The Tamesis
It seems like everyone online has more glow and moisture than me. As I scrolled down my five-year plan, I noticed glowing skin—the kind of glow that could only be the result of a trip to the tropics after a day in the sun. It looks summery on the skin, but in fact, the charm of winter has long passed and it’s February now. Just last week, the wind index was negative; in New York City, ice piles from last month’s blizzard are still clogging sidewalks. Morale is low! Perhaps the only way to keep our spirits up (and away from seasonal depression!) is an indulgent nighttime beauty regimen. I keep my facial skin soft, but does everyone practice the same prescriptive body care routine except me?
FashionFavorite Winter Body Care Products
Sidia Wired: Body Exfoliant
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Body exfoliation two-piece set
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If you grew up in a “don’t trust anyone with gray elbows” family, this is probably nothing new. But for many of us, body care knowledge doesn’t extend beyond drugstore lotion. However, just like facial skin care, technically there is an order to things. Just as we apply products from thinnest to thickest on the face, the same principle applies to the body.
According to esthetician and beauty expert Sean Garrette, the right body care routine for winter is as follows: exfoliate, serums, lotions, essential oils and butters. “These steps really depend on your skin type and how dry your skin is during the winter,” he adds. “During the winter, if your skin is chronically dry, chapped, or cracked, consistent body care is crucial to protecting and nourishing your skin during the harsh weather.”
Below, I’ll detail what I learned from Garrette and two beauty creators. Consider this our step-by-step guide to body care; and curated editorial Fashion-Approved products in each category, notified of testing by our team.
first step: Exfoliation
Oft-overlooked exfoliation is arguably the most important step in your body care routine, and may be the reason why your favorite lotion isn’t fully absorbed into your skin. Garrette sticks to a simple rule when it comes to keeping her skin soft during the winter: exfoliate and moisturize. “You need to have an ongoing exfoliation routine to help remove those dead, dry, flaky skin cells and use a hydrating serum to rehydrate the skin.”
