The Real Chic Life

Facial skincare gets all the attention, but in the summer, your body deserves just as much love. Think about it: you’re showing more skin, spending time outdoors, and battling heat, sweat, and sun—all of which can lead to dryness, bumps, uneven tone, or dullness. The good news is that with just a few strategic steps, you can keep your body smooth, hydrated, and glowing for the rest of the season. Let’s dive into your high summer body care routine.

1. Start with a Gentle Exfoliating Ritual

Sunscreen, sweat, and humidity can lead to clogged pores and rough skin. Regular exfoliation keeps body breakouts at bay and allows moisturizers to work more effectively.

What to do:

•Exfoliate 2–3 times a week using a gentle body scrub. My favorite body scrubs are from a small shop called Body Butter Bakery. This woman owned business makes the most amazing scented body scrubs and body butters with simple, moisturizing ingredients. Scents range from yummy gourmands (like lemon pound cake or strawberries and champagne) to sophisticated florals like Rouge (which smells just like the Baccarat Rouge perfume).

When you use a body scrub focus on areas like elbows, knees, and the back of arms (hello, KP bumps). Using a body scrub before shaving also makes your skin smoother and brighter post-shave.

2. Use a Hydrating Soap or Body Wash

Hot weather + AC can dry out your skin fast so use a moisturizing body wash or soap bar. Recently I learned that one of my favorite luxury candle brands- LAFCO, makes a soap bar that is 75% olive oil. I decided to try one of their soap bars in the scent Champagne. Not only did it leave my skin feeling softer and moisturized, but it also filled my entire bathroom with the uplifting scent of citrus and champagne. It’s definitely a lovely little indulgence if you want to pamper your skin. I plan to try a Feu de Bois soap bar (my favorite candle scent of all time) in the colder months.

3. Hydrate Immediately After Showering

Applying lotion or body oil while your skin is still damp helps lock in moisture for hours. Apply it before you towel off. My current favorite is the Neutrogena body oil. I love that it’s lightweight, more budget friendly than many luxury oils, and comes in a 16 oz bottle (it also doesn’t hurt that my husband wouldn’t stop raving about the scent the first time I put it on. If you like scented oils this one is a fresh yet warm sesame scent). Tonya is a fan of the Osea Malibu Undaria Algae body oil. I also like to use Body Butter Bakery’s “Gelato” body cream. It’s made with aloe and shea butter.

4. Try Dry Brushing for Circulation + Glow

A 2-minute dry brushing session before your shower can boost circulation, encourage lymphatic drainage, and leave your skin feeling energized. I like to use the Goop Beauty dry brush.

How to dry brush:

• Use a natural-bristle brush with a long handle

• Brush in upward strokes toward your heart

• Follow with a hydrating body wash and moisturizer

5. Don’t Skip Sunscreen

Your face isn’t the only thing that needs SPF. Shoulders, chest, back, legs, and feet all need protection—especially if they’re getting more sun exposure.

Go for:

• Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher

• Lightweight, non-greasy lotions or sprays

• Water-resistant formulas if you’ll be swimming or sweating.

Try SPF body products with shimmer for a subtle glow, like the Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Sunscreen Lotion.

Keep a mini SPF stick in your bag for quick applications on the go.

Nourishing your skin from head to toe in summer isn’t just good for you physically, it’s the kind of self-care that can make you feel more comfortable and confident all season. With these easy tips, your summer body routine can be just as luxurious and effective as your facial skincare lineup.

What are your favorite body and skincare products? Let us know in the comments.

Xo,

Courtney