Expert Tips for Creating a Complete Body Care Routine

When it comes to body care, if “the body keeps the score”, then some of us might have subpar routines. And by average or ticking a little below par, it means slathering on lotion to our dry areas is one thing, but are you ticking the ‘yes’ box on full-body care? This would look somewhat like treating our bodies “[head], shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes”, with a curated body care regimen.

We understand that with time being limited and precious – plus maintaining a skincare routine – it’s easy to often overlook the importance of full-body skincare. We can end up frustrated with a fragmented or incomplete body care regimen, especially if we’re not aware of the best routine and products to use.

Having a proper body care routine daily is key to obtaining total body wellness. That's the essence of mindful beauty—a holistic approach to self-care with natural, non-toxic ingredients - and focuses on overall well-being. It’s time to build the right body care routine for head-to-toe radiance – shoulders, knees, and toes included!

Understanding Holistic Body Care

Have you been giving all your skincare love to your face but neglecting the skin on the rest of your body? Whether it's time constraints or not knowing your skin type, it’s easy to get caught up with our facial skincare routine and our “eyes and ears and mouth and nose” makeup regimen. Body care might be left with remnants of the face moisturizer you dispersed down your neck and a dollop of body lotion on dry patches. It’s time to connect with skin that exists below the chin.

However, first, let’s dab a little in the face-skin-mind connection. When you're applying that moisturizer, or dabbing on some blush, you're not just going through the motions. You're taking a moment to connect with yourself, to be present in the here and now. That's the essence of mindful beauty—a holistic approach to self-care that goes beyond just looking good on the outside.

This approach is about using products and practices that not only enhance your physical appearance but also uplift your mental and emotional well-being. The same can be said about the connection between body care and overall wellness - or holistic body care. A complete body care routine is an approach that uses natural, non-toxic ingredients to form a full body care regimen that focuses on uplifting your overall well-being. It includes a complete body care routine and some holistic body treatments, such as exfoliation, massage, and perhaps, aromatic fragrances and body polishing options.

To build a comprehensive body care routine, just look at the components of your skincare regimen. A solid body skincare routine will contain the three basics: A good cleanse, an occasional exfoliation, and regular hydration. From there, you can add in extra steps to target your concerns, ranging from body acne to an itchy scalp (yes, your scalp is considered skin, too) to pigmentation on the chest. Finding a cream, lotion, or mask for every niche concern you could possibly have isn’t difficult. In fact, it can be a little overwhelming.

Going back to most of our skin existing below the chin, we need to care for the skin of the body as well. Though the skin on our body is different and more resilient than areas like the face, it keeps score and needs TLC just the same. In fact, the skin on our body is more prone to dryness, roughness, and, eventually, loss of elasticity, as most importantly, takes a good brunt of UV damage and environmental assailants. Using products and practices that not only enhance your physical appearance but also uplift your mental and emotional well-being has a huge impact on body care, skin, and overall appearance.

Beyond the face, holistic body care is embraced as a ritual—a sacred practice of self-love and mindfulness. Rather than rushing through our routines, we savor each step, treating it as an opportunity to connect with ourselves on a deeper level. From cleansing to moisturizing, each gesture becomes an act of self-care, nurturing not just our skin but also our mind and spirit. This ritualistic approach fosters a sense of presence and gratitude, allowing us to cultivate a deeper appreciation for ourselves and the world around us.

Building Your Body Care Regimen

Just like each person’s fingerprints are unique, everyone’s skin has a unique fingerprint. While distinctive ridges and furrows in fingerprints help identify us from one another, our unique skin types and needs set each of us apart.

Using products that are specifically formulated for the unique skin on your body ensures that you’re addressing its concerns, whether it's hydration, oil control, or sensitivity. When you’re building your body care routine, you can optimize its effectiveness and see noticeable improvements in the overall health and appearance of your skin.

Cleansing rituals

A great body care routine starts with clean and refreshed skin. Before you can reap the full benefits of your body care rituals, you’ll need to cleanse the impurities, environmental pollutants, lotions and creams, sunscreen, excess oil, and dirt from your skin. That’s a lot of stuff that can accumulate throughout the day! Without cleansing the skin first, you run the risk of clogging pores, which can lead to unsightly blackheads, blemishes, and body acne.

