Summer body care for all bodies.

By now we have all heard the saying “How to get a bikini body: Step 1 put a bikini on your body”. If the internet has done anything, it has certainly democratized normal bodies and all their beautiful differences. But just like we care for the skin on our face, we should also be caring for the skin on our body and its particular concerns!

1. Shower Care.

Stop right there and put down that bar of soap! You don’t use bar soap for your face and you probably shouldn’t for your body either! Shower gels and shower oils such as Mary Cohr Essences Shower Gel or Payot Relaxing Cleansing Oil, gently cleanse your body without stripping your skin or leaving a film like many commercial bar soaps do. This makes them friendlier for skins prone to dryness and various skin conditions - such as eczema. Squeeze a tablespoon sized quantity onto a shower puff or loofah, lather up and rinse with warm water.

2. Exfoliation.

Next, reach for a gentle, body-specific exfoliant made with waterway friendly, biodegradable granules such as Mary Cohr Orange Peel Scrub or Payot Delicious Almond Body Scrub. Body exfoliation sloughs off dead skin cells and dry patches but also helps prevent clogged pores, ingrown hairs, and much-dreaded body acne. It may also help reduce the appearance of dimpled skin, stimulates circulation, and helps increase the absorption into the skin of any treatments and moisturizers to come.  Start from the bottom of your body and move your way up using circular motions - starting with a tablespoon sized quantity of product and using more as necessary. Rinse thoroughly.

3. Treatment.

If you are concerned about the appearance of your skin and want to target certain parts of your body, there are many non-invasive options available to you!

• Cellulite: cellulite is the dimpled skin that most people have to some extent on their thighs and buttocks. It is normal and harmless but, depending on your genetics, age, and body composition, you may have more visible cellulite than you like. After exfoliating, use a product which stimulates enzymes and helps break down fat cells to help reduce the appearance of cellulite such as Mary Cohr Pure Slimmer Quick Action or Payot Herboriste Cellulite-Correcting Serum. Ideally, massage into skin twice daily.

• Lack of firmness and elasticity: whether due to the natural aging process where skin gradually loses collagen and elastin, sun damage, or fluctuations in weight, the skin on our body will eventually lose firmness and elasticity which appears as sagging or “crepey” skin. Use a product that contains caffeine for an instant firming effect combined with peptides to help rebuild collagen such as Mary Cohr Body Age Firming or Payot Herboriste Slimming Gel 3 in 1. Massage thoroughly into the areas you wish to treat (thighs, buttocks, stomach, arms). For the bust area use a product specific to this delicate area such as Mary Cohr Mirific Buste.

• Tired, heavy legs: if you have a job that has you on your feet all day (we’re looking at you, essential workers!) or you went a little too hard in your home gym, reach for a cooling leg gel or spray containing menthol for instant refreshment and horse chestnut extract to soothe such as Mary Cohr Soothing Refreshing Gel or Payot Herboriste Anti Heaviness Refreshing Care. Apply liberally as often as needed.

• Go sunless: you don’t need another lecture about how sun exposure leads to premature aging of the skin and so much more. Thankfully, sunless tanning options, such as Payot Elixir Soin Ensoleillant, have come a long way in recent years when it comes to ease of use and a realistic-looking tan. Bonus: no tan lines! Use as directed and reapply as needed to maintain a sunkissed glow.

4. Moisturize.

Liberally apply a nourishing moisturizer containing soothing Shea Butter to your entire body, such as Mary Cohr NutriZen Body Care or Payot Body Ritual Nourishing Cream. Massage a generous amount in circular motions, starting with the lower body.

5. Fragrance.

Summer heat can intensify and even change the smell of your signature perfume. Reach for a lighter fragrance water such as Mary Cohr Plaisir de Peau to add a wisp of fragrance to finish off your summer body treatment.

You are now ready to show off your gorgeous, healthy, glowing skin poolside. Just don’t forget that SPF!

*Please consult with your skin care professional which products are right for you.