Woman in a blue top seated on a bed, smiling and holding an open white jar of body cream

How to Build
Your Body Skincare Routine

Learn the key benefits and steps to help you create your body skincare routine for smooth and hydrated skin
Read Time:
5 minutes
In short

7 Benefits of Maintaining a
Regular Body Care Routine

Smiling woman in blue underwear sitting on a bed, with one hand raised to her forehead
  • 1
    Hydrated Skin:
    Regular moisturising helps to keep your skin hydrated, preventing it from becoming dry and itchy.
  • 2
    Smooth Texture:
    Exfoliating removes dead skin cells, leading to a smoother skin texture.
  • 3
    Clearer Skin:
    Proper cleansing helps to prevent body pimples by removing dirt and oil.
  • 4
    Even Skin Tone:
    Consistent use of targeted treatments such as serum, as well as moisturisers with brightening ingredients, can help to reduce the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone.
  • 5
    Anti-Aging:
    Consistent care with the right products can minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
  • 6
    Protection from the Sun:

    Using sunscreen protects your skin from UV rays and potential sun damage.

  • 7
    Improved Circulation:
    Massaging your skin during the application of products can improve blood circulation. This boost in circulation may promote healthier-looking skin.

Does Body Skincare
Differ Between Men and Women?

A body care routine for women may focus on moisturisers and addressing hormonal changes like those during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause, which can cause dryness or oiliness. Women's hormones can affect how the skin retains moisture and handles inflammation, so some women may opt for thicker, more nourishing moisturisers or soothing treatments.

Men's body skincare often includes stronger cleansers to cater for their thicker skin. However, both men and women can benefit from cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturising their skin regularly.

5-Step Body
Skincare Routine

Although men and women may choose different products to suit their individual needs, this simple routine works for everyone.
1. Cleanse:
Start by using a body wash that suits your skin type. While in the shower, wet your skin with warm water and apply a small amount of body wash to your hands or a washcloth. Gently massage it into your skin in circular motions, focusing on areas that tend to gather more sweat or oil, such as your underarms, chest, and back. Use warm water to rinse thoroughly.

Use a body wash with hydrating ingredients such as glycerin or, if your skin is dry, opt for deeply nourishing formulas with ingredients like vitamin e to lock in the moisture.
Smiling woman in a blue top holding a blue bottle of NIVEA Rich Nourishing Body Milk while seated
2. Exfoliate

Exfoliating helps to get rid of dead skin and make your skin feel smoother.

For best results, apply a body scrub to damp skin, and gently rub it in circular motions for 30 seconds to a minute. Focus on rough spots like your knees, elbows, and heels. Rinse off with lukewarm water and pat dry.

Aim to use a body scrub 1–2 times a week to avoid overly stripping the skin of moisture or compromising the skin barrier.

3. Shave:

Hair removal is often part of a body skincare routine, and it helps to know the how to shave in the best skin-friendly way, especially after exfoliating.

After exfoliating, apply shaving cream, foam or gel to the areas of your body that you wish to shave. Warm water from the shower will have softened the body hair to make shaving easier.

Make sure to shave in the right direction for the desired shave and body part. Going against the grain can give a closer shave, although when shaving more sensitive areas it can lead to irritation, ingrown hair and shaving rash.

4. Moisturise:

Moisturising right after showering helps seal in the hydration from the water, leaving your skin feeling softer and smoother.

  • Apply the Right Amount: Use around 2–3 tablespoons of body lotion for full coverage. Avoid using too much as this can lead to a greasy feel.
  • Massage in Sections: Start with a small amount in your palms and apply in sections—begin with your legs, then move to your arms and torso for even coverage.
  • Focus on Dry Areas: Apply extra lotion to dry spots like elbows, knees, and heels for extra hydration.
5. Sun Protection:

Protecting your body from sun damage is a crucial daily step to help prevent premature aging. Before going outside, apply a broad-spectrum sun cream with at least SPF 30 to all exposed areas of your body, including your arms, legs, neck, and face. Use enough sunscreen to cover your skin evenly and massage it in until fully absorbed.

Reapply every two hours if you’re spending a lot of time outdoors, especially if you’re sweating or swimming. Daily sun protection can help prevent premature aging and damage from UV rays.

Common Body
Skincare Concerns:

While the steps in the previous section can be a foundation for your body skincare routine, there may be specific skin concerns that you wish to address. Here are a few examples, and ways you can manage them:
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Dry Skin:

If you have dry skin, use thick creams with ingredients like dexpanthenol and glycerin. Together, these ingredients may help to restore moisture, support the skin barrier, and protect against further dryness. Avoid long, hot showers as they can strip your skin of natural oils, which leads to dryness.

If you experience dryness, try the NIVEA Repair and Care Fragrance Free Body Lotion, which is formulated to help soothe and alleviate the skin of symptoms associated with skin dryness. It contains dexpanthenol, which helps support the skin barrier and reduce irritation, providing up to 48 hours of hydration.

Cellulite:

Regularly massage the affected areas and use firming lotions with vitamin c or NIVEA Q10 to help improve skin texture.

If you have cellulite, try the NIVEA Q10 Firming Body Lotion. As you age, Q10 levels decline, causing the skin to lose its elasticity. By using a lotion infused with Q10, you can help restore firmness and elasticity, making this lotion especially suitable for areas affected by cellulite.

Stretch Marks:

If you are looking for a hydrating body cream to help visibly reduce stretch marks, try out the NIVEA Anti-Stretch Mark and Dark Spot Cream. With regular use, this body lotion reduces the visibility of stretch marks, sun blemishes, and pigment spots within four weeks.

Extra Body Care Tips
and Tricks:

  • 1
    Hydrate:

    Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.

  • 2
    Dry Brushing:
    Use a dry brush before showering to boost circulation and exfoliate the skin, which may support cell renewal, reduce puffiness, and improve skin texture.
  • 3
    Night Care:
    Use richer products at night to help your skin repair and regenerate.
  • 4
    Shaving:

    Use a moisturising shave cream and follow with an aftershave balm to help prevent irritation and ingrown hair.

  • 5
    Foot Care:
    Regularly exfoliate and moisturise feet to help prevent dryness, cracking, and calluses.

How to Make a Homemade
Body Scrub

Homemade scrubs tend to contain natural ingredients that are gentle on the skin. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to try a DIY body scrub so you can tailor the ingredients to suit your skin type.
  • 1
    Sugar and Olive Oil Scrub:
    Mix one cup of sugar with half a cup of olive oil. Stir the mixture until combined and apply generously.
  • 2
    Coffee Scrub:
    Combine half a cup of coffee grounds with half a cup of coconut oil and a quarter cup of sugar. The small coffee grounds are gentle on the skin, whilst still effectively removing dead cells from the skin's surface.
  • 3
    Oat Scrub:
    Blend one cup of oats with half a cup of honey and half a cup of plain yoghurt. Oats contain plenty of antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritated or sensitive skin.