Choosing the right body cleansers:

When choosing a body cleanser, consider your skin type and any concerns you have. If you have dry or sensitive skin, look for a moisturizing body wash that is free of harsh chemicals and fragrance-free. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, an exfoliating or antibacterial body cleanser may be better. Look for natural and skin-friendly ingredients that nourish your skin.

Proper bathing techniques for skin health:

Proper bathing helps to eliminate bacteria and viruses, reducing the risk of infections and illnesses. Bathing can help to relieve stress and promote relaxation, improving overall mental health. Avoid hot water, which can strip your skin of natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Instead, use lukewarm water to wash your body. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to consider using cooler water. Avoid long baths and showers, which can dry out skin.

Exfoliation strategies

Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. Otherwise, when old skin cells start to pile up on the surface of the skin, it can leave skin looking dull, rough, and dry. If that’s not unhappy skin enough, the build-up of dead skin cells can result in excess oil and clogged pores, leading to blemishes and body acne.

Types of body exfoliants (physical vs. chemical):

There are two main types of exfoliating methods. Physical exfoliation is the method of manually sloughing dead skin off your face. Some of the more popular physical exfoliating scrubs and exfoliating cleansers on the market usually contain small granules – ground-up nuts, coffee, sugar crystals – to buff away dead skin.

When it comes to chemical exfoliation, don’t let the word ‘chemical’ intimidate you. When you exfoliate your body chemically, you’ll use a chemical liquid or gel to dissolve dead skin cells. One of the most popular chemical treatments for exfoliating at home includes alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs).

Frequency and methods for different skin types:

It’s important not to exfoliate too much, especially if you have certain skin types. For oily or acne-prone skin, over-exfoliating your face can cause the sebaceous glands in your skin to produce even more oil, causing breakouts. Over-exfoliating when you have sensitive or mature skin can compromise the skin’s lipid barrier, which can cause increased sensitivity and dryness.

The frequency and method of exfoliation you should use depends on your skin type and the type of exfoliant you're using:

For oily skin, exfoliate 2-3 times a week. You can exfoliate every other day if your skin doesn't react negatively.

For normal or combination skin, exfoliate 1-2 times a week. You can exfoliate the oily areas more often.

For dry or sensitive skin, exfoliate 1–2 times a week, or once every two weeks. Avoid harsh exfoliants, as they can dry out or irritate your skin even more or cause microtears.

Hydration and moisturization

No matter how relaxed you feel after your shower or bath, do not skip hydrating and moisturizing your skin. It’s best to pat dry, leaving some water on your skin, and adding hydration to be better absorbed into your skin. Body lotions and creams should contain humectants to hydrate the skin, emollients to support the skin barrier, and occlusives to lock in moisture.

Dry skin types may need heavier emollients and occlusives, while acne-prone skin types should look for non-comedogenic formulations.

Body lotions, creams, and oils:

These hydrating and moisturizing body care essentials differ in their ingredients, texture, and how they’re used on skin. Body lotions are generally made of water and oil-based ingredients and absorb easily into the skin. Lotions help hydrate and soothe the skin and help with skin concerns, such as eczema. Body oils are derived from natural oils like those found in plants and flowers. Oils are rich in fatty acids and help trap and prevent moisture loss, resulting in a more nourished, radiant complexion. Body creams have a thicker consistency than lotions and creams, and typically contain many fatty acids that are naturally found in the skin.

Targeted treatments for dry areas (elbows, knees, feet):

The knees and elbows are two common places where people can experience dryness and rough skin texture. These areas and the feet do not have sebaceous glands, and therefore, no hydrolipidic film, which usually protects the skin against external aggressions and prevents dehydration. Choose a body moisturizer with humectants, and reapply as needed, especially during the dry cooler months. For extra dry skin, use a nourishing body serum to strengthen the hydrolipidic film and fight against parched skin.

