OS-01 Body SPF 30+ is an absolute must have for me. I hate the way most body sunscreens feel especially if I am wearing them day to day and not at a pool or beach. This one is so moisturizing and feels like I am applying a lightweight body lotion that absorbs almost instantly. It isn’t shiny or greasy but does leave my skin with a subtle healthy glow.

Supergoop Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50

This SPF feels very lightweight, doesn’t leave any white cast on the skin and really protects my fair skin.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk SPF 100

A new addition to the pool bag this summer. This is a sunscreen milk with SPF 100 protection! The entire family loves this and is what I reach for when I can’t be in the shade for whatever reason. I don’t have to reapply this as frequently as my other body sunscreens but this still protects me from ever getting burned.

How To Customize Your Body Care Routine

Start small

Don’t overcomplicate your routine with tons of products. Start with a cleanser/body wash, a moisturizer and sunscreen. If you want to add on an exfoliant once a week, that could be a great additional step.

Find products that fit your lifestyle

If fragrance bothers you, seek out fragrance-free or sensitive skin products. If you don’t want to spend time rubbing in moisturizer, there are spray options that can be simpler to use. Find products that offer two-in-one solutions such as exfoliating body washes or moisturizing body lotions that contain sunscreen.

Focus on your particular skin concerns

You don’t need to try every popular product out there or have the perfect body care routine. Only focus on what your skin needs and what you want to accomplish with your body care routine.

I test out a TON of skincare for this blog and have been doing so for more than 13 years. But what products do I consistently repurchase time and time again? There are quite a few actually but they have changed quite a bit over the past few years. I did a post on this previously and thought I would update it with my current most repurchased skincare items from every category!

My Most Repurchased Skincare Items

Cleansers

Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm (discount code: MAREE20)

I’ve been using this cleansing balm for nearly 10 years. It’s one of my most repurchased skincare items that I will never be without. I will alternate between this Cleansing Balm and the Versed each night to remove my makeup. The Elemis one is really rich and nourishing and leaves my skin feeling so soft. No other cleansing balm leaves me skin AS soft as the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm. I always apply my cleansing balms on a dry face with dry hands and then massage in to break down and remove all my makeup. I will then add water to emulsify the balm to a gentle milk and rinse.

Experiment Plasma Wash (discount code: MAREE15)

As someone who LOVES a unique texture especially when it comes to cleansers, the Experiment Plasma Face Wash is favorite of mine. It’s technically a gel cream but has a jelly-like feel to it. It is chock full of super nourishing ingredients to really support those with mature dry skin types. This formula uses glycerin depositing compounds that delivers moisture that remains on the skin even after you rinse. It doesn’t leave a film but it makes the skin feel intensely nourished and supple much like a serum or moisturizer would do. It’s quite a unique cleanser and one that is fantastic for those with dry mature skin.

OneSkin PREP Facial Cleanser (discount code: MAREE15)

While cleansers can often be seen as an afterthought in a skincare routine, I believe that using great cleansers can really help to prep the skin well for the rest of the products you will be using (as well as keeping your skin clean). From the first time I tried this cleanser, I was instantly in love with how it made my skin feel (and featured it in this blog post on best facial cleansers for mature skin) . It’s a silky gel texture that foams up slightly but not enough to dry out the skin or less your skin feeling stripped and/or tight. The PREP facial cleanser helps to balance the skin and allow for better product absorption. There is prickly pear extract for a gentle exfoliation, arnica extract to help reduce inflammation and niacinamide which helps to condition the skin.

Then I Met You Cleansing Balm (discount code: MAREE10)

Another gorgeous creamy cleansing balm that will nourish your skin while also removing every last bit of makeup. It’s not quite as oily as the Elemis cleansing balm but still rich in essential fatty acids, vitamin E and antioxidants. It is oil-based so it’s best to apply on dry skin with dry hands. Massage all over the face until you’ve broken down all your makeup then add a bit of water to emulsify it. Don’t go right into removing it without letting the tiny bit of water (just damp hands is fine) continue to break down all your makeup. Once that is complete, rinse it off completely and your skin will feel hydrated, soft and supple.

