STYLE

image: @ariane.dh_

OK, raise your hand if you've *officially* made it to Shower TikTok...because we certainly have. And we can't lie, there's nothing more satisfying than allll of those cute and sweet-smelling body washes—from shimmery scrubs to grapefruit gels, our new obsession might be, well, shower skincare.

So we fell down the rabbit hole (so you don't have to!) to make sure we're making the best possible decisions when it comes to the suds we're using on our skin. Prepping for your next shower care haul? Here are our humble suggestions...

Pinpoint your skin's #1 need

image: @coastaldecor

Do you deal with dry skin? Or maybe you're big into banishing body breakouts? Figure out what your skin is craving—and keep it simple! If you deal with dry skin, try out a body wash with shea butter, coconut oil or glycerin (we love SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Skin Renewal Recipe, $11). If you're trying to eliminate body acne, a salicylic wash might be your best bet (try Clinique Acne Solutions Cleansing Bar, $17).

Go easy with the exfoliators

image: @at.home.with.billy

OK, here's the thing: Exfoliating is good for your skin. Buffing away dead skin cells helps your skin absorb creams or serums, prevents ingrown hairs before a shave, and gives you a smooth surface for a more even fake tan. But products with heavy, gritty exfoliators (like ground coffee, oats or salt) can have the potential to damage your skin more than they can benefit it. And no, you don't need to toss your sea salt scrub immediately, but try to start incorporating finer exfoliators into your routine instead (like our latest fave, Dove's Pomegranate Seeds and Shea Exfoliating Body Polish, $6)

Take care of your sensitive skin

image: @billie

You probs already know this, but introducing new products to your skincare routine is tricky. Any new ingredient could treat your skin differently, so don't try everything new at once. If you have especially sensitive skin, try to stick to simple soothing body washes that aren't too heavy on perfumes or chemicals. Ingredients like Eucalyptus (try 100% Pure's Eucalyptus Shower Gel, $20) or aloe (Billie's Sudsy Body Wash, $9) are sweet and gentle on your skin.

Follow up with a sweet and simple body lotion

image: @glossier

The worst thing you can do in your body wash routine? Forget to finish up with a body lotion. Sure, you've just hydrated (or exfoliated, or soothed...) your skin, but now you have to lock it in! If you're looking for a new moisturizer, we're kind of super in love with Glossier's Body Hero Daily Perfecting Cream, $22.

Have a fave body wash you swear by? We want to hear what you've got! Give us all the deets on social @girlslifemag!

by Erin Sargent | 3/5/2021