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When should I start a solid body care routine ready for warmer weather and more exposure?
I’ll start by saying that looking after the skin on your body is not a seasonal trend. I know there are never enough hours in a day, but your skin works damn hard, so please look after it. Glow all the way down if you have the energy and budget.
It feels good to have healthy, radiant skin (forget the “bikini-ready” BS, this is about giving your whole body the attention it deserves to be balanced, resilient and comfortable). Depending on your specific skin condition, I would recommend starting a more regular body routine 4–6 weeks before sun exposure, longer if you have very stubborn concerns. This allows time to exfoliate, hydrate, treat skin conditions like keratosis pilaris (KP), and improve skin barrier health. If you plan on using retinoids or chemical exfoliants, introducing them gradually is important to reduce the chance of irritation.
In recent years there has been a huge surge in skincare products for the body; many of which have similar actives to facial skincare, so it’s never been easier to look after the skin on your entire body.
What can I do to improve the KP on my arms?
Keratosis pilaris (KP for short, or also known as ‘chicken skin’) is extremely common and usually affects the tops of the arms, legs and sometimes buttocks. It’s caused by keratin plugging the hair follicles, and although it can look and feel unwelcome, it is harmless and you can significantly improve its texture and appearance with consistent attention.
When extra keratin builds up in your pores, it presents as little hard bumps, so you need to tackle the build up first and then maintain pores to prevent reoccurence. It does come back if you neglect to keep up the maintenance, so once you’ve unclogged the follicles it’s key to exfoliate regularly and soften the keratin build up by using targeted moisturisers (urea is great).
Acids Are Your Friends
Chemical exfoliants are your best bet for breaking down the keratin in the first place. The BHA salicylic acid is ideal for this, as it’s oil-soluble and can penetrate the pores to help dissolve the plugs. I would always recommend a chemical rather than physical exfoliant; scrubs can be harsh and can inflame the follicles, which can lead to more irritation, skin barrier damage and microtrauma to the follicles. This then triggers the body to send more keratin to ‘repair’ the area—and there you have it: a vicious cycle.
Using retinoids (cautiously—start 2–3 x per week), can also help with keeping the skin smooth once the pores are unclogged, and daily moisturising is key for skin softening - look for ingredients such as urea, ceramides or lactic acid.
Lifestyle tips:
- Use lukewarm (not hot) water in showers.
- Avoid highly fragranced products, drying soaps and surfactants
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Be gentle with your skin—no picking or aggressive scrubbing.
Should I be using chemical body exfoliants if I’m going in the sun?
Chemical exfoliants may make skin more photosensitive, so avoid using them right before extended sun exposure, always wear broad-spectrum SPF 30+ on exposed skin, and use in your PM rather than AM routine.
If you’ve not used them before, incorporate gradually, ideally in the spring which will give your skin time to adjust to the formula, build tolerance and minimise irritation or peeling. Start 6 weeks out using it 2-3 x per week, then build to every other day if there’s no irritation.
Fake tan never seems to last on me and goes patchy, what am I doing wrong?
Fake tan has come a very long way, and there are some really sophisticated formulas out there. However, longevity depends on careful skin prep and post-care, so it can be a labour of love to maintain great results. Isle of Paradise has an incredible range of products from customisable drops to tanning waters, oil mists and mousse, and some great FAQs on its website.
Prep like a pro
- Exfoliate 24 hours before — Freshly exfoliated skin can be too sensitive, your skin’s surface might be inconsistent, and a disrupted barrier may absorb too much tan in certain areas, making it look darker or orangey.
- Wax/shave 24–48 hours before — Directly after hair removal your skin may have tiny abrasions or open pores which can cause the tanner to settle unevenly and cause “dotty” or speckled-looking legs.
- Avoid oil-based products — Oil-based products right before tanning creates a barrier and causes streaks/patchiness.