Dieux Baptism Gentle Foaming Facial Gel Cleanser

As someone who has dry skin, this gel cleanser is an absolute moisturizing dream! But it also works really nicely for those with oily/combination skin because it really helps to purify the skin and give it a wonderful cleanse. One of the main ingredients is glycerin which is a powerhouse hydrator, while the gentle cleansing complex in the formula helps to remove impurities without stripping the skin.

Toning Pads/Essences/Face Mists

Biodance Collagen Gel Toner Pads

These have a very different texture than what I am used to but absolutely love the jelly-like feel to them. They instantly plump and hydrate my skin and you can also leave them on for a few minutes as a mini sheet mask treatment.

Oliviaumma Milky Resurfacing + Brightening Toner Pads

If you love milky toners, you NEED this toner pads immediately. I love using a toner pad in my skincare routine after cleansing but before I apply my hydrating essences/toners. These are nicely saturated and give the skin an instant boost of hydration. My skin feels plump, supple and perfectly prepped for the rest of my routine.

Rhode Glazing Milk

The Rhode Glazing Milk is what made me fall in love with milky toners in the first place. It’s still my absolute favorite formula and one that I have repurchase time and time again. This is a creamy milky essence designed to prep the skin for product absorption, boost barrier function and provide instant hydration.

TirTir Milk Skin Toner

TirTir is one of my favorite Korean beauty brands and this was the first skincare product from them that I tried. I fell in love with the formula and have repurchase it multiple times since. It’s a very ligthweight milky toner that has a watery consistency. Formulated with niacinamide, rice bran extract and ceramides, the TirTir Milk Skin Toner delivers intense hydration while also comforting and soothing the skin.

Cocokind Calming Magnesium Facial Mist

While so many mists help with hydration only, the Calming Magnesium Facial Mist is best for calming stressed skin. The formula was designed for those with sensitive skin, reactive skin and acne-prone skin to help support the skin barrier.

Rhode Glazing Mist

My favorite milky toner made into a mist! This is one of the most versatile face mists because it works really well in a skincare routine but can also be used over makeup. It gives the slightest glow without looking too greasy.

Serums

Mother Science Molecular Hero Serum (discount code: MAREESYE)

The Mother Science Molecular Hero Serum addresses many skin concerns and has quickly become one of my most repurchased skincare items. So it may be a great replacement for various products in your routine if you are looking to streamline your lineup. I added it to my evening routine nearly a year ago using it every other night. It took nearly a month for me to begin to notice any changes. So I always advise being consistent with a new product for at least 4 weeks to determine if the product is working. The key ingredient in the formula is Malassezin, which is 10x more powerful than vitamin c in helping reduce and fade dark spots.

Medik8 Liquid Peptides

From the first time I used this serum, I could instantly notice a difference! My skin looked firmer, more supple and fine lines were noticeably smoothed. It would easily work into any skincare routine and really targets fine lines and wrinkles better than most of my other hydrating serums.

OneSkin OS-01 Skin Supplement (discount code: MAREE15)

I LOVE the texture of the OS-01 Skin Supplement and can use it either as a lightweight moisturizer or a serum underneath a heavier/richer moisturizer. The science behind OneSkin products is truly remarkable and they are one of the first companies to focus on skin longevity rather than just targeting anti-aging concerns. The OS-o1 peptide can penetrate deeper layers of the skin while still remaining stable. It targets the root causes of aging and helps the skin look and feel healthier. This formula treats fine lines and wrinkles, while helping even out the skin tone, reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and improve skin barrier function. You are truly getting so much just in one product!

Educated Mess Freeze Frame (discount code: MAREE10)

formula contains three advanced peptide complexes to deliver instant firming results as well as long term plumping and lifting benefits. It has a slight tingling/cooling effect when on but I love how FIRM it makes the skin. Wow! You can definitely feel the tightness a few minutes after applying it. For those who struggle with deep lines and wrinkles, this is a great option!

