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Summer can take a toll on your skin below the neckline, including sunburned shoulders, a heat rash behind the knees or ankles dotted with bug bites. Another common ailment: a heightened sensation of tightness or itchiness.
Dr. Russell Wong, a dermatologist and medical director of Rejuvenation Dermatology in Edmonton, chalks it up to dehydrated skin, which he describes as a temporary condition caused by a lack of water or moisture in the uppermost layer of the skin. Any skin type can become momentarily dehydrated, whereas dry skin is a long-term condition caused by an inherent lack of oil or sebum, he says.
One simple step can provide relief across the board. “Using a body moisturizer daily will help nourish and hydrate the skin, improve skin tone and texture, as well as strengthen skin-barrier function,” he says. Wong looks for products with ceramides, hyaluronic acid and glycerin, and the latest moisturizers feature extra perks.
According to market research company Euromonitor International, products made with a focus on the benefits of specific active ingredients are a key trend this year, and that shift is shaking up body care.
Some of these ingredients, such as retinol, niacinamide and vitamin C, which are widely used in serums for the face, are now getting a shout out on body-care bottles.
Retinol, the star of many wrinkle-reducing serums, is a derivative of vitamin A, which helps promote cell turnover, improve skin texture and reduce signs of aging, says Wong. If you have dull or acne-prone skin or an uneven skin tone or texture, such as keratosis pilaris (also referred to as KP, a common condition that appears as small bumps on the upper arms, legs or buttocks), you may benefit from using a body moisturizer with retinol, he says.
Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is sought-after in brightening serums and creams. It strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier, and has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties as well, according to Wong. Try it if you have dry or sensitive skin, hyperpigmentation or uneven skin texture. It is generally safe to use every morning and evening but if you experience any redness and irritation, switch to using it every other day.
For radiance and firming, look for a body moisturizer with vitamin C. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that can help brighten dark spots and hyperpigmentation, and increase collagen production,” says Wong. Ease into it though. The ingredient, also identifiable as ascorbic acid or tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, should be introduced into a body-care routine slowly.
Try using it a few times a week to start. “If you have sensitive skin or are new to using a body moisturizer with vitamin C, I recommend patch testing to ensure there is no allergic reaction or irritation,” says Dr. Wong, noting that body products containing these ingredients tend to be formulated for optimal tolerability.
As for what kind of formula to buy, Wong advises choosing based on your skin type and needs. “If you have normal or oily skin, try using a lighter moisturizer, such as a body serum,” he says. Those with dry or very dry skin may find the thicker consistency of a body cream or body oil better at helping to retain moisture. Whatever you choose, you’ll get the most out of it with a well-timed application. “The best way to apply a body moisturizer is daily, right after a shower or bath while the skin is slightly damp to help lock in moisture,” he says.
Six buys to try
From $13 to $75, there’s a head-to-toe lotion that does more than moisturize dry skin for any budget
(left) Made to smooth, tone and firm the skin on the body while minimizing irritation, this lotion balances retinol with glycerin, shea butter and allantoin (an anti-inflammatory compound). Naturium retinol body lotion, $41, Shoppers Drug Mart
(centre) The antioxidant vitamin C, tranexamic acid (a derivative of the amino acid lysine) and enzymes from pineapple and papaya create a brightening blend that reduces dark spots and evens skin tone. Nécessaire The Body Vitamin C Radiance Serum, $75, sephora.com
(right) Delivered in a lightweight cream-to-gel texture, niacinamide helps to enhance hydration levels while caffeine has a tightening effect. Body Proud Bright Boost body moisturizer with niacinamide, $13, walmart.ca
(left) Working to smooth rough, bumpy skin (including keratosis pilaris), this fast-absorbing gel has lactic, salicylic and hyaluronic acids to exfoliate while hydrating. Biotherm Biocorps anti-bump body serum, $65, biotherm.ca
(centre) Rich in oils (such as sunflower, jojoba, sweet almond and sea buckthorn) and with a citrus scent, a mix of vitamin C and E leaves skin supple. Everist The Body Oil Spritz, $48, helloeverist.com
(right) To provide lasting hydration without a greasy feeling, sodium hyaluronate (a form of hyaluronic acid) acts as a humectant to retain moisture, while niacinamide helps to repair skin. Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Find Comfort hydrating body lotion, $38, sephora.com