- Lightly moisturise only the dry zones — Before application, use a small amount of lotion on telltale areas such as elbows, knees, ankles, hands, and wrists. Do not moisturise your whole body immediately before tanning - the barrier will dilute or block the tan from developing evenly. Moisturise your body the night before and then just do the dry bits beforehand.
- Use a mitt/specialised brush — Work in sections, sweeping the tanning mitt in lengthways motions. Avoid circular motions as this creates uneven pressure, and don’t overlap layers; it’s better to build it up over a few days. A kabuki/buffing brush will blur any edges after you’re done.
- Let it fully dry down — Wear loose, dark clothing and avoid sweating or showering for at least 6–8 hours, depending on the formula.
- Lock it in — Hydrated skin holds the tan better and fades more evenly. Daily moisturiser is your friend.
After your initial tan develops, avoid long, hot showers and if you’re prone to patchy results try applying a gradual tanning lotion every few days to keep the color even and fresh. It fades less dramatically than full-strength fake tan formulas and may be more forgiving/realistic.
What is the best body makeup for covering blotchiness and marks?
If you want a temporary ‘cover up’, body makeup can look great and cover all manner of marks from bruises and blotchiness to broken veins. For temporary but effective coverage, these are excellent:
- Vita Liberata Body Blur — Proper grown-up, luxury body makeup. Great colours and finish. The brand also does a lush velvety mitt and buffing brush.
- Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs — Foolproof, easy, like a pair of liquid tights that blur, cover and add a uniform tan colour. The spray-on version is an instant leg upgrade.
- Dermablend Leg and Body Makeup —This high coverage foundation product is transfer-resistant, long-wearing, highly pigmented, and good for more obvious marks such as birthmarks, severe pigmentation and tattoos. They also do a stick which is handy if you want isolated coverage.
Which products would you recommend for post-sunbathing?
Just the thought of literally ‘bathing’ in the sun makes me wince, but if you must do it, you know the drill: stay well protected, avoid the sun at its fiercest, and reapply your sunscreen regularly. If your skin is feeling parched afterwards, it’s essential to flood your skin with moisture. We all know the weathered leather bag analogy, don’t let it be you. Drink plenty of water and avoid further sun exposure while the skin is recovering.
Depending on the ingredients/formula, you don’t necessarily need a specific ‘after sun’ product and could use a good body lotion instead (soothing and hydrating ingredients such as ceramides, shea butter, glycerin, and aloe can maintain hydration and replenish the barrier). However, sometimes nothing beats a cooling gel on overheated skin, and sprays can offer a lovely misting of moisture without the need for touch.
The following are all solid options to calm and replenish skin post sun exposure (see, I can't even say ‘bathe’):
- Eucerin Advanced Hydration After Sun Lotion — Enriched with antioxidants and glycyrrhetinic acid to help repair the skin post-UV damage, this is affordable and offers 24hrs of hydration.
- Ultrasun After Sun Gel — Fast-absorbing, cooling, and great for sensitive skin
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios Post UV Exposure After Sun Lotion/La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 — Ideal for sensitive, angry, sun-exposed skin, this is packed with glycerin and the brand's thermal spring water for a welcome cooling sensation.
- Lancaster Tan Maximiser —A luxury after sun skincare franchise that is beautiful on the skin and formulated to intensify melanin production and extend your tan by up to a month. Calming, reparative and beautifully scented, it’s available as a lotion, balm, oil, or shimmering serum.
- Caudalie Vinosun Tan Prolonging After-Sun Lotion — Aloe vera , grape water, coconut oil and glycerin help to replenish lost moisture.
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Vaseline Intensive Care Aloe Soothe Spray — This light aloe and glycerin enriched mist is great for applying without having to touch skin that may be sore or tender.
What is the difference in shower oils out there? Are some actual body wash and others literally just an in-shower oil for before you get out?
