Beyond the face, why body care deserves a spot in your daily routine

Bodycare routine for glowing skin: Nourishing formulations with ingredients like sugarcane, avocado butter, curcumin, cocoa butter, chamomile and aloe, which are helpful in effective cleanse while preserving the skin’s protective barrier (Image: Pexels)

While skincare shelves are overflowing with options for the face like serums, toners, masks, and more, body care often remains overlooked. But long-term skin health doesn’t stop at the neck. Palak Sehgal, Founder of beauty brand Kasaya, believes that a little extra attention to the body can make a big difference.

She says, “Body oils are lipid blends that hydrate the surface, sealing in water, softening rough patches, and fortifying the skin barrier. Elixirs, on the other hand, contain ultralight ester-oils and high-dose actives such as antioxidants, fermented lipids, and vitamins. So they slip deeper and correct tone, firmness, or dullness. Opt for richer oil in winter dryness; choose an elixir when humidity is high. For the face, elixirs work better, while for the body, we should choose heavier oil.”

Layer it:

The foundation of good body care begins with what you use in the shower. While most people reach for high-foaming body washes or soaps with strong fragrances, these can often do more harm than good. Sehgal advises, “Look for bars or cleansers with a pH of 5–6 that use coconut- or sugar-derived surfactants, along with humectants like glycerin and betaine. Avoid high-foaming sodium lauryl sulfate, alkaline soap bases (pH 8+), and strong synthetic fragrances — they strip ceramides and leave the skin extremely dry.”

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She recommends using gentle, nourishing formulations with ingredients like sugarcane, avocado butter, curcumin, cocoa butter, chamomile and aloe, which are helpful in effective cleanse while preserving the skin’s protective barrier. “These cleanse gently using sodium hydroxide, while leaving barrier lipids intact,” she adds.

To build an effective body care ritual, Sehgal suggests a simple but layered approach. Of Prebiotic Lotion, then Nutrient Body Oil and for added hydration on dry skin, a layer of saffron cream as the third step for a satin like soft skin.

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The key is to start light and move toward richer textures. Think light to rich, says Sehgal, adding, “Start on lightly damp skin so water acts as your first humectant. Smooth on a fast-absorbing water-based serum, followed by an oil-based serum (for dry skin) to refill intercellular lipids and lock in hydration. Finish with a thicker moisturiser or cream, targeting elbows, shins, and other dry zones to create a breathable occlusive seal. Pause for a minute before dressing to allow the formula to absorb.”

Incorporating these mindful steps into your daily routine doesn’t take much time but it can significantly improve the way your skin feels and functions. After all, body care isn’t a luxury, it’s simply self-care that goes beyond the face.

Disclaimer: This article only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific diagnosis.