Taking care of your skin goes beyond your face—it’s about nurturing and protecting the body’s largest organ as a whole. Estheticians emphasize that a thoughtful, tailored approach to body care, based on your age, skin type, and specific body areas, ensures optimal skin health. Below are their tips, broken down by key elements of body care.

BODY CARE BY SKIN TYPE

Dry Skin:

• Product Type: Look for rich, emollient moisturizers with ingredients like shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides.
• Application Tip: Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing while the skin is still damp to lock in hydration.

Esthetician: "Hydration is key. Regular exfoliation allows moisturizers to penetrate more effectively, especially for those with dry skin." -Renée Rouleau 

Oily Skin:

• Product Type: Lightweight lotions or gels with aloe vera, niacinamide, or salicylic acid.
• Application Tip: Avoid heavy oils that can clog pores; exfoliate 2–3 times a week to control sebum production.

Esthetician: "Oil control starts with balance—don’t strip the skin excessively as it can lead to overproduction of oil." -Joanna Vargas

Sensitive Skin:

• Product Type: Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products with calendula, oat extract, or chamomile.
• Application Tip: Test new products on a small patch of skin and avoid harsh scrubs.

Esthetician: "Always opt for gentle, soothing formulations when dealing with sensitivity." -Shani Darden

TAILORING BODY CARE BY AGE

Regardless of age, a few universal tips can enhance the effectiveness of your body care routine:

• Application Matters: Always apply products using upward strokes to stimulate blood circulation and lymphatic drainage.
• Layer for Effectiveness: Start with the lightest products, such as serums, and follow with heavier creams or oils to lock in moisture.
• Mind the Water Temperature: Opt for lukewarm water when bathing, as hot water can strip your skin's natural oils and lead to dryness.

Teens:

For teens, body care should focus on managing oily, acne-prone skin while preventing irritation.

• Use lightweight, non-comedogenic products to avoid clogging pores. Ingredients like tea tree oil and benzoyl peroxide can help target acne without overly drying the skin.
• Regularly cleanse and exfoliate areas prone to breakouts, like the back and chest, to reduce buildup. A gentle salicylic acid cleanser can be an excellent addition.

Esthetician: "Teen skin benefits from balance. Look for products that calm inflammation while addressing oil and bacteria." -Renée Rouleau.

20s–30s:

Skin care in your 20s and 30s should focus on prevention and repair to counteract environmental damage and preserve elasticity.

• Introduce antioxidants like vitamin C, which helps brighten and protect against free radicals. Pair this with daily SPF to shield skin from sun damage, even on cloudy days.
• Incorporate gentle exfoliation once or twice a week using alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as lactic acid to maintain smoothness and boost cell turnover.

Esthetician: "Start building your body care routine with protective measures like SPF and antioxidants in your 20s. These habits will pay off in your 30s and beyond." -Shani Darden. 

40s:

In your 40s, skin begins to show visible signs of aging, such as decreased elasticity and dryness. Hormonal changes may also impact the skin’s moisture levels and texture.

• Hydration: Use products with hyaluronic acid and ceramides to boost hydration and strengthen the skin barrier.
• Collagen Support: Incorporate peptides and retinol to stimulate collagen production and improve firmness.
• Targeted Care: Focus on areas prone to crepey skin, like the neck, décolletage, and hands.

Esthetician: "In your 40s, it's critical to begin replenishing what your skin starts to lose. Peptides and hydration are your skin’s best friends." -Joanna Vargas.

50s:

In your 50s, estrogen levels drop, leading to thinner, more fragile skin that is prone to dryness and sensitivity.

• Nourishing Oils: Incorporate body oils with jojoba, argan, or squalane for deep nourishment.
• Rich Creams: Use thicker moisturizers with ingredients like shea butter or urea to combat dryness.
• Gentle Exfoliation: Use mild enzymatic exfoliants to remove dead skin cells without over-stripping.

