Here’s Why Your Skincare Routine Should Extend Well Beyond Your Face
Too often, our faces get all the skincare love and attention, but the skin on our body is equally deserving of its own routine. Conditions like dryness, dehydration, flaking and rough texture can easily be fixed with a few simple steps, so why not take the change of season as an opportunity to show your bod’ some TLC? The silky soft results are worth the extra five minutes of bathroom time, we promise!
To help you on the road to hydration, we’ve rounded up a few Dr Roebuck’s favourites, alongside winter skin tips that will have you glowing from head to toe.
Five simple ways to boost skin hydration this winter
1. A Gentle Cleanse
Standard body wash formulas are often filled with soaps that can strip the skin, leaving you tight, itchy and depleted. Instead, reach for a gentle but deeply cleansing formula that will cut through dirt and sweat without dryness. Our very own Straya Hand + Soothing Body Wash is a sulfate-free gel packed with antioxidants, Aloe Vera, and Green Tea to nourish and refresh. We’ve even included Neroli and Bitter Orange Oils, too, because delicious fragrance is an important part of the shower experience, right?
Bonus tip: Tempting as it may be, avoid taking a shower that's piping hot – it will only zap away excess moisture, leaving the skin red, impaired and angry.
2. Think About Exfoliation
We know it’s smart to exfoliate our faces, but the rest of your body can really benefit from a weekly scrub to shift dull, flaky cells. A natural loofah is an easy-as but effective option. Just add a little body wash and move in circular motions, starting from the ankles and moving upwards. Pay extra attention to areas prone to dryness, including the knees, elbows and backs of the arms. You can even spot treat body breakouts with a clay-based mask like Uluru Purifying Mask, or a chemical exfoliant such as Lifesaver Skin Brightening Toner.
Bonus tip: If you experience bumpy ‘chicken skin’ on the backs of your arms, an Alpha-Hydroxy Acid product like Lifesaver Skin Brightening Toner will work to dissolve the build-up and restore smoothness.
3. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Post-shower or bath, lock in moisture with a nourishing body cream. Not only is this a nice ritual, it will ensure your limbs stay silky smooth all winter long (not scaly, dull or ‘ashy’). Top Stuff Ultra Hydrating Body Crème is jam-packed with oils and butters to soothe (think Shea Butter and Macadamia Oil), as well as White Tea extract to combat environmental damage.
Bonus tip: Massage Top Stuff in while the skin is still damp to really amp up hydration levels.
4. Hands On
Your hands work hard, so treat them right with a dedicated hand cream like Cushie Hand Therapy. Luxurious but never greasy, Cushie combines Shea Butter, organic Oatmeal and Macadamia Seed Oil to soften, while Kakadu Plum protects and corrects. It’s quickly absorbed too, so you can get right back to texting, typing or driving in a moment.
Bonus tip: Massage Cushie in before bed, paying extra attention to cuticles for better-looking digits by morning.
5. Don’t Forget Your Lips
While not technically body care, lip balm is a winter skin essential – especially if you’re exposed to wind and internal heating. The trick with lip balm is to use a formula rich in fatty acids that will comfort the delicate skin while preventing water loss. Darling Lip Therapy uses a trio of Shea Butter, Olive Oil and Macadamia Oil, plus Peppermint for a fresh, tingly effect – light and non-sticky, it’s a winner worn alone or under makeup.
Bonus tip: Apply a tiny amount of Darling Lip Therapy before you start applying makeup. By the time you're ready to put on lipstick, you’ll have a smooth canvas to work with. And if your pout is super chapped, gently buff with a washcloth first to slough off flakes.
Want more skin advice? Read our blog post on breakouts, which covers why they start, and how best to treat them.