Sun protection for the body:

We know the importance of sun protection for our face, and our body is just as important. Protecting your skin from sun exposure makes a dramatic difference in how your skin ages over time. Sunscreen decreases your overall UV exposure and lowers your risk of sun damage, and even better, skin cancer. It also helps prevent premature skin aging caused by the sun, including wrinkles, fine lines, sagging, and age spots, especially on the chest, arms, and hands.

Full-body SPF application:

Be sure to wear broad-spectrum sun protection or SPF 30 for the body every day – rain or shine - and reapply every two hours, as well as after swimming or sweating. Much of the sun damage that accumulates in our skin is the result of daily incidental sun exposure.

Protective clothing and habits:

Wearing sun-protective clothing and adopting good habits can help protect yourself from the sun. Wear clothing with a tight weave or high sun protection factor (SPF). You can also wear lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat can shade your face, ears, and back of your neck while adding sunglasses can protect your eyes from the sun’s harsh rays.

Navigating Body Care Myths and Marketing

In the realm of skincare, there are always going to be myths, perpetuated by well-meaning advice, advertising, claims, and misinformation or obstacles we should overcome to get to the truth. It’s time to provide clarity on some of the most common body care myths and how marketing plays into them so you can make more informed choices for your full body care routine.

Misleading claims in body care products

Beauty and skincare claims are an important aspect of marketing products to consumers to help promote the effectiveness and benefits that they offer. But there’s an increasing discussion on claims or disinformation, as regulators and consumers look to question and challenge claims that appear misleading or are unlikely to be properly substantiated.

Be sure to pay attention to claims, such as ingredient claims, where you may find body care products deemed as ‘natural’, ‘organic’, or ‘free-from’ when they are indeed false claims. Performance claims are other misleading claims about body care products, where you’re likely to come across a description of how a product performs, such as method of action, duration of effect, or intensity of change, when in fact, there’s no real result.

One-size-fits-all approaches to body care

Avoid any approach to body care that’s intended to be suitable for everyone or every purpose – or a one-size-fits-all approach. Your skin is as unique as you are, and its needs can vary based on factors like genetics, environment, and lifestyle. Using body care products that are specifically formulated for your skin type ensures that you're addressing its concerns, whether it's hydration, oil control, or sensitivity.

By customizing your body care regimen, you can optimize its effectiveness and see noticeable improvements in the overall health and appearance of your skin. One-size-fits-all approaches to body care are not always effective because people have unique needs and skin types:

The challenge of finding effective, natural solutions

Going back to misleading claims on body care products, labels like “natural” and “clean” are unregulated, so you may not actually know what you’re getting. Moreover, the skincare market is saturated with body care products that are laden with harsh chemicals and synthetic ingredients. This can be difficult for individuals who have sensitive skin or who develop an allergy to these products while using them. It’s important to read labels and do a little research on brands to determine if you’re getting effective, natural body care products that can address your skin’s needs – beyond the label and claims.

The Body Care Solution: Customizing Your Routine

A total body care solution is more than a surface-level approach. While a customized body care routine may sound like high maintenance, in reality, the steps for healthy, balanced skin are not only necessary, but they’re easy to implement too. And, by using products formulated specifically customized for your body’s needs, you're likely to see better, faster results than with generic products. Customized skincare ensures that active ingredients are at the right concentration to be effective without causing irritation.

Assessing your body's unique needs

Skin type considerations for different body areas

Understanding your skin type is crucial for creating an effective body care routine. It not only helps you choose the right products but also allows you to address specific concerns and achieve optimal results. Here are some common characteristics of each of the common skin types:

Dry Skin:

Feels tight, rough, or itchy, especially after cleansing.
May appear dull, flaky, or have visible dry patches.
Prone to fine lines and wrinkles, especially on the neck and chest areas, due to lack of moisture.

Oily Skin:

Skin may feel greasy to the touch.
Enlarged frequent or body acne, especially on the back – or bacne.

Combination Skin:

Exhibits characteristics of both dry and oily skin.
May experience both body acne breakouts and dry patches simultaneously.

Sensitive Skin:

Prone to redness, itching, burning, or stinging reactions.
Easily irritated by skincare products, environmental factors, or temperature changes.
May experience allergic reactions or flare-ups from certain ingredients.