Esthetician: "Mature skin craves moisture. Emollients and oils help restore suppleness and prevent water loss." -Renée Rouleau.

60s and Beyond:

By your 60s and beyond, skin requires extra care to maintain its resilience and glow. Bone density changes can also affect skin structure.

• Barrier Repair: Look for ingredients like niacinamide to improve skin texture and repair the barrier.
• Intense Hydration: Use overnight treatments with glycerin or aloe vera to lock in moisture while you sleep.
• Sun Protection: Never skip SPF to prevent further damage, as aging skin is more susceptible to UV harm.

Esthetician: "In your 60s, your body care should focus on protection and repair. Prioritize SPF and rich, barrier-repairing creams to maintain healthy skin." -Shani Darden.

With tailored body care routines, every age can enjoy skin that feels healthy, radiant, and cared for.

FOCUS ON SPECIFIC BODY AREAS

Hands and Feet:

• Use thick creams or ointments with urea or lanolin for cracked skin.
• Night treatments: Apply cream, then wear gloves or socks for deep moisturization.

Esthetician: "Your hands show aging first—protect them with daily SPF. Night treatments, paired with gloves or socks, can deeply hydrate and repair cracked skin." -Joanna Vargas

Neck and Décolletage:

• Treat as an extension of the face with serums and sunscreen.
• Ingredients like alpha-hydroxy acids and antioxidants can smooth and firm this area.

Esthetician: "Think of your neck and décolletage as an extension of your face. Ingredients like alpha-hydroxy acids and antioxidants are fantastic for smoothing and firming the skin here, as they gently resurface while boosting elasticity." -Renée Rouleau

Body Skin:

Body care should be treated as an extension of facial care. For best results, apply body oil or cream immediately after showering to seal in moisture. Exfoliate gently to remove dead skin cells and improve absorption of active ingredients. Exfoliation is often the missing step in many body care routines. Use physical exfoliation, like dry brushing to improve circulation, once or twice a week and chemical exfoliants, such as AHAs or BHAs, for stubborn areas like elbows and knees. Use targeted exfoliation tools, like pumice stones, for rough areas such as heels and elbows.

Esthetician: "Exfoliation is key for soft, smooth body skin. Gentle exfoliation removes dead skin cells and allows active ingredients to absorb better.” -Shani Darden

"Exfoliation is essential for smooth, radiant skin. A gentle scrub or chemical exfoliant can clear away dead skin cells and help your other products penetrate better." - Brenttany Edwards

GENERAL BODY CARE RECOMMENDATIONS

Stay Consistent:

Consistency is the backbone of any successful skincare routine, and this applies to body care too. Regularly applying products helps your skin adapt and maximizes their effectiveness over time. For best results, follow your routine daily—especially after bathing, when your skin is most receptive to absorbing moisture.

Pro Tip: Dedicate a specific time each day, such as after your shower or before bed, to follow your body care regimen. This ensures it becomes a habit.

Esthetician: "Skincare is cumulative; regularity is what gets results. Just like facial care, your body care routine needs consistency to truly see improvements." - Renée Rouleau

Layer Products:

Layering products allows you to achieve maximum hydration and deliver active ingredients effectively to your skin. Start with the lightest formulation, such as a serum or body oil, to penetrate deeply. Follow with a thicker cream or balm to seal in the moisture and create a protective barrier against environmental stressors.

Pro Tip: Warm up your moisturizer in your hands before applying it over oil to ensure even coverage and better absorption.

Esthetician: "Layering is essential for maximizing hydration. Start with lighter products like oils or serums, then lock everything in with a rich cream to maintain moisture throughout the day." - Joanna Vargas

Hydration Inside-Out:

Proper hydration begins from within. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day supports the skin’s elasticity, plumpness, and overall health. Pair this with external hydration by applying products immediately after a shower to lock in moisture.

Pro Tip: If water feels boring, add a splash of lemon or cucumber for flavor and additional nutrients.

