Clean Beauty, Reviva Labs, Skin Care
Get Your Body Summer-Ready
May
Short sleeves and bathing suits are calling – is your skin ready or is it still stuck in winter mode? Cold weather, indoor heat, and layers of clothing can leave your skin dry, rough, and uneven. The shift to warmer weather isn’t just about swapping sweaters for summer dresses; it’s also a signal to update how you care for your skin from the neck down.
Your body’s skin has different needs than your face, and ignoring them now can mean struggling with dryness, flakiness, or sun sensitivity later. The good news is there’s no need for a full spa day or a lineup of luxury products to get ready your skin ready for summer. All it takes are a few small adjustments to help your skin feel smoother, and look brighter. It’s just a matter of finding the right routine with the right ingredients at the right time.
Start with a Clean Slate
Dry skin cells can block hydration and make your skin appear dull. If you want it to glow, regular exfoliation is key. Focus on body-specific exfoliation. Facial scrubs are too gentle and won’t make a difference on tougher areas like knees, elbows, or heels. A body scrub that combines physical exfoliants like sugar or jojoba beads with chemical exfoliants like glycolic or lactic acid can effectively smooth your skin without overdoing it.
Use your body exfoliant two to three times a week, depending on your skin type. Sensitive skin types may only need it once weekly. If you’re using a chemical exfoliant (like a lotion with alpha hydroxy acids), avoid using it the same day you shave, as it can sting.
Rebuild Your Moisture Barrier
Exfoliation only works if you’re replenishing what you remove. After scrubbing, hydration becomes more important. In fact, it’s what takes your skin from simply clean to truly radiant.
Opt for a moisturizer packed with barrier-supporting ingredients. Look for formulas that include hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe vera gel, or sunflower seed oil. These ingredients don’t just hydrate, they help retain moisture and restore your skin’s natural defenses. If your skin needs help with dry, crepey skin, try Reviva Labs Elastin & Collagen Body Firming Lotion. It’s formulated with powdered Elastin Concentrate and premium soluble collagen to help smooth and strengthen the skin. Plus, DMAE to improve the appearance of ‘loose’ skin. Your skin will look tightened and less flaky within a few hours of moisturizing.
A good tip is to apply your body moisturizer while your skin is still damp, ideally within a few minutes of stepping out of the shower. This helps lock in water before it can evaporate. For added softness, try layering a body serum with hyaluronic acid underneath your lotion.
Target Trouble Spots
The skin on your body isn’t uniform. Some areas need more care than others. Rough patches on the knees, elbows, and heels often resist moisture. For these, choose targeted treatments like a body balm with urea or salicylic acid. These ingredients can break down thickened skin and help your moisturizer absorb more effectively.
Back acne (or “bacne”) also becomes more visible in summer clothing. Use a body wash that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide a few times a week. Keep your hair off your back when conditioning in the shower to avoid pore-clogging buildup.
Protect While You Perfect
It’s tempting to skip SPF on the body, especially when you’re not spending hours at the beach. But even brief exposure adds up. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, daily use of sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher has been shown to reduce signs of skin aging by 24 percent as compared to those who skip it. So make sure to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and apply it generously to all exposed skin. That includes your neck, chest, shoulders, arms, and the tops of your feet. Reapply every two hours if you’re outside for long stretches, and immediately after swimming or sweating.
If your skin is already showing signs of sun damage, look for body care products that include niacinamide, vitamin C, or licorice root extract. These can help brighten dark spots and even out your skin tone over time.
Add an Occasional Boost
Masks aren’t just for the face. A hydrating or detoxifying mask can do wonders for your body, too. Use a clay-based mask on areas prone to oiliness or breakouts, like the back or chest. For extra hydration, try a body sheet mask or thick overnight balm applied to dry areas.
Dry brushing is another way to stimulate circulation and lightly exfoliate without harsh scrubs. Use a soft, natural-bristle brush and short, gentle strokes before your shower. This can also help your moisturizer absorb better.
Stay Consistent, Not Complicated
Your skin won’t transform overnight. But with steady care, it will get smoother, softer, and more even over the coming weeks. Stay consistent with exfoliating, hydrating, and protecting. If you simplify your steps and listen to what your skin needs, results will follow.
Consider keeping a few staples in rotation: a gentle exfoliant, a barrier-repairing moisturizer, and a high-SPF body sunscreen. Add in specialty treatments only when needed. That way, you’re not overdoing it, but you’re also not ignoring the details.
Glowing Skin Is Prepared Skin
Smooth, glowing skin isn’t about perfection. It’s about preparation. Preparing your skin for summer now means fewer setbacks later. Whether it’s razor bumps, sunburn, or dehydration, proactive care can help you avoid the most common seasonal skin problems.
Focus on creating the right conditions, not chasing a flawless outcome. With smart, targeted steps, your skin will be more than ready for the season ahead—and so will you.
