Skincare is a passion of mine and I’ve written about it extensively, but until now my articles have pretty much stuck to the face and neck. In the winter months especially, it’s all too easy to think only about your face when it comes to skincare but you shouldn’t neglect the rest of your body. Whilst your arms and legs may not require a ten-step skincare routine, in my opinion it’s always worth investing in a quality cream or lotion to keep them soft and smooth. Additionally, many people suffer with bodily acne but choose to ignore it… and then freak out when it’s time to get in a swimsuit. I’ve put together a list of my favorite luxury body creams and lotions so that your skin looks fabulous all year round.
It’s rare to find a skincare product that skincare purists and luxury lovers can agree on, but Augustinus Bader’s The Body Lotion just might be it. It’s a fragrance free formula with a powerhouse of amazing ingredients that feels both light and luxurious. Aloe vera, shea butter and vitamins B5 and E deliver deep hydration and boost the skin’s natural barrier to help restore even the driest and most stressed out skin whilst reducing the appearance of stretch marks.
Rough, bumpy skin – aka keratosis pilaris – can be really hard to get rid of. I feel like I tried every scrub and body polish under the sun until I finally found something that worked. Science-based skincare brand Ameliorate are really killing the game with their Transforming Body Cream. It contains sweet almond oil and lactic acid to smooth and soften the skin – but don’t worry, it doesn’t sting at all. There’s a fragrance-free version for those who are averse, but personally I enjoy the rose-scented cream. You can also buy it as a lotion but I think the cream has a thicker and more luxurious feel. Admittedly, there are more luxurious creams out there but when it comes to real results for bumpy skin, you just can’t beat this one.
We often think anti-ageing skincare products are only for the face but let me ask you this: what good is having a youthful face if your body doesn’t match? Body creams can be a luxurious skin saviour.
Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Anti-Ageing Body Cream will keep you looking young from head to toe with its army of active compounds and nutrient rich oils. Unlike many anti-ageing creams, it’s lightweight, non-greasy and absorbs easily. It also contains purslane, a plant-derived superstar ingredient with soothing properties.
Get ready to kiss bodily acne goodbye. This anti-acne powerhouse body lotion contains 20% glycolic acid. DCL AHA Resurfacing Body Lotion is a powerful exfoliating product but it also contains lots of hydrating and emollient ingredients to lock in moisture and soothes irritation. This high-end lotion also speeds up cell renewal so your skin will be bright, soft and baby-smooth in no time. It’s also a great product to protect against ageing because it’s antioxidant ingredients protect against free radical damage.
Finally we’ve arrived at the most luxurious of the body creams on this list. If you don’t have any specific skin concerns and are simply want a way to treat yourself then Guerlian’s Shalimar Sensual Body Creme will deliver the luxury experience you’re looking for. It feels divine to apply and contains orchid extract to leave your skin satin soft. The scent is gorgeous too – it’s fresh and floral with notes of jasmine and vanilla. After applying this product, you’ll feel like you’ve just stepped out of an ultra-exclusive spa.
For more on skincare, why not check out my guide to banishing mask acne or preventing dry skin when flying?