Esthetician: "Water is a game changer for your skin’s elasticity and plumpness. Drinking enough water ensures your skin stays hydrated from within while you treat it externally." - Shani Darden

"Our body deserves as much love as our face. Hydration is key, especially in colder months. Oils like avocado or jojoba not only lock in moisture but also nourish deeply." -Samantha Mims

Final Thought: 

Body care is more than a necessity; it’s a self-care ritual that can nurture both your body and mind. By approaching your routine with intention, you can transform a simple habit into a moment of luxury.

Pro Tip: Light a scented candle or play calming music while applying your products to elevate the experience and create a spa-like atmosphere at home.

Esthetician: "Body care shouldn’t feel like a chore. Make it a luxurious part of your self-care routine to relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect with yourself." - Tammy Fender

MINIMALIST SKINCARE ROUTINES

A minimalist approach to body care emphasizes using fewer, high-quality products tailored to your specific needs. For sensitive skin, prioritize fragrance-free formulations with soothing ingredients like chamomile, calendula, or aloe vera to calm irritation and maintain balance. This approach minimizes potential irritants and keeps the skin’s natural barrier intact.

Esthetician: "Overloading your skin with too many products can do more harm than good. Focus on a few high-quality items tailored to your skin's needs." -Anush Andreasyan

Tips for Minimalist Skincare:

• Start Simple: A gentle cleanser, a hydrating lotion, and sunscreen are your basics.
• Patch Test: Always test new products to avoid unexpected reactions.
• Stick to Essentials: Avoid switching products frequently to give your skin time to adjust.

Pro Tip: For an even more streamlined routine, consider multipurpose products, such as moisturizers with SPF or oils that hydrate and protect.

SEASONAL ADJUSTMENTS

As the weather shifts, so do your skin’s needs. In colder months, the skin is prone to dryness and sensitivity due to low humidity and harsh winds. Transition from lightweight lotions to heavier creams or ointments enriched with ingredients like shea butter, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid for optimal hydration. During summer, the focus should shift to sun protection and light hydration to prevent UV damage and excessive oiliness.

Esthetician: "Winter can be harsh on your skin, so opt for heavier moisturizers with shea butter or ceramides to keep dryness at bay." -Samantha Mims

Tips for Seasonal Care:

• Winter: Apply a body cream immediately after a shower to lock in moisture, and don’t forget to protect exposed skin with scarves or gloves.
• Summer: Use gel-based or aloe-infused moisturizers for a lightweight feel, and reapply sunscreen every two hours when outdoors.

Pro Tip: Incorporate a humidifier into your routine during winter to maintain indoor air moisture and help your skin retain hydration.

THE ROLE OF AROMATHERAPY

Aromatherapy elevates your body care routine into a sensory experience that benefits both the skin and mind. Essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, and citrus can soothe the skin while providing calming or invigorating effects. These oils can be used in diffusers, warm baths, or mixed with carrier oils to customize your body moisturizer.

Esthetician: "Incorporating essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus into your body care routine not only benefits your skin but also your mind, promoting relaxation and stress relief." -Brenttany Edwards

How to Use Aromatherapy:

• In Your Bath: Add a few drops of essential oil to warm water to relax tired muscles and hydrate the skin.
• In Your Lotion: Mix essential oils with a neutral lotion to create a personalized scent that enhances your mood.
• In Your Shower: Use shower steamers with infused essential oils for a spa-like experience.

Pro Tip: Always dilute essential oils properly before applying them to your skin to avoid irritation.

This holistic, age- and skin-type-appropriate guide highlights how estheticians craft a personalized approach to body care, ensuring radiant, healthy skin from head to toe.

Cindy Barberes, the founder of H. Honeycup, encourages self-care and a giving community. She prefers a relaxed culture, which translates to her plant-based body care products. As a family affected by addiction, H. Honeycup donates products to those in recovery, hoping to help heal body and mind naturally.

DISCOVER YOUR SKIN TYPE: TIPS FOR FACE AND BODY