Imagine if you treated the skin on your body as well as you did your face. We’re not suggesting you start a 12-step body care routine, but we’ve come a long way since only bothering to put lotion on after we shave our legs. Body care products have improved, too — from serums that penetrate deeper into the layers of the skin to remedies that actually work for ingrown hairs. Here are our favorite products that give our skin below the neck some love.
The treatment we use to prevent ingrown hairs…
We were skeptical at first, but once we started using this ingrown concentrate, we noticed considerably less irritation after shaving and even fewer ingrown hairs over time. That’s because it’s formulated with tea tree oil that has antimicrobial properties to prevent infection. You can use it anywhere you shave, from underarms to legs. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
The only thing we've tried that gets rid of a deep ingrown hair...
One of our editors wrote about these for her April obsession, and they’ve since become a staple in her post-shave routine. Salicylic acid gently exfoliates the area, licorice root brightens so you’re not left with a dark spot, and cica soothes inflammation. The patch has more than a hundred tiny microdarts that painlessly puncture the area, so the ingredients can work their magic under the surface. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
A shave oil that will make your razor glide with ease…
With this shave oil-serum hybrid, you won’t have to press down so hard, causing unnecessary irritation to your skin. It’s made with jojoba oil, avocado oil, sunflower seed oil, and shea butter, all of which moisturize and protect while you shave. The tropical scent of mandarin oranges and vanilla is an added bonus. ($12.19, Target)
A razor that gives us a close shave every time…
The Billie razor has five blades that are sharp enough that you don’t have to press down, so you’ll experience less irritation. This kit comes with the handle, two blades, and a magnetic holder to keep the head dry when you’re not using it. Bonus points for the cute aesthetic. Read our full review here. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
A body exfoliator to keep your skin smooth between shaves…
What’s changed the game for us is making sure to exfoliate in between shaves. This scrub has both physical and chemical exfoliators — salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid — to gently buff away dead skin that might otherwise clog your pores or form ingrowns. The eucalyptus scent is so calming and makes your shower feel like a spa. ($30, Nécessaire)
A mini razor perfect for traveling…
This mini razor comes with a carrying case, so it’s easily stashable and won’t get any residue on everything else in your cosmetic bag. It has the same five blades as the full-size razor and a serum strip to soothe your skin. We’re a sucker for anything that’s mini and hot pink. ($12.19, Target)
A shave oil that smells delicious…
We can make a strong case for why this shave oil should replace your old-school shaving cream. It has shea butter, cocoa butter, and argan butter that work to moisturize and protect your skin barrier while you shave. It does its job so well that our skin still feels hydrated when we step out of the shower. It’s pH-balanced, so you can use it for your bikini area as well. Plus, the vanilla scent is sweet but not too overpowering and lingers in the best way. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
A sugar scrub you can use all over…
When it’s hair wash day, use this scrub to gently exfoliate your scalp, then use it to buff away dead skin from head to toe. It’s filled with amino acids and caffeine to stimulate your skin. We love that it starts out with tiny granules that melt to give it a silky feel. ($16.99, Ulta)
A body serum that hydrates better than lotion…
If you asked us years ago if we’d be using a body serum daily, we would probably have asked you what a body serum was. Now we can’t live without this one. It’s made with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides for nourishment. Since it’s a serum, it penetrates deeper into the layers of the skin, so we feel like we don’t have to moisturize as often. We also love that it’s fragrance-free. ($45, Sephora)
A buffing bar that’s great for keratosis pilaris…
Keratosis pilaris (the little bumps you can get on your arms and thighs) can be difficult to get rid of, but this buffing bar does the trick. When you get it wet, it becomes slightly rough like a nail file, but doesn’t hurt as you smooth your skin. We loved the original, but we like the fruity, tropical banana version even more. ($33, Soft Services)
A painless facial hair removing device…
If you’re so over the pain that comes with waxing, give this affordable electric facial razor a try. It instantly removes all the tiny hairs on your face without pinching or pulling your skin, plus it has an LED light so you can really see what you’re doing. It packs easily in your cosmetic bag for hair removal on the go. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
The shaving cream we’ve been using since middle school…
Body care for us started with Aveeno’s products, and we still stand by them. This is a gel that turns into a cream and is infused with soothing ingredients like oat and vitamin E. It doesn’t have any added fragrances and won’t clog pores. We always keep it in our shaving routine rotation. ($12.61, Walmart)
Men’s razors because they stay sharper…
Once we started borrowing our partner’s razors, we ended up with a closer shave and didn’t need to replace the blade as often. This one has five blades, and the head swivels around so it’s especially handy for hard-to-reach areas like your bikini line. Once you switch to a men’s razor, it’s hard to go back. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
The body lotion that’s safe for eczema-prone skin…
Hi, it’s me. I’ve talked about this brand before when I started using their cleanser and was pleasantly surprised by how well the simple formula worked for me. Their body lotion yields similar results, hydrating and nourishing my sensitive skin but with an ingredient list that’s easy to understand. Safe to say this brand is cult status for me now. ($26, Gladskin)
The Rolls Royce of body serums…
Once you try this body serum — which we admit is an investment — you’ll wonder why you ever even bothered with regular lotion. The formula is more potent and absorbent than lotion, so it penetrates deeper into your skin for lasting hydration without feeling greasy. Not only does it keep your skin hydrated but it improves it over time, miraculously fading razor bumps and preventing new ones from forming. It basically gives you glass skin everywhere below the neck. We even gave it a Good For You Award. ($128, Dermstore)
A classic body oil that eliminates stretch marks and scars in weeks…
We recently rediscovered Bio-Oil and forgot how good this stuff is. We’ve been using it twice daily on a few pesky stretch marks and even curling iron burns (if you know, you know), and have been amazed to watch them lighten then disappear with just a few weeks of consistent use. The secret in this is vitamin E, plus chamomile and lavender oil, which gives it a relaxing, herby scent. ($6.49+, Target)
A dry brush from Gwyneth Paltrow herself…
If you want to really lean into doing the most for your body care routine, may we suggest the Goop dry brush? Dry brushing for five minutes before you get in the shower is a stimulating way to wake up and detox your body while gently removing dead skin cells. Think of it like a prickly gua sha for your entire body. ($25, Nordstrom)
The body oil even lotion haters will love…
This body oil has a citrus-y scent and is infused with seaweed, which nourishes your skin with antioxidants. It’ll also firm, hydrate, and increase luminosity. We love that it soaks in quickly, and unlike other body oils, doesn’t feel greasy. Get this before the weather gets colder to keep dehydration at bay. ($52+, Nordstrom)
Live Smarter
Sign up for the Daily Skimm email newsletter. Delivered to your inbox every morning and prepares you for your day in minutes.