Curology Lists: Bodycare Essentials
Our round-up of the best body scrubs, moisturizers, and more.
Let’s face it: skin below the neck needs love too. Once you start a skincare routine for your face, it makes sense you’d wonder, “How can I take care of my body’s skin?”
The skin on your body tends to be thicker than the skin on your face, so what works on your mug might not work on your bod — even if you’re facing similar skin concerns.
Body acne can be stubborn to treat (especially if you’ve confused folliculitis for body acne), and the skin on our bodies is just as vulnerable to UV rays. Eventually, sun damage can manifest as dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles, and other signs of accelerated aging. So it’s important to protect our skin and do what we can to help repair existing damage!
These recommendations might give you a quick start to building your bodycare routine. The best products for you might vary, but we think these are a solid place to begin.
Do you need…
…a body scrub?
You don’t need a body scrub, but if you’ve got a buildup of dry, dead skin, it can definitely help! Just don’t overdo it — exfoliators like scrubs work best when used as needed: typically, once or twice weekly — beware of over-exfoliating!
We recommend: First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub with 10% AHA ($28).
What it’s for: Dissolving and scrubbing away dead skin cells for smoother, fresher skin. (It has both physical and chemical exfoliants!)
How to use it: While showering or bathing, gently massage scrub onto the upper arms, backs of legs, and any other areas that need it. Don’t use it more than twice a week!
Heads up: Don’t use it on your face, or any sensitive/acne-prone areas, since there’s a chance this could cause breakouts. .
…an anti-aging body lotion?
Honestly, regular ol’ sunscreen will go a long way, when used correctly. We like body lotions with SPF that multitask by protecting skin from UV rays while helping to repair skin with antioxidants.
We recommend: Hempz Yuzu & Starfruit Daily Herbal Body Moisturizer SPF 30 ($29.95).
What it’s for: Protecting against UV rays and lightweight moisturizing. It also gives your skin a surge of antioxidant benefits!
How to use it: Apply liberally — they say that about 2 tablespoons is enough to cover your whole body, but use more if needed! Let it set for 15 minutes before heading outside.
…a body butter?
Body butters are intense body hydrators that are great for dry skin. These thick creams tend to lay on top of the skin and can help reinforce its moisture barrier.
We recommend: Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil SPF 45 Body Butter ($42).
What it’s for: Soothing and protecting skin that needs extra moisture. This may come in handy on dry winter days!
How to use it: Slather about 2 tablespoons all over your body. This is a physical sunscreen, which gets to work quickly (and is great for sensitive skin!).
…a hand serum?
We use our hands a lot in our daily lives, which means they can be prone to more wear-and-tear. A hand serum is a way to show your hands some extra love!
We recommend: Verso Hand Serum ($55).
What it’s for: Hand rejuvenation. It may help treat dark spots with niacinamide and help prevent fine lines and wrinkles with retinol.
How to use it: Apply a small amount to the back of your hands and gently massage to rub in.
Heads up: Don’t use it on your face, or any sensitive/acne-prone areas, since there’s a chance this could cause breakouts. .
…a dry brush?
Most people don’t need a dry brush (and it’s a myth that it helps improve skin concerns like cellulite). That said, it does exfoliate, which can help soften tough areas prone to dead skin buildup like your elbows and knees.
We recommend: Biossance Dry Body Brush ($17).
What it’s for: Buffing away the buildup of dry, dead skin (hello, seasonal dryness!).
How to use it: Before you hop in the shower, gently brush dry skin using small strokes in a circular motion. Repeat once or twice weekly, as needed.
Heads up: For best results, follow our guide to physical exfoliation.
…an acne body wash?
If you’ve got body breakouts, then an acne body wash is the way to go. These may have active ingredients like salicylic acid, which help to unclog pores. Look for a body wash that’s gentle enough to use a few times a week (or even every day!) and doesn’t include ingredients that can make breakouts worse, like sodium lauryl sulfate.
We recommend: The acne body wash by Curology.
What it’s for: Breakouts on the chest, shoulders, and back.
How to use it: While showering or bathing, gently massage into wet skin — feel free to use just your hands or your bath tool of choice — and then rinse away.
Heads up: You can get your first month of Curology for free, including the acne body wash — just pay $4.95 to cover shipping + handling.
Want to keep it super simple?
The best thing you can do is practice sun protection. We know we sound like a broken record, but it’s the truth! Your future self will thank you for wearing sunscreen now.
Any questions? Feel free to reach out to your Curology provider, or leave a comment below!
