Small guide to body skincare routine Exfoliation, hydration and much more

In summer, but really all year round, we keep noticing the same thing: we spend an indecent amount of time doing facial skincare worthy of a luxury spa, while the body is treated like a secondary detail. A bit of cream after the shower, when we remember, if we remember at all. Then summer arrives, and we inevitably have to show some skin, and that’s when reality hits: dull skin, discoloration, dehydration. So yes: ignoring it wasn’t exactly a genius strategy. The good news is that there’s a fix for everything. Body skincare is just annoying at first, then you more or less get used to it. And in fact, once you start seeing your leg skin smoother and more even, it becomes a kind of addiction that makes you want to do it consistently.

A small guide to your summer 2026 body skincare routine

Exfoliation

If there is one step that can truly improve the appearance of the skin, it is exfoliation. Regularly removing dead cells helps make the skin smoother, brighter and more even, while also improving the absorption of subsequent products. No need to overdo it: once a week with a scrub or a kessa glove is enough. And contrary to popular belief, it does not “remove your tan”: properly exfoliated skin actually looks more even and radiant. The key is choosing products suited to your skin type and avoiding excessive frequency or intensity, especially after prolonged sun exposure.

Body moisturisers, not just for the face

If exfoliation is the step that makes skin look better, hydration is what keeps it that way. But whether it’s the heat, the shower turning into a sauna, the rush, or simply not feeling like applying cream when it’s 35 degrees outside, in summer this is probably the most annoying step of all. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most important. Between sun, salt water, chlorine and constant showers, the skin loses moisture and becomes drier, duller and less elastic. The good news is that you don’t need super-rich creams. Quite the opposite. In summer, light textures like gels, milks and fluid creams work much better, as they absorb quickly and don’t leave that sticky feeling that makes you want to shower again five minutes later. The key, however, is timing. As we’ve already explained in a previous article, the best moment is right after washing, when the skin is still slightly damp. This helps lock in moisture already present on the skin’s surface, keeping it soft and hydrated for longer.

Double hydration, for the pros

For those who want to upgrade their routine a little, there is also double hydration. After applying body cream, you can add a light layer of oil. Even better if it is a dry oil which, unlike traditional oils, absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave the skin greasy, while still helping to seal in moisture. In practice, the cream provides hydration and the oil helps “lock it in” within the skin.

Small tips for summer body care

Having beautiful skin doesn’t depend only on the products we use, but also on a few habits we often ignore. The first is probably the most obvious: drinking water. We know, we hear it everywhere and we’re almost tired of it, but the fact remains: dehydrated skin rarely looks bright and even, no matter how many expensive creams you apply. Shower temperature also matters. Hot water is relaxing, almost therapeutic after a long day, but it actually increases skin dryness. Finally, be careful with hair removal and sun exposure right after it: the combination is not ideal and can lead to spots that tend to stick around. And this brings us back to the same point: sunscreen. The face now gets SPF even for the smallest errands, while the body is still often forgotten. And yet it should be the foundation, not an optional extra.