How to Maximise Your Body Wash Routine
Not all body wash routines are equal. While hopping into the shower, lathering your body wash, and rinsing it off may get the job done, it might take more planning to achieve the glowing skin of your dreams and a truly rejuvenating sensory experience.
The truth is – it’s all in the technique, tools, topical products and body wash method you use daily that will go a long way towards improving your skin’s health.
We spoke to three skincare experts for their tips on making the most of your body wash routine: from the ideal shower water temperature and the best body wash for dry skin, to the best bathing and shower accessories to use.
What is body wash?
Body wash is a specialised liquid product used for cleaning the body during a shower. It works by dissolving the dirt on the surface of your skin. A
What are the benefits of a body wash?
The primary function of a body wash is to purge your skin of all kinds of impurities, including excess oil, dirt, pollution, unwanted dead skin cells, and sweat. However, it is more than just a body cleanser; body washes can shift your mood and nurture and nourish your skin, too.
• Hydrate: The body wash will lock in skin moisture and build a healthy barrier, making your skin soft and repeat.
• Exfoliate: Some body wash contains exfoliating beads or acid that can help scrub away the dead skin while still moisturising your skin.
• Refresh experience: After a long working day, a proper body wash routine with aroma scent products can help you not only remove sweat and impurities but also bring a revitalised feeling.
5 Dermatologist-approved tips for the best body wash routine
In this section, we will help you identify the best body wash that suits your skin conditions, as well as provide directions on how to use body wash for the best glowing and hydrating skin result.
1. Choose the best body wash for you
Body wash may be the most underrated skincare item in our daily regimens. The market is filled with many body washes containing skin-stripping ingredients that kill all bacteria (even the good kind) and natural oils, resulting in our skin feeling dry and tight.
Dr Lal recommends thoroughly checking the labels and steering clear of bad ingredients while clinging to the good ones. For example: “You want to look for ingredients like glycerin and ceramides that can cleanse and moisturise your skin. You want to avoid cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium lauryl, and laureth sulphate as these are surfactants that strip all of the oils from your skin,” says Dr Lal.
Another important thing to consider is to understand what your skin needs.
Does your skin lack moisture and look dull or crepey? Do you suffer from skin conditions like body acne or keratosis pilaris? Identify your skin concerns and address them by picking the right body wash.
If you have body acne, opt for an anti-blemish body wash
ClarinsMen Shampoo & Shower contains Provitamin B5, which may help with acne as it normalises oil gland function and reduces acne breakouts. Thus, the B5 also has skin-softening properties and increases coenzyme A to help break down excess oil from the skin's oil glands.
“Using an antibacterial body wash containing AHA [like glycolic acid] on the arms and legs half an hour before showering can help exfoliate, soften and smooth your skin. Do this twice a week and follow up with a deeply nourishing
If you have keratosis pilaris, try a cellular renewal body serum
Does your skin ever have a chicken-like appearance? Those tiny, bumpy spots that resemble permanent goosebumps on your arms or legs? They’re called keratosis pilaris – and according to studies, we are all prone to getting them at some point. In fact, the
But while it might sound serious, it’s actually just a harmless condition which is caused by accumulated dead skin getting trapped in hair follicles. However, it can be itchy if not treated, leaving your skin irritated and inflamed – and it can make the skin’s surface rough to touch.
Unfortunately, there’s no best body wash for keratosis pilaris, but you can keep it under control by using a body serum that targets cellular renewal, like the
Clarins Training Manager Charlotte McHale says this body serum is specially formulated almost exclusively to treat bumpy, rough skin. “It is a very lightweight serum easily absorbed into the skin. In addition, it has a gentle biological exfoliator built into it that helps with skin renewal,” she says. “Use it on the affected areas every day. If you want to see results, consistency is key. Don’t skip a day.”
For this skin condition, it also helps to make sure you’re regularly exfoliating to eliminate dry skin cells lingering on the surface of the skin – the kind that causes keratosis pilaris in the first place. Invest in an
If you want to have firmer-looking and perfumed skin, try an aroma body wash
A body wash with aromatherapy properties will not only gently cleanse, and soften but also perfume skin with an energising scent. At Clarins, we have a range of Aroma Body Wash.
Our
If you prefer the lightly perfumed with a sparkling citrus scent,
If you have dry skin, try a body-toning shower concentrate
If you are working on moisturising your skin, the
First, massage the product onto the skin as you inhale the aromatic benefits of the steam. Then, in the shower, apply using a sponge.
EDITOR’S TIP: Lather the body wash in your hands with warm water, place your hands cupped near the face and do some inhalation and breath work. Try to do this for at least 30 seconds – deep breathing in and out slowly to a count of four seconds in, and then exhale slowly until all the air has been expelled from your lungs.
McHale says: “A 50p-sized amount of the shower concentrate lathered into the hands or a soft sponge or cloth should be sufficient for the whole body. It should last about a month with daily use.”
How long should you leave body wash on? Dr Acharya recommends allotting at least: “30 seconds to one minute lathering time to cleanse your skin thoroughly.”
For best results, exfoliate your skin using the
2. Use the correct water temperature
If you want your skin to benefit from your body wash method, shower with lukewarm water. This is particularly important if you suffer from thick or dead skin on your heels, or sensitive skin in general.
“I love a hot shower, especially in winter! But hot water can make the skin drier and feel tight, uncomfortable, and itchy. The most skin-friendly shower temperature is lukewarm.”
Dr Lal adds: “Chances are, if it feels good (hot), it’s drying you out. So it should feel like room temperature, which can be cold, but that will force you to be quicker – and more eco-friendly.”
3. Keep daily showers short
Experts advise keeping your showers short. The recommended maximum shower time is about 5 to 10 minutes. This is enough time to cleanse and hydrate the skin without overdoing it.
And how often should you wash your body? Dr Lal says: “Washing, or better yet, rinsing your body once a day is enough (unless you exercise).”
While this is ideal for daily showers, you can reap the benefits from hot and cold baths, from treating sore muscles and reducing stress and depression, among other benefits.
4. Use a bath tool
Using a bath tool is optional – but it can have great benefits. Some bath tools on the market can help you with blood circulation and sloughing dead skin cells, while others can help to tighten and firm the skin.
If you have keratosis pilaris, ingrown hair or dry skin, try an exfoliating mitt – with an exfoliating body wash – to help sweep away any impurities. Most exfoliating mitts are made with an innovative fabric weave that is gentler on the skin than synthetic or natural loofahs.
Or, just use a washcloth or flannel. But make sure the cloth is washed and thoroughly dried after each use – as leaving a damp cloth in the shower or bath could cause it to accumulate bacteria which can be transferred to your body the next time you use it.
5. Wash your face before showering
Dr Acharya strongly recommends washing your face before showering.
“Avoid washing your face in the shower to prevent the water from directly impacting and creating micro-trauma on your skin.” She adds: “However if the temperature is lukewarm and the water pressure is weak, it’s absolutely fine to do so. I recommend cleansing before your shower and popping on skincare products shortly after.”
At Clarins, we provide a range of spa experiences using the top body wash and body care products. A body renew treatment will ultimately enhance not just your body, but also your mind. Body shaper experience, combining draining and detoxifying massage with potent plant-enriched products, enhances your silhouette.
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