How to Build Your Body Care Routine for the Ultimate Glow

Winter’s below freezing temperatures typically call for cocooning, cozy layers (and layers and layers). With all the covering up, you might underprioritize your body care routine. While your skin might get preferential treatment in the summer, it’s actually easy to maintain a year-round glow. In fact, your routine can be a comforting act of self-care. 

So what makes an effective body care routine, anyway? Find products that feel great to use while nourishing and protecting your skin. If they also smell fantastic, then all the better (that’s the Sol de Janeiro way, after all). 

Here, we break down the steps to a good body care routine, why having one matters, and the best Sol de Janeiro body care products.

What Is a Body Care Routine?

Think of your body routine like you would skin care. Thanks to concerns like breakouts and dryness, we tend to focus our skin care on our faces—and you still can! But we believe the rest of your skin deserves TLC too. The basic steps of a body care routine include cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing, and finishing up with your favorite scent. Let’s get into specifics, such as ingredients to look for and how often to do your body skincare routine steps.

Why Body Care Matters

First, having a consistent body care routine is a great way to practice self-care. Massaging in body cream? Lathering up with body wash in the shower? These little moments add to your glow from the inside out. As far as benefits go, you can count on an effective body care routine to cleanse, support your skin barrier, soften, hydrate, and leave you smelling absolutely fantastic. 

Body Care Routine Steps

Your ideal body care routine is one that works for your skin type and needs. Below, find our simple yet effective step-by-step body care routine guide.

Step 1: Cleanse

First, as you may have guessed, is cleansing. Easy enough, right? Just make sure you’re using a body wash that offers bonus skin care benefits. All of our body washes are sulfate-free with skin-loving ingredients. For example, Delícia Drench Shower Oil transforms into a luscious foam that replenishes dry skin with bacuri butter and a Brazilian oil blend. Meanwhile, creamy Beija Flor™ Renewing Body Wash helps support the skin renewal process while delivering vital moisture thanks to a gentle retinol alternative and plant squalane.

Step 2: Body scrub

Next up is a scrub to exfoliate dry, rough skin. Scoop a generous amount and gently massage via circular motions before thoroughly rinsing off. For summer-ready skin all year, try our Bum Bum Body Scrub, a spa-worthy treat that gently exfoliates with crushed cupuaçu seeds and sugar crystals, caffeine-rich guaraná, and nourishing coconut oil. Or, try Bom Dia Body Scrub; like a facial for your body, this 10% AHA and BHA body scrub treatment instantly retexturizes to deliver clearer-looking, radiant skin.

Step 3: Moisturize 

Once you’re out of the shower, lock in moisture with a body cream. For the best results, apply while skin is still a bit damp right out of the shower. Choose the formula that’s best for your skin. You can’t go wrong with Brazilian Bum Bum Cream®, one of which is sold every four seconds thanks to its nourishing, visibly firming formula and irresistible Cheirosa 62™ fragrance. 

Step 4: Finish with Body Oil 

For even more skin nourishing power, layer a moisturizing body oil on top of your body cream. Our Bum Bum Body Firmeza Oil not only moisturizes, but has Guaraná Caffeine+ Complex™ to help stimulate micro-circulation, making it a favorite for deep nourishment and reducing feelings of puffiness. 

Step 5: Boost Fragrance

Now that your skin is cleansed, exfoliated, and moisturized, all that’s left is that last bit of fragrance. Choose your favorite perfume mist, then it’s time to be on your way!

Body Care Routine for Different Skin Types

Your skin may need different products and steps than let’s say, a friend’s. Here’s how to adapt your body care routine, depending on your skin’s unique needs. 

—For dry skin: Use gentle cleansers and scrubs, along with thick, rich body creams and moisturizers

—For oily skin: Stick with lightweight lotions

—For sensitive skin: Use gentle cleansers and moisturizers. When in doubt, check with a dermatologist before trying any new products

When To Follow a Body Care Routine, Daily vs. Weekly

Did you know...not all body care steps need to be part of your everyday routine? Here’s a simple guide for your daily vs. weekly body care routine.

Daily: Cleanse, moisturize, SPF, fragrance mist

Weekly: Body scrub and exfoliation

FAQs

What is the best order for a body care routine?

In the shower, start with cleansing and then exfoliate with a body scrub. Out of the shower, moisturize with body lotion or body cream, followed by an optional body oil. Finish with fragrance. If it’s daytime, always use SPF before going outside!

How often should you exfoliate your body?

You don’t need to exfoliate every day, or you could irritate your skin. Two or three times a week should keep your skin soft and smooth without disrupting your skin barrier. 

Should you moisturize after every shower?

Yes! This is the best way to lock in hydration. 

Can you use face products on your body?

We recommend using products formulated for the face on the face, and products formulated for the body on the body. 

How do I start a body care routine as a beginner?

Do you use soap and lotion? Good news, you already have a body care routine! All you have to do is level up with products that give your skin extra TLC. This guide will help you do it—and your skin will thank you!