Addressing specific concerns

A customized body care routine addresses your specific skin concerns, whether it's acne, dryness, hyperpigmentation, or bacne. By focusing on your unique needs, it delivers results that are far superior to generic products.

Seasonal adjustments to your body care routine

Not adjusting body care regimens for different seasons can lead to imbalances. For instance, failing to switch to more hydrating products in winter can exacerbate dryness, while not using lighter formulations in summer can increase oiliness and body breakouts.

Winter dryness vs. summer sweat and sun exposure:

Seasonal changes can affect the skin on your body, and your full body care routine should reflect those changes. During the winter, cold, dry air and wind can cause skin to feel and look dull, so you’ll need ultra-moisturizing lotions, creams, and oils, depending on your skin type and needs. On the other hand, during the summer, if your skin is oilier, you can try an oil-free cleanser and other body care products tailored to your skin type.

As a rule of thumb, switch to more hydrating products in winter to combat dryness and lighter formulations in summer to manage excess oil and sweat. Be sure to use moisture-rich products, such as a cream or oil (or both), and a moisturizing cleanser. Apply sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days, with a protective formula.

Transitional skincare for changing seasons:

The skin on our bodies needs to change with the seasons; failing to adjust your body care routine can lead to issues like dryness in winter and oiliness in summer. Investing early in the health of your skin during seasonal transitions with a customized body care regimen will not only better protect it from the harsh effects of winter, but also keep you looking and feeling your best throughout the year.

Incorporating self-care rituals

Self-care can look differently for every individual, but ultimately, it’s the practice of actively taking actions to help preserve and improve, in this case, your skin’s health, well-being, and happiness. That might look like taking a hot bubble bath before bed at night, treating yourself to a facial and massage on your day off, or creating your own at-home spa day one lazy Sunday afternoon.

To develop the best self-care rituals, start with the notion that consistency is key to the best body care routine. Find a routine that works for your skin type and stick to it. Stay hydrated, eat a balanced diet, and be sure to get some form of exercise daily. It’s those daily habits that can influence your body care regimen as well.

Body massage techniques for relaxation and circulation:

Many of us are all too familiar with the amazing results of getting a massage! Whether it’s for skin care or body care, there are several massage techniques that can help with relaxation and circulation of these areas, including a popular technique that uses long strokes, kneading, and circular movements to improve blood circulation, reduce muscle tension, and improve relaxation in the body.

Aromatherapy and mindfulness in body care:

One of the significant ways aromatherapy can bring about mindfulness and wellness in body care is by creating a harmonious balance between the mind and body, helping to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Practice mindfulness: Activities like yoga, meditation, or journaling can help reduce stress and improve your skin health.

100% PURE Body Care Products

Building a full body care routine is all about infusing your daily skincare rituals with intentionality, reflection, and gratitude, and extending this to your body or your precious temple. Here's how you can create a nurturing and holistic routine that aligns with your personal values and your body’s skin health and needs, using 100% PURE products as your mindful companions:

Coconut Nourishing Body Cream:

Coconut is a tropical hydration gem that nourishes and softens skin from head to toe. If you haven’t fallen in love with coconut for your skin, you must not have tried this body cream. Our saponified coconut oil base means all the richness of coconut oil with a lightweight non-greasy feel and the moisture component our skin needs to thrive. It features real fruits, blackberry, pomegranate, and cherry in the blend.

Honey Almond Nourishing Body Cream:

We can’t think of anything better than this energizing, caffeine-infused formula that tightens and tones skin while moisturizing and smelling like sweet, fruity honey and creamy, nutty almonds after a long-refreshing bath. Almond comes complete with vitamin E, enriching the skin, and the honey inside is naturally antibacterial. Shea, argan, and cocoa butters create a moisturizing trifecta that seriously makes skin sparkle while nutrients from included fruits like goji and acai feed skin with softening and anti-aging vitamins to condition and repair.

