The Perfect Potion For Body Care
As someone who grew up mixing “potions” of shampoos, lotions, and oils while I was supposed to be showering after soccer practice, working in marketing and copywriting for beauty brands is sort of a dream come true. No one would mistake me for a scientist (passing high school chemistry was nothing short of a miracle), but I love learning about formulations, comparing ingredient lists, and understanding the way products compliment one another. I truly look forward to playing with products and taking care of my skin and body each day, and love sharing new finds and old faithfuls with friends and my community online. I’m great at keeping real secrets, but terrible at gatekeeping tips… so here are a few of my favorites to round out this month’s special Body Issue!
Self-care builds confidence and can be, well, healing
In all of its many, many forms, self-care is a really important practice in boosting self-confidence and building self-image. And as simple as it may seem, showering, gently applying lotion, or brushing out your hair can be really powerful acts of self-care, especially if you are feeling at odds with your body or in a difficult place with body image. You are literally saying with your actions, I am taking care of you. Don’t discount how healing that can be.
Even at a more surface level, routinely engaging in activities that make you feel good about yourself can contribute to a more confident mindset, and a more positive self-image. And who wouldn’t want that? Research has shown that people with strong self-confidence benefit from increased mental well-being, strengthened immune systems, faster recovery from illness, and are more likely to live longer, happier lives. Yes, please.
In all things, keep it simple
The most effective skin and body care routine is the one you can easily maintain. Treating yourself to an occasional facial or treatment is great, but you’ll see the best results from consistency with your routine… and this doesn’t need to be (nor should it be) complicated. Similar to my approach to self-care, I like to break my body care routines down into a bare minimum routine and a best case scenario routine.
My basic routine includes brushing my teeth, taking a quick shower with body and face wash and following with moisturizer, deodorant, and SPF.
My best case scenario routine is akin to what the kids are calling everything showers on TikTok, and has quite a few more steps: brush teeth, take a long-ish shower, wash face, shampoo, apply a hair mask, use a gentle exfoliating scrub for body, shave, body wash, and follow with body oil, moisturizer, leave in conditioner, deodorant, and SPF. It sounds extra because it kind of is… but in reality, this takes me maybe 15 minutes and it’s 15 minutes I truly enjoy spending (getting out of the shower and needing to dry my wild hair is another story entirely).
Your own routine might be similar, or it might be quite different – and that’s perfect. Creating a routine that works for you and that makes you feel good is the key.
Consult the pros
Seeking advice and feedback from your dermatologist, primary care physician, or someone with similar expertise is rarely a bad idea, especially if you have specific goals or concerns regarding your skin or body. I also highly recommend scheduling your regular skin checks, especially if you have a family history or grew up in the age of tanning bed memberships…
Body care on a budget
Just as it doesn’t need to be complicated, your body care routine does not need to be pricey. Some of my favorite products come from Trader Joe’s. Similarly, I never skip the beauty aisles at TJ Maxx and Marshall’s. They carry so many prestige and indie brands at great prices. Body care does not need to be expensive to be effective. A great drugstore moisturizer that you use daily will be so much more beneficial than an expensive cream you save for special occasions.
Similarly, try to avoid getting too caught up in trends. You’ll know your individual skin’s needs better than anyone on Instagram. With that said, it can be fun to play with new products, and an inexpensive nail color or body scrub might be just the pick-me-up you need. Have extra face products that you tried, but just don’t love love? Avoid having them go to waste; these can be used on your body. I almost always use my facial products on my neck, chest, and hands, for what that’s worth, and use up the last of facial serums and lotions on my arms and legs all the time.
Looking for specific recommendations? I’ve linked some of my favorites, with a range of price points, here.
Extra credit
If time, energy, and resources allow, you can level up your body care routine with a few extra steps like dry brushing or experimenting with making your own body scrubs and oils.
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few of my favorite recipes:
It’s not all creams and potions
Caring for your body also means getting enough rest, managing stress, staying nourished and hydrated, and fostering healthy relationships. It’s all interconnected. Potions really are fun though, aren’t they?