Beauty
Written by: Brianna Peters
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Published on: April 29, 2025
While most have us have layering our facial products down to a science, a one-and-done approach to body care is all too common. Implementing a simple few-step strategy, however, can keep skin smooth and clear in the short term, and healthy and glowing over time.
“A great body care routine maximizes hydration [because] body skin is thicker and has fewer oil glands than the skin on your face,” says NYC dermatologist Elyse Love, MD. “It tends to be drier, duller, heals from damage slower, and can be less responsive to topical treatments, too.” Regarding the order of operations, it’s also important to factor in your skin type. “Your body skin may behave differently than your facial skin,” says Marnie Nussbaum, MD, FAAD, an NYC dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College. “You may have oily or acne-prone facial skin and dry, easily irritated body skin or vice versa.”
Not to mention: Body care is booming well beyond the basic lotions of yesteryear. With powerful actives making their way into products formulated for the neck down, the case for a body-specific skin care routine has never been stronger—here’s how to put one together.
1
Cleanse Thoroughly, But Gently
Just as you cleanse your complexion daily, doing so from tip to toe helps lather away the day’s grime—environmental irritants, sweat, and other buildup—for fresh, clean skin. “If you have sensitive skin, make sure to look for something soothing and nourishing that’s fragrance and irritant-free,” says Nussbaum. “If you’re prone to breakouts, use something with gentle exfoliating properties that’s non-comedogenic.”
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Corpus
Body Wash
goop, $30
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Laurel Bath House
NUDIE Body wash
goop, $23
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Sangre de Fruta
Garden of Earthly Delights Body Wash
goop, $48
2
Exfoliate Regularly
Exfoliating once or twice a week goes a long way in keeping skin feeling soft and looking luminous. Think of it as a primer—it helps dissolve debris, slough off dead cells, smooth texture, and prep your skin for all of the amazing ingredients to follow. Exfoliation can be physical, as in dry brushing or using a body scrub, or chemical, as in using body wash that’s formulated with active ingredients (typically acids or enzymes) that sweep away buildup.
No matter which option you choose, Nussbaum recommends only using one exfoliant (or exfoliating ingredient) per day. “For example, if you’re using an exfoliant with salicylic acid in it, avoid any other body wash or cream with other exfoliating ingredients, like glycolic or lactic acid,” she says. “Otherwise, you could experience inflammation, redness, or irritation.”
Tip: If you opt for a scrub in the shower, cleanse with body wash first before exfoliating—kind of like a double cleanse.
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goop Beauty
Ultimate Dry Brush
goop, $25
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KORA Organics
Turmeric Invigorating Body Scrub
goop, $64
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goop Beauty
Microderm Instant Glow Body Polish
goop, $48
3
Treat With Actives
Working in potent, high-performance active ingredients such as vitamin C and retinol can help target skin concerns like dullness and uneven texture. When it comes to actives, always start low and go slow. “Body skin does not heal as quickly as facial skin,” says Nussbaum. “So, it may not tolerate high acids and exfoliants as well as facial skin may be able to.” To avoid potential irritation, try the skin cycling method—alternating daily between active and soothing ingredients—to see how your skin responds.
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Nécessaire
The Body Vitamin C
goop, $58
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True Botanicals
Phyto-Retinol Anti-Aging Body Lotion
goop, $68
4
Hydrate & Nourish
When moisturizing, always apply products in order from thinnest to thickest, consistency-wise. Start with water-based serums and lotions first, then layer on more occlusive creams, body butters or balms. “Hydrating serums and lotions will draw moisture into the skin with humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and urea, while oils and creams use emollients like shea butter or cocoa butter to seal in moisture and create a protective barrier,” says Nussbaum.
Tip: Apply moisturizer within a few minutes of getting out of the shower (when your skin is still damp). Per Love, doing so “maximizes hydration and prevents moisture loss from evaporation so your body care works better.”
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Augustinus Bader
The Body Lotion
goop, $112
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Le Prunier
Plumbody
goop, $80
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Rahua
Enchanted Island Body Glow Serum
goop, $85
5
Lock In Moisture
Don’t be surprised if you need to do a little extra layering in order for your skin to feel fully moisturized—especially on areas prone to dryness, like knees and elbows. “Body skin is thicker compared to facial skin, so it may require heavier moisturizers,” says Love.
Here’s where a quality body oil makes all the difference. Since oils sit on the skin’s surface, layering one on top of your chosen moisturizer forms an occlusive barrier that really seals in hydration—a step that’s most effective right before bed.
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goop Beauty
Afterglow Body Oil
goop, $48
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MARA
Algae + Moringa Sea Sculpt Body Oil
goop, $68
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Maison Louis Marie
No.13 Nouvelle Vague Body Oil
goop, $50
6
Generously Apply SPF
We’ve said it a million times, but we’ll say it again—shielding your skin from the sun is essential all year-round. Not only does it help prevent signs of skin aging—such as dark spots and hyperpigmentation—it also makes the biggest difference in how skin ages over time.
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Saint Jane
Body Sun Ritual SPF 30
goop, $48
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Supergoop
PLAY 100% Mineral Lotion SPF 30 with Green Algae
goop, $38
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