Blood Orange Body Scrub:

If you’re looking for the best makeup remover, cleanser, and moisturizer in one, this triple threat serves as a must-have first step in any natural body (and skin) care routine. No makeup? No worries. The antibacterial coconut oil and degreasing blood orange in our natural cleansing balm will grab dirt and oil from even makeup-free dry skin. This Invigorating exfoliation gives your body cleanser a leg up on dirt and oil and will help to reveal smooth, renewed skin with a refreshing scent.

Eucalyptus Shower Gel:

This gentle cleansing shower gel soothes and relaxes while maintaining skin's natural moisture. Its standout ingredient, mangosteen extract, is rich in antioxidants, promoting skin health and offering a subtle, fruity aroma for an indulgent shower experience.

Honey Almond Whipped Body Butter:

This decadent, deeply nourishing treatment is geared for ultra-dry skin areas. Honey is a humectant, meaning it works extra hard to keep the skin on your body more moisturized, for longer. Combined with vitamin E-rich almonds, this body butter is easily in the running for your year-round favorite pick.

Your Journey to Head-to-Toe Radiance

It’s time for a change! You don’t need us to remind you that self-care is important—especially when it comes to taking care of yourself from head to toe, plus creating a complete body care routine that can deliver the best in the holistic connection between body care and overall wellness.

While you don’t need to spend hours every night on your body care routine, there are a few simple steps like cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing that are non-negotiable. If you have specific skincare concerns like bacne or hyperpigmentation, you may need to customize your body care routine and incorporate targeted treatments.

A complete body care skincare routine is important, as the delicate skin on our bodies accounts for the clear majority of the skin on your body, and treating it well, and keeping it healthy, hydrated, and happy is important to preventing infections, rashes, and inflammation.

It’s important to note that body care routines will be different for each person and skin type—how much cleansing, hydration, or treatment your skin needs will depend on your skin type and concerns. Some people will need cleansing more often, while genetics play a role in the amount of hydration that is necessary to keep skin properly moist. It might take a little while to establish the best cadence body care solution, but you should at least cleanse and moisturize once per day. And for a cadence, let’s go back to “[head], shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes”. It’s all about how to give your body the loving attention it deserves. And, it, like your facial skincare routine, equally deserves the best.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I become more mindful or holistic about the body products I use?

Becoming more mindful about your body products starts with awareness. Take a moment to educate yourself about the ingredients in your products for your body. Look for products that are made with natural, organic ingredients and avoid those containing harsh chemicals. Pay attention to how these products make you feel, both physically and emotionally. And remember, less is often more—opt for simplicity and quality over quantity.

Can holistic body care routines impact my overall well-being?

Absolutely! Mindful beauty and skin routines aren't just about looking good; they're about feeling good too. When you take the time to care for your skin and engage in self-care practices, you're nurturing your mental and emotional well-being as well. Incorporating mindfulness into your beauty routine can reduce stress, increase self-confidence, and enhance your overall sense of well-being.

What are some quick mindfulness practices I can incorporate into my body care routine?

There are plenty of simple mindfulness practices you can weave into your daily body care regimen. Try starting your day with a few deep breaths before applying your skincare and body care products. Take a moment to appreciate the textures, scents, and sensations of each product as you use them. And don't forget to cultivate gratitude—take a moment to thank yourself for investing in your self-care and well-being.

How does 100% PURE ensure its products align with mindful beauty principles?

100% PURE is committed to mindful beauty principles from start to finish. They source only the highest quality natural and organic ingredients, ensuring that their products are free from harmful chemicals and additives. They also prioritize ethical sourcing and sustainable manufacturing practices, minimizing their environmental impact. With rigorous testing and transparency in their processes, 100% PURE ensures that every product aligns with the principles of mindful beauty.

Are there any community or environmental initiatives that 100% PURE supports?

Absolutely! 100% PURE is dedicated to giving back to both the community and the environment. They support various charitable initiatives, including those focused on environmental conservation, animal welfare, and women's empowerment. Additionally, they're committed to reducing their carbon footprint and promoting eco-friendly practices throughout their supply chain. By choosing 100% PURE, you're not just investing in your own well-being—you're supporting a brand that's making a positive impact on the world around us.