You’ve got the exercise and healthy eating plans sorted, now it’s time for the kind of simple self-care that will ensure your body looks as good as you feel.
You don’t need us to convince you of the power of pampering. “Time spent on ourselves helps to unlock the internal look-bad/feel-bad cycle, and can genuinely boost our self-esteem,” says skincare expert Noella Gabriel. “That cared-for feeling empowers you and is super-motivating when you’re looking to set new goals.” Plus, small changes reap big rewards when it comes to your body. Time to love the skin you’re in!
Smooth, tone & go!
Exfoliating isn’t just for summer. Sloughing away dead, dull skin cells means any product you apply is absorbed more effectively. We’re big fans of dry body brushing, which gives limbs a smoother, firmer look and feel, but a twice-weekly buff with a salt, sugar or fruit-based exfoliator also helps to keep skin soft, as well as ingrown hairs at bay.
We love: NATIO Wellness Body Scrub and Sukin Purifying Body Scrub
Skin to show off
The skin on our body also benefits from acids that are commonly used in facial skincare, and you’ll immediately see a difference if you swap your regular body lotion for an acid-based one. They exfoliate and hydrate, making skin softer, and get to work on smoothing rough skin on legs, arms and elbows. Some acids, like glycolic, have anti-ageing properties, too – great for tackling crepiness.
We love: Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Body Cream because it absorbs super -quickly, while CeraVe – Daily Moisturizing Lotion with Hyaluronic Acid is fragrance free and great for sensitive skin.
Moisturise head to toe
According to UK research, more than 65% of women don’t use a daily body moisturiser, but keeping skin hydrated is essential for maintaining a healthy skin barrier. Not only does hydrated skin reflect the light so it looks luminous, it also helps to prevent dryness and sensitivity from developing into ‘winter itch’, says dermatologist Dr Nick Lowe. And instead of applying body cream in the morning, try applying before slipping into pyjamas, as woollen fabrics can absorb oils and lipids from moisturisers.
We love: Weleda Skin Food Body Butter and Natio Spa Coconut & Shea Body Butter
Blissful bath time
As much as we all love a relaxing bubble bath, the high levels of foaming agents in the formulas can strip skin of naturally protective oils, leading to dehydration. Along with keeping the water warm, not hot, limit the amount of time in the tub to around 15-20 minutes, which is long enough to relax muscles, improve lymph flow and increase blood circulation. If muscles are feeling tired and sore after exercising, try Caim & Able Magnesium Bath Flakes to soothe aches.
Don’t forget your feet
Even if they’re hidden beneath thick tights and boots, well-cared-for feet and toes always make us feel better. After filing away hard skin, massage a scrub like No7 Beautiful Skin Softening Foot Scrub all over. ‘The feet need to be massaged in a circular direction with a scrub to rid them of dead skin and to promote the renewal of fresher, smoother skin cells underneath,’ says podiatrist Margaret Dabbs. Rinse and then slather on a rich foot cream like Flexitol Foot Cream or L’Occitane Intensive Foot Balm for some serious sole salvation
Add a splash of colour…
There’s no denying the mood-transforming power of glossy polish on our toenails. Just make sure they’re in top condition for a professional finish. ‘Our nails become dehydrated and dry in the winter due to the constant changes in temperature – hot, dry indoor air and freezing cold outdoors,’ says podiatrist Joanna Melkowski. ‘Moisture levels in the nails drop, leaving them dried out and more likely to split.’ Along with a daily application of cuticle oil, use a polish with nourishing ingredients.
We love: Faby Nourishing Base Coat and Dr’s Remedy Enriched Nail Polish.
Upgrade your shower
To get maximum mileage out of a simple lather and go, use your in-shower time to do a DIY spa body boost. Switch the temperature from hot to cold and use the shower head to sweep the water from feet up towards the chest for five seconds. Then switch the water back to hot and repeat three times. Alternating the heat of the water helps to reduce puffiness and water retention by encouraging lymphatic drainage. Smoother, more-toned looking legs and arms without one visit to the gym? We’re in!
We love: The soothing blend of geranium and rosewood in Thankyou Body Wash will leave you feeling calm – plus you will be giving back!
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