8 Tips to get the Most out of Your Body Care Before the Skin Stress of the Warmer Months
Note: Some of the links in this article provide Thedermreviews a small commission, which goes towards fair pay for creatives and writers.
As we transition from winter to the warmer months, our skin undergoes a significant change.
The chill of winter can leave our skin dry and compromised, while the approaching warmer season brings salt, sand, and sweat, which can irritate already stressed skin.
To help strengthen your skin and prepare it for these new challenges, here are some essential tips to keep your skin healthy and resilient.
Lock in Moisture Immediately After Showering
The second you stop the water in the shower, a timer starts – this time is called Trans Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL).
TEWL is a fancy way to say that when your skin is wet, it's more prone to drying out.
It’s crucial to lock in the moisture your skin has absorbed during the shower by applying a body moisturiser as soon as possible.
A great hack is to keep your moisturiser in the shower.
This way, you can apply it immediately after you finish showering, sealing in the dampness and preventing your skin from drying out.
Try and get one that’s a pump bottle so it’s easy to follow up and apply generously.
We Love the La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume AP+ Body Balm
2. Pat, Don’t Rub, When Drying Your Skin
After showering, always pat your skin dry with a towel instead of rubbing it.
Rubbing can damage the skin barrier and cause unnecessary irritation, especially if your skin is already sensitive.
Patting helps protect the skin’s natural barrier and keeps it from becoming stressed.
Additionally, ensure your towels have softer textures and are washed with fragrance-free, sensitive skin-friendly detergents.
Highly fragranced detergents can leave residues that might irritate your skin.
3. Protect Your Face and Ears When Drying Your Hair
If you’re prone to eczema or other flare-ups on your neck or ears, avoid letting your hair dry on these areas. The heat and dampness can exacerbate irritation.
Try drying your hair on a cold setting to minimise irritation.
Applying a protective balm on your ears and neck before blow-drying can also shield these sensitive areas from potential stress.
4. Replace Your Loofah with a Silicone Body Brush
Traditional loofahs can harbour bacteria due to their tendency to stay damp between uses.
This environment promotes bacterial growth, which can be detrimental to your skin health. Instead, switch to a silicone body scrubber. Full article here.
Silicone scrubbers are naturally antibacterial and dry out between uses, reducing the risk of bacteria.
They provide a gentle yet effective exfoliation without compromising skin health.
We love BEAUTAIL® Silicone Body Scrubber
5. Use a Barrier Cream on Sensitive Areas Before Showering
Before you step into the shower, apply a Vaseline-like barrier cream to sensitive areas such as your face or any other prone areas.
This protective layer helps shield your skin from the stress of hot water and harsh shower products.
Ideally, shower with lukewarm water as hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils.
However, if you can’t part with your hot showers, this method provides a buffer, keeping your skin safe from potential damage.
We love CeraVe Advanced Repair Balm
6. Choose a Lipid-Repairing Body Wash
Harsh, stripping soaps can leave your skin feeling squeaky clean but at the cost of removing essential oils and disrupting the skin barrier.
Opt for a lipid-repairing body wash that cleanses while also nourishing and protecting your skin.
If you prefer bar soaps, look for those with moisturising properties.
The goal is to avoid that overly clean feeling, which usually means your skin’s natural barrier has been compromised.
We love La Roche-Posay Lipikar Huile Lavante AP+ Cleansing Oil
7. Layer Your Body Care & Use a Body Oil
Oils provide a soothing and relaxing feel on the body that works amazingly to help the body skin. Read more about the wonders of using oils here.
Oils have a lovely way of locking in moisture and not being too heavy on the skin.
You can also opt for dry body oils that don’t leave any grease on the oil.
8. Wear Body SPF! Please!
SPF on your body, just like on your face, is an essential step to repair and protect the skin.
Extra points if you’re able to have extra goodies in your SPF, like a richer moisturiser or a antioxidant.
We love the Naked Sundays SPF50 Antioxidant Body Sunscreen Crème
Sum it up
How you use your body care products is just as important as the products themselves.
Implementing these tips into your daily routine will help prepare your skin for the warmer months ahead, ensuring it remains healthy, resilient, and ready to face any environmental stressors.
By taking these steps, you’ll protect your skin’s natural barrier, maintain moisture, and reduce the risk of irritation, leaving your skin feeling soft, smooth, and cared for all year round.