If it feels like brands left and right are launching into the body care space, you’re not imagining it. The category is booming right now, with brands old and new feeding into consumers’ newfound obsession with caring for the skin below the neck. We’re seeing everything from innovative exfoliators and high-tech hydrating serums, to targeted moisturizing treatments brimming with active ingredients. And well, as someone with a chronic skin condition who’s always had to tend to my skin head-to-toe, I couldn’t be more here for it.
The condition I have is called Netherton syndrome, and it’s actually so rare it’s categorized as an “orphan disease,” or a disorder that affects fewer than 200,000 people nationwide. With that said, I often compare it to eczema because in my case, the symptoms are quite similar. My skin is stubbornly dry, easily irritated and as reactive as a two-year-old being told no. For this reason, I’ve always sought out products that promise to soothe, nourish and hydrate sensitive skin — though it wasn’t until somewhat recently that I really started to find some formulas worth writing home about.
Here, I’m sharing the body care products I can’t stop reaching for — plus some favorite formulas from board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick.
But first, what are the benefits of body care?
While the skin below the neck is thicker than the face and therefore less susceptible to the wear and tear of daily stressors like sun damage and pollution, it still needs nourishing at the end of the day. This is especially true for folks with chronic skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, but all skin types can benefit.
“Just as we use products on the face to help regulate skin cell turnover, get antioxidant benefits, prevent clogged pores and improve overall texture and tone of the skin, ingredients can be used on the body to have similar results,” says Garshick. “For example, retinol, a vitamin A derivative, helps to boost collagen production and may help with blemishes and discoloration, as well as rough bumpy skin and stretch marks.”
According to Garshick, common body concerns include dryness, flaking, discoloration, bumpiness and stretch marks. “In many ways, although similar ingredients can be used on both the face and body, the formulations may be different in order to make them easy to apply everywhere without leading to irritation or sensitivity,” she says. “Some ingredients that may be considered in body care include moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides, soothing ingredients like niacinamide, antioxidants like vitamin C, exfoliating acids like glycolic, lactic and mandelic acids, as well as retinol.”
Now let’s dive into the products, shall we?
Dove’s entire Body Love line is beautiful, but this body wash with hyaluronic acid and moringa oil is top tier in my book. Garshick approves, too. “While not a traditional serum, this cleanser incorporates hyaluronic acid serum into its formula to provide an extra boost of hydration while cleansing,” she explains of the innovative formula. “This helps to adequately cleanse the skin without leaving it feeling dry.”
Most physical exfoliants can be too harsh on my fragile skin, so I tend to steer clear of them.
This unique chemical formula works wonders though, as it’s supremely gentle yet still super effective at dissolving dead skin build-up. It contains lactic acid and soothing ingredients like centella, glycerin and aloe leaf juice. It absorbs quickly, never stings my skin and leaves my limbs soft and smooth.
This cooling gel serum comes in a massive refillable bottle and features active ingredients like vitamin C to help brighten and even out skin tone. It feels extremely refreshing and soothing, and sinks right into the skin with little effort required. When I wear this underneath my body lotion, I definitely notice a difference in the overall hydration of my skin and how long it stays hydrated for.
It’s tough to choose just one product from Naturim’s body care range because they’re *all* great, but this rich, soothing lotion is a standout in my routine. Made with omega fatty acids, shea butter and essential B vitamins, it deeply hydrates skin without feeling heavy or greasy. As the name implies, it really helps to restore damaged skin back to a healthy state, so it’s definitely one I’ll be keeping in my rotation for years to come.
I really wish this serum wasn’t so expensive because it’s easily one of my favorite products, possibly ever. Technically it can be used for both face and body, but it comes in a large 200 mL bottle so I keep it in my shower to apply all over as soon as I’m done. It’s air-light, absorbs rapidly and leaves my skin silky soft and smooth. In addition to 20% vitamin C, it also contains hyaluronic acid, organic coffee seed extract and aloe leaf juice. This combination of hero ingredients works some serious magic on dry, dull and distressed skin — which is why I’d happily buy it again and again.
While pricy, a little goes a long way with this luxurious body cream. “This formula includes hyaluronic acid and caffeine to help hydrate, smooth and firm the skin, as well as the brand’s magic 8 matrix with vitamins C and E, aloe vera, camellia oil, rosehip oil and shea butter,” says Garshick. As if that wasn’t enough, it also contains several types of oil — rose, sunflower and magnolia — which makes the formula extra nourishing and great for dry skin types.
This decadent body oil transports me to the spa every time I slather it on. It pairs unique ingredients like celery seed and plankton, and helps improve the look of uneven texture and tone. While I don’t have too many stretch marks, I did notice that it softened the appearance of those that I do — that, and it definitely helped my skin stay hydrated for longer when I applied it on top of moisturizer.
Another recommendation from Garshick, she says this one is especially ideal for post-procedure skin. “The formula uses 2% hydrolyzed rice protein and peptides to tighten, firm and lift the skin,” she says. “It’s fragrance-free and formulated for use on the abdomen, buttocks, thighs and knees and delivers an instant cooling effect.” While I haven’t given this one a proper go yet, I’m definitely going to add it to my arsenal to try on areas where I’ve noticed the skin looks a little looser than it once did.
Garshick and I are both big fans of this delicious body oil, which leaves skin smooth, slightly bronzed, and shimmering — like you just spent the day at the beach without the sun damage. “Containing a blend of meadowfoam seed oil, grapeseed oil, and vitamin E, this body oil nourishes the skin while delivering antioxidant benefits,” says Garshick. “Together it helps to lock in moisture and create a protective barrier for the skin, while leaving behind a glowy finish.”
On the more affordable side, this niacinamide-infused serum from Paula’s Choice is an excellent option for treating concerns like hyperpigmentation and irritation. “This serum works well to calm and reduce inflammation while also helping to address discoloration and even out skin tone,” says Garshick. “It pairs well with other ingredients as it is soothing on the skin and layers easily.” In addition to niacinamide, it also contains vitamin B5 (or panthenol) which helps hydrate and temper redness, as well as soothing prickly pear extract.
If you’re looking to address signs of aging, Garshick highly recommends this retinol-spiked formula from Beauty Pie. “This body lotion uses a YB-GLY-Retinol complex to help firm the skin and improve elasticity,” she says. “It’s formulated with granactive retinoid and exfoliating acids to brighten the skin but is also supported by soothing oils and moisturizing butters to minimize irritation.”
I am all for products in stick form, and this one by Vaseline is no exception. “This fragrance-free body balm works to heal and repair the skin, even in hard to reach areas,” says Garshick, who recommends this for folks with sensitive skin. “Providing an occlusive barrier, it helps to lock moisture and protect the skin from irritation; I love that it’s easy to use on-the-go and is also a great option to prevent chafing.”
Vacation’s sunscreens have gone viral for a reason — and it’s not just because they smell like a tropical getaway and have dreamy packaging. The formulas are also top-notch, and this one happens to be my favorite, with the Chardonnay Oil SPF 30 coming in at a close second. The clean chemical formula is gentle on sensitive skin and also contains a powerhouse blend of clinically proven ingredients like vitamin E, niacinamide and aloe vera to soothe. It sinks in super quickly, doesn’t leave my limbs chalky or greasy, and I genuinely look forward to reapplying it.
Enter the best tattoo after-care product I’ve discovered to date. The pro-approved formula features a rich balm-like consistency and comforting ingredients like shea, mango and aloe butters, yet it glides on non-sticky and never feels greasy. I used it after getting a recent tattoo and was blown away by how quickly it helped my new ink heel, all while keeping the skin moisturized and calm at the same time.