Show Some Skin!

So I started writing this post a month ago and I decided I needed to get it finished before it's irrelevant!

I always talk about skin care for the face on here, but I rarely touch on our skin from the neck down. With the rising temperatures and the Spring and Summer clothes coming out of storage, I think it's time I gave ya'll the run down on my routine.

Great looking skin starts in the shower. I wash with a moisturizing body wash such as:
St. Ives Oatmeal & Shea Butter Moisturizing Body Wash

Next up it's time to exfoliate. This is important to do multiple times a week. Removing dead skin and promoting new skin cell turnover is key to having smooth, glowing skin all over. You need a different exfoliator for your body than what you would use on your face and neck. The skin on your body is thicker and can handle something that's a little more heavy duty. A few of my favorites are:
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Body

It's a little on the expensive side but is amazing because it has papaya and pumpkin enzymes, glycolic and lactic acids, plus caffeine to tighten skin. It runs around $65 at sephora.

If you are on a budget like I am most of the time there are still some great options for you.

Giovanni Hot Chocolate Scrub

I have reviewed this one before on here and I still love it. It costs around $13 at the drugstore and it lasts a long time. Plus it smells divine!

When exfoliating, you want to start at the shoulders and work your way down to your feet!

Post-shower it's time to get your glow on. I use the Jergens Natural Glow line. I'm partial to the foam because it dries soooo fast!

It's important when buying a gradual self tanner that you buy the color you are starting out. Not the color you want to be. If you have super fair skin then you need the lightest color. This will ensure that you get the most natural looking color. I use this almost daily in the spring and summer. (during the winter just a couple times a week) If you are looking for quicker and deeper color, then you need to use a regular self tanner. I have used the Fake Bake line in the past and it has worked well for me.

You definitely need to use gloves when applying this! And patience with drying time.

If you are done with your gradual self tanner or you are skipping it all together, the next step is to moisturize.
If you are using the Jergens foam, you can pretty much apply moisturizer immediately. If you did skip self tanner, the best time to apply moisturizer is actually while you are still in the shower. Turn off the water and semi dry yourself off. Apply body lotion while there is still a little water on your skin to lock in the moisture.

I usually buy body lotion on the cheap because I use so much of it! Pretty much anything from Jergens or Johnsons is great. My favorites are:

Jergens Overnight Repair

Jergens Ultra Healing

Johnson's Deep Hydrating Extra Dry Skin Lotion

After coating myself in body lotion I put on a long cotton robe or some cotton pants and a t shirt and just kinda let it all soak in. I also apply foot cream and put on some socks!

That's my body skin care routine! I also drink a ton of water and green tea, eat lots of fresh fruits and veggies, and take an omega 3 supplement. These things also help with the appearance and texture of your skin.

What are some of your favorite body products?