There are several different types of shower oils, and yes some are 2-in-1 cleansers/moisturisers and others are purely to lock in moisture and hydration. If you want a 2-in-1 product that cleanses and hydrates go for a cleansing shower oil, and if you want a richer product to lock in moisture after your shower, go for an in-shower (or post-shower) body oil.
Cleansing shower oils (oil-based body washes) are hybrids that cleanse your skin like a body wash but have a high oil content to leave skin moisturised. These are ideal for people with dry or sensitive skin who want a gentle cleanse without stripping natural oils. Texture wise, these often start as an oil but turn into a milky lather/emulsify when mixed with water.
A great example of this would be the L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil (which I absolutely love) but there are many good ones out there, such as Bioderma Atoderm Shower Oil, Eucerin's pH5 Shower Oil and the heavenly Nuxe Prodigieux Shower Oil (if you’re familiar with Nuxe's iconic Huile Prodigieuse dry oil then you’ll know just how insanely delicious this smells). This product also leaves a subtle golden shimmer, if that’s your thing (lovely in the summer, obvs).
Moisturising oils (non-cleansing) are meant to be applied to wet skin after cleansing, then either rinsed lightly or left on the skin to lock in moisture after a shower. These are good for people who want a quick way to moisturise without applying body lotion post-shower. Texture wise they are usually a pure oil/oil blend and do not lather.
Good examples are Neutrogena Body Oil, Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Moisturising Body Oil and Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Bath & Shower Oil (a real splurge admittedly, but divine. Just be very careful with a glass bottle if taking it into the shower).
Should people just moisturise when they get out of the bath/shower or moisturise again in the day?
The short answer is: it depends on your skin type, climate, and personal comfort. Moisturising after a shower/bath is the obvious non-negotiable - it’s the best time because your skin is still damp, which helps lock in hydration.
Beyond that, dry or eczema-prone skin can benefit from top ups during the day, especially to hands, elbows, or other problem areas, and those with specific environmental factors affecting their skin may also want to apply later in the day - for example if you’re in air-conditioned/heated spaces which can dry out your skin, making a second application helpful. Outdoor exposure to wind, cold, or sun can also sap moisture, so if you have an outdoorsy lifestyle an easy-to-apply top up can keep the barrier protected and replenished. Spray and stick formats are great for this.
I want gorgeous, stunning, hydrated legs instead of lizard legs. I'm not the biggest fan of thick heavy creams that take 40 years to sink in and make you slip on the bathroom floor. Any options for someone wanting to just slap it on and go?
Well, I can’t guarantee you gorgeous, stunning legs (that's genes and gyms I’m afraid), but lustrous, hydrated skin I can advise on. If you’re not a fan of richer body butters, then lightweight oils and serums are your best bet. There are loads of great options that are extensions of facial skincare in terms of ingredients and actives, so you will get skincare benefits along with the lustre. Just remember that prep is key - you can put a fantastic juicy serum onto your legs but if they are not exfoliated, they’ll never get the same glow. Put the leg work in (see what I did there?) and you’ll get much better results.
Nécessaire The Body Serum is a lovely silky, hyaluronic serum for the body that absorbs quickly and leaves a radiance, Vaseline Intensive Care Body Gel Oil applies like a gel, but gives a dry oil finish (it absorbs faster than a butter but still gives that sexy sheen without too much slip), This Works Perfect Legs Skin Miracle is lush and lightweight, or if you can handle an oil, the Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse dry oil is the stuff of legend. Floral, neroli, and shimmer versions are available too, and they are all delicious.
Do you have any recommendations for hydrating self tan body products or moisturisers that are easy to apply and build over time?
So many of us swerve the full-on fake tans now, either because the upkeep is too much bother, or we’re terrified of turning into orange eyesores. Formulations are thankfully now so sophisticated that there are countless options for a lighter touch. Gatineau Golden Glow Gradual Tan, Garnier Summer Body Gradual Tanning Moisturiser and Tan-Luxe Gradual Illuminating Tanning Lotion are all excellent options.
