The body care industry has undergone a major transformation in the last few years. Once an afterthought – if cared for at all – there is now a wealth of formulas designed to tackle common concerns, from ageing to dry skin, as we begin to treat the skin on the rest of the body in line with our complexion care.
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The Korean 10-step skincare regime has stages from cleansing to treatments to masks, which may feel more than enough for our faces. And while we don’t expect we need to have so many lotions and potions for the body, the question remains: should we be layering our body care, even just a little? The experts weigh in.
According to Dr Richard Devine, aesthetic doctor and founder of Devine Clinic, the answer is yes: “Most people don’t realise how effective it can be,” he tells us. “The skin on the body is thicker than the face, so it often needs more support, especially if you deal with dryness, keratosis pilaris or pigmentation.” But layering doesn’t mean slathering on haphazardly and hoping something sticks – you can be targeted with the application.
“Layering doesn’t mean using lots of products – it simply means applying the right textures in the right order so your actives work properly,” stresses Dr Devine. “A targeted body serum can deliver ingredients deeper into the skin, while a moisturiser seals everything in and reduces water loss. The result is smoother, clearer and more hydrated skin that feels more resilient.”
Anastasia Koles, an aesthetic nurse, adds, “The skin on the body is exposed to friction, clothing, heat and sweat, so it often needs targeted support. A single moisturiser won’t always address things like pigmentation on the décolletage or congestion on the back. Using one product to correct and another to hydrate gives you clearer results with far less effort. Think of it as streamlining, not adding complexity.”
Step 1: Cleansing
A step that (hopefully) is already ingrained as part of hygiene practices, a body wash or cleanser is a staple. But just because it is a basic step, it doesn’t need to be basic. Upgrade your daily ablutions with a sensorially scented formula, or make it work harder for you by incorporating active ingredients. Koles says, “Even an AHA body wash twice a week keeps the skin smooth and helps other products penetrate.” Dr Davines suggests, “For body breakouts, salicylic acid helps to clear pores and calm inflammation.”
Step 2: Exfoliating
“This doesn’t need to be every day,” says Dr Devine. “A chemical exfoliant like lactic acid or glycolic acid used two or three times a week keeps the skin soft and helps any treatment you apply afterwards absorb better.”
Step 3: Treatment
This is the most important step to solve a concern, according to Dr Devine, and generally comes in the form of a body serum. “This is where you put your actives, whether that’s niacinamide for pigmentation, salicylic acid for breakouts or retinol for texture and firmness.” Koles says if you’re short on time, this is the one to maintain – “everything else simply supports it.”
Dr Davines advises, “If firmness or crepiness is your concern, retinol or retinal body products make a real difference because they speed up cell turnover and stimulate collagen over time. And whatever you use, always pair active ingredients with barrier supporters like ceramides, glycerin or shea butter to keep the skin comfortable.” While for uneven tone, Koles spotlights niacinamide and for ageing, “Peptides and growth factor-based body creams are becoming increasingly popular because they firm without the irritation that sometimes comes with retinol”.
If you want to see results, the skin expert stresses that no matter which product you choose, “consistency matters more than strength.”
Step 4: Hydration
Much like in your skincare routine, moisturiser is always the last step (except for SPF, of course), and this is where you pack in all the hydration to treat your parched limbs. “A nourishing body cream or lotion is essential because it locks everything in and supports the skin barrier”, says Dr Devine. It’s worth noting, as explained by Koles, “It doesn’t have to be thick or heavy – a lightweight lotion with good barrier ingredients works just as well.” She suggests looking out for “PHAs and urea because they’re gentle and suit sensitive skin” if you have rough texture.
Meet the experts
- Dr Richard Devine is an aesthetic doctor and the founder of Devine Clinic
- Anastasia Koles is an aesthetic nurse and the founder of ALTA Medispa