Medik8 Crystal Retinal

The Medik8 crystal retinal formula uses retinaldehyde which works faster than traditional (over the counter) retinol. There are various strengths depending on what your skin can tolerate and you can work up to the stronger levels over time or stick with what works for you. If you really want to target anti-aging concerns such as wrinkles, uneven skin tone and firmness, retinol products are a must have for your skincare routine.

Moisturizers

Mother Science Molecular Genesis Barrier Repair Moisturizer (discount code: MAREESYE)

This moisturizer harnesses the fantastic benefits of Malassezin with added ingredients such as growth factors and peptides to really strengthen and support the skin barrier. Regardless of your skin concerns, strengthening and maintaining a healthy skin barrier is one of the most important aspects on any skincare routine.

INNBEAUTY Extreme Cream

I love this moisturizer because of the dewy/glowy finish it leaves on the skin. It’s intensely moisturizing while also helping with firming and lifting.

Dieux Instant Angel Moisturizer

The Dieux Instant Angel Moisturizer is a skin-restoring moisturizer designed to deeply nourish, provide barrier support and give an “ethereal glow” to the skin. It is truly the ultimate final step in taking care of your skin.

Experiment Beauty Molecular Mesh (discount code: MAREE15)

This is one of my all time favorite barrier strengthening moisturizer. This has a unique texture that initially feels tacky but absorbs quickly into the skin. It leaves my skin looking plump, hydrated and well balanced.

Eye Creams

OneSkin OS-01 Eye Topical Supplement (discount code: MAREE15)

I’m rarely loyal to an eye cream, but this eye topical supplement from OneSkin has become one of my most repurchased skincare items. After the first bottle I finished, I immediately repurchased a new one. In addition to helping moisturize the delicate skin under the eyes, the eye topical supplement will help firm sagging skin. It also reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Often I will get milia from other eye creams that are too rich. Then after going through a full bottle of this eye supplement, all the milia was gone!

Dieux Auracle Eye Serum

I need something intensely hydrating but lightweight in the morning. I want to prep my under eye area for makeup while using a formula that won’t disrupt any concealer or foundation I put on top of it. This is one of the best hydrating eye serums I’ve ever tried. It gives instant moisture to the area, helps to depuff, smooth fine lines and keep my under eye area hydrated all day long.

Masks

Clarins Cryo-Flash Instant Lift Effect & Glow Boosting Mask

This mask is a combination of great results and a product that is enjoyable to use. It’s designed to tighten, firm and give the skin a glow which it definitely does. It’s also super cold and has a menthol/cooling sensation to it that I absolutely love. I use this as needed when my skin needs to look its best for a night out or special occasion.

Sunscreen

OneSkin OS-01 Face SPF 30+ (discount code: MAREE15)

The OneSkin OS-01 Face SPF 30+ is one of my most repurchased skincare items. It’s a lightweight, hydrating formula that feels nearly undetectable on the skin. It absorbs instantly and wears beautifully under makeup. There is an untinted version as well as three tinted versions but both feel the same on the skin. The face SPF leaves a naturally radiant finish without being too dewy or shiny.

Bloomeffects Tulipscreen Shield & Glow SPF 50 stick (discount code: Maree)

This is my preferred SPF stick to keep in my purse when I’m out and about. It is moisturizing and leaves the most natural soft glow on the skin.

Versed Good Defense Daily Sunscreen SPF 50

If you prefer a lightweight gel-cream texture, this SPF is a must try. It’s intensely hydrating as soon as you apply it leaving my skin feeling plump and well-balanced. It’s a clear formula that leaves no white cast on the skin.

Why These Are My Most Repurchased Skincare Items

After testing countless products over the years, these truly stand out as my most repurchased skincare items. They deliver consistent results, nourish my skin, and make my routine effortless. These are the products I always come back to and can’t imagine my skincare routine without.