How can I get rid of my fake tan quickly?
If you want a fast fix, try a specific tan remover product - there are loads on the market now and they save the faff of steaming/bathing/slathering yourself in oils to break down the DHA. If you have a day or two to erase the damage then swimming in chlorinated water can help soften and shift it, as can a sweaty workout or sauna. Don’t believe the TikTok crap about toothpaste or lemon juice, that’s nonsense.
Don’t expect a miracle in one go — especially if it’s really stubborn or layered up on very dry areas. Tanning waters and sprays tend to be easier to remove than a mousse, and the amount of DHA in the formula will also have an impact.
Acid based fake tan removers are the best remedy. You may have to go in several times over a day or more, so don’t scrub like your life depends on it or go mad with the acids, or you’ll wreck your barrier. Isle of Paradise Over It Magic Self-Tan Eraser, Tan-Luxe Glyco Water Self-Tan Eraser Exfoliating Tan Remover & Primer, Bondi Sands Self Tan Eraser Gel and Utan Super Strength Tan Remover are all effective options for removing old or stubborn tan.
Be careful to follow instructions carefully, many indicate that a tan should be at least 3 days old before using the removers.
Are body scrubs the same as exfoliating with an acid?
No, they work in different ways. Body scrubs are physical exfoliants, and work by using gritty particles to manually remove dead skin cells (often sugar, salt, or crushed seeds). They give instant smoothness but can be far too abrasive for sensitive skin if overused or poorly formulated. Steer clear if you have any type of inflammatory skin condition or sensitivity.
Acids (like glycolic, lactic, or salicylic acid) are chemical exfoliants, and work by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells so they shed naturally. They’re usually gentler, more even, and less likely to cause microtears — especially for sensitive or breakout-prone skin.
If you love the “scrub feel” of a physical exfoliant and can’t tolerate the usual crystal-based types, there are some gentler options out there such as Dove’s Gentle Exfoliating Body Polish which has ultra-fine exfoliating grains in a creamy base, or the CeraVe SA Body Wash for Rough & Bumpy Skin is a gentle chemical option.
Is there anything I can do to help with follicular irritation after shaving, I always get sore red bumps.
When follicles become irritated after shaving — it's typically referred to as Pseudofolliculitis (or more generally, post-shaving folliculitis). This is not the same as razor burn which is a form of mechanical irritation from shaving, leading to redness, stinging, and inflammation. Razor burn usually appears immediately after shaving) whereas folliculitis usually appears a day or two after shaving
Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicle often caused by friction, irritation, or bacterial overgrowth after shaving and presents as small red bumps that are sometimes itchy. The best way to tackle this is threefold:
- Improve your shaving technique— Always use a sharp, clean razor (preferably a single blade to reduce friction), always shave with the grain not against it, use a lubricating shave gel, rinse the blade after each stroke, and replace the blade after 5-10 uses. Electric razors are an alternative to reduce friction, or laser hair removal is a longer-term option for reducing irritation and hair growth.
- Exfoliation Maintenance — Exfoliation can help with maintenance: salicylic acid (BHA) or glycolic acid (AHA) will help keep follicles clear. Avoid fragranced products and physical scrubs, which can worsen irritation. Also, try to avoid tight clothing over recently shaved areas, as this can cause friction and trap sweat/bacteria).
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Barrier Support— Keep your barrier protected with a fragrance-free moisturiser immediately after shaving, and you could also consider using azelaic acid to help with post-inflammatory redness.
- Final Note — If the bumps are persistent or appear infected, you may benefit from targeted treatments such as benzoyl peroxide washes, which help reduce bacteria and inflammation. For more stubborn cases that don't respond to over-the-counter options, a doctor might prescribe topical antibiotics like clindamycin. However, it’s best to see your GP or a dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes like fungal folliculitis, which requires a different approach.
Words by Caroline Hirons, Skin Rocks Founder and Skincare Expert
