Upgrade your Body Care

By: Juliana Pires Johnson

Photo Credit: @shutterstock

I’ve recently realized that whenever someone talks about skincare and skincare routines, I immediately assume they are talking about face care. Why is that? Why is it that when we talk about skincare, it’s all about face? We spend so much time and money investing in that perfect Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Retinol, Peptides, exfoliants all to have and showcase and youthful and healthy face yet the body, neck down, typically gets ignored. Products that we focus on are limited to average body washes (does it smell good?) and a moisturizer either light or thick enough for the skin’s dryness. How backwards is that? How do we think that face skincare is all that we need to invest in and how funky would it be for someone to walk around with baby skin face and an unevenly toned, dry, saggy bod?

I was first introduced to the concept of face-grade skincare by Kayo’s gorgeous founder and our good friend, Christine Bullock. The concept seemed so obvious and yet revolutionary to me. Someone crafting body skincare products with the same level of care and high-performance ingredients as those used for the face? In fact, these are products you can use on both body and face… Mind. Blown. 

If we “need” Hyaluronic Acid and Peptides for the face, why don’t our arms, legs, décolleté, etc need them too? After all, it’s still skincare – the majority of my body’s skin, needing to be cared for. No wonder we reach our 50s and wonder why our body is permanently dehydrated, flakey and sagging overnight…. maybe its because we haven’t been trained to take notice until its “too late.”

So that you can begin treating your body as a wonderland (thank you, John Mayer), I’ve decided to test out and spotlight our body heroes. As always, only reviewed and considered are those products which are clean, paraben-free and without the funky stuff. 

1 – U BeautyThe Sculpt Arm Compound – $98

I’ve been using U Beauty’s Facial Resurfacing compound for a few months now and am completely blown away by the results, which we will detail in a separate story. Powered by the same SIREN technology developed by Founder Tina Craig, The Sculpt Arm Compound visibly tightens and tones the arm, something I’ve been trying to do with exercise and diet alone and since reaching my mid 30s, finding it harder and harder to do. This patented technology cues skin to “tighten up” and look less saggy. I’ve been using Sculpt for two weeks and am hooked and committed to the long run. Finally someone is addressing saggy arms as they do saggy jowls!

2 – Dr Dennis Gross  – Exfoliating Body Peel – $58

If you love skincare you have definitely heard of (if not tried) Dr. Dennis Gross’s Facial Exfoliating Pads. They have a cult-like following and I predict the same will happen to his body exfoliating version. Our bodies also experience blemishes, dullness, ingrown hairs, uneven tones so it deserves the same targeted approach as our face. Designed to exfoliate, brighten and hydrate, this treatment, powered by alpha and beta hydroxy acids, enzymes and bakuchiol does the trick. I use it once a week. Let it dry and follow with one of our suggested moisturizing lotions and you’ll have baby bright skin.

3 – Augustinus BaderThe Body Cream – $168

I like to call this cream The Magic Body Cream. It really is “THE” Body Cream. Much pricier than most, a little goes a LONG way and each jar, used daily, lasts me a good 2 months. Made with Dr. Bader’s proprietary TFC8® technology, just as his famous Face Cream, used for 2 weeks, led me to see a DRAMATIC reduction in cellulite and stretch marks as well as firmer and more even skin tone. This is a great one to invest in the months leading into summer and bikini season. I feel our most confident when using this one consistently.

4 NécessaireThe Body Serum – $45

I always wondered why Hyaluronic Acid was such a must for facial hydration but never addressed on a full-body level. Well thanks to Nécessaire that is no longer the case! This Hyaluronic Acid Serum, featuring Vitamins B3 + B5 + Ceramides very smoothly glides over the body and is quickly absorbed giving your body an immediate drink of water. You can add extra hydration by following with your favorite moisturizer or body oil. 

5 – KayoBody Sculpting Gua Sha Comb – $36 + KayoConcentrated Firming Serum – $38

The Concentrated Serum is a favorite of mine – the brand calls it “Pilates for the body.” Featuring a mix of caffeine, Hyaluronic Acid and Omega Oil Blend you can tell your skin is immediately energized, toned and hydrated. I love using it with the Gua Sha Comb, which further stimulates lymphatic drainage for the body, smoothes away stubborn fat, relieves sore muscles (those scalloped edges are genius) and bloating. I also like to use the Gua Sha comb with a body oil (such as the Biologique Recherche listed below or Kayo’s own Beautiful Body Oil, also amazing, and with a CBD version).

6 – Goop BeautyGoopGenes Nourishing Repair Body Butter – $55

This super thick body butter (you can turn the open jar upside down, shake it and nothing moves!) literally melts into your body and thoroughly hydrates it. It’s the most like our beloved Augustinus Bader The Body Cream. A unique mix of butters and botanicals, goop claims it keeps your skin hydrated for up to 72 hours (I agree upon trying!). A little goes a long way and it smells delicious. Its sister Face Cream is BOMB too.

7 – Kora OrganicsEssential Body Wash – $38

Clean, refreshing and natural, this light and effective body wash includes aloe vera and one of my all-time favorite ingredients, Noni Fruit Extract, to keep your body clean, fresh and hydrated. No nasty ingredients, good for all skin types.

8 – Biologique RechercheBody Oxygenant – $121 

This luxurious body oil is meant to be used daily after showering, on damp skin. I use the brand’s silicone massage glove, listed below, with it. This formula addresses the look of cellulite, wrinkles, dehydration … and boy, does it.

9 – Biologique RechercheMassage Glove – $45

A silicone glove meant in aiding product absorption (how frustrating to think that some of those quality ingredients may not be fully absorbed), release water retention, improve energy flow, aid in breaking stubborn fat (hello cellulite  – my main reason for owning this glove). By massaging daily after my oil/ cream, we have noticed a massive difference in skin texture and firmness.

10 – C & The MoonMalibu Made Body Scrub – $64

Holy Moly this all-natural vanilla brown sugar body scrub is indulgent. Not only does it smell delicious but leaves skin crazy silky smooth, soft, hydrated with its natural oils and glowing. This is my go-to physical body exfoliant while Dr. Gross’ pads are my go-to chemical exfoliant. I use this once a week too, especially before going to the beach (or getting a spray tan) for the most even glow.

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