Beach and BBQ weather is on the horizon (ditto wedding season!), and many of us are itching to wear our favorite sultry, summer outfits and swimwear and feel the sun on our shoulders.
If you’re planning to show a little skin this summer, don’t forget to give some TLC to your back. Our backs can be easily overlooked in the everyday skincare circuit—but I argue that the back has the potential to be one of the most elegant and striking parts of the human body when displayed in gorgeous clothing and treated to the right skincare routine. Let’s talk about the latter.
Just like our faces, our backs may be vulnerable to breakouts, hyperpigmentation, and dullness, all of which may make that backless dress hanging in your closet a less-than-exciting prospect. But we can change that! A little consistent attention to the skin on your back can go a long way (and feel really good!). Here’s how to get a smooth, glowing back.
Practice Healthy Shower Habits
If your back is prone to breakouts, be sure to carefully wash away any residue from hair conditioner in the shower. After you’ve rinsed the conditioner from your hair, pin your hair up with a claw clip (if you have long hair), and use soap and a cotton cloth to wash your back.
Moisturize with a Non-Comedogenic Lotion or Body Oil
Keep skin supple and hydrated with a non-comedogenic body oil or lotion. Apply to skin while still damp for best results.
Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil
Pure argan oil locks in moisture, delivers antioxidants to skin, and won’t contribute to breakouts.
Exfoliate Your Back Twice a Week
Use an exfoliating body wash with salicylic acid to keep back breakouts at bay. For best results, exfoliate twice a week (no need to over-do it!).
Alba Botanica Natural Acne Dote Maximum Strength Face & Body Scrub
Combining chemical exfoliation (via willow bark extract) with physical exfoliation (microdermabrasion), this cult-favorite scrub helps reveal clear, smooth, even-toned skin with regular use.
Spot Treat Blemishes
Keep active blemishes to a minimum with a bit of spot treatment. Opt for a serum that doesn’t overly dehydrate skin or make skin more vulnerable to sun damage (avoid benzoyl peroxide). Apply your blemish treatment to freshly washed skin for best results.
MyChelle Clear Skin Spot Treatment
Formulated with sulphur and zinc, this gentle anti-acne serum helps dry up active acne, unclog pores, and speed up skin’s recovery.
Protect Yourself from the Sun
Exposing skin during daylight hours? Make sure you share some sunscreen with your back. Sun exposure can increase hyperpigmentation from breakouts or increase the appearance of freckles. Check out our 9 Favorite Mineral-Based Sunscreens.
Try Sunless Tanner
Sunless tanners have come a long way since they first became popular, and new, innovative formulas make them user-friendly and anything but orange-y (phew!). Just make sure you exfoliate prior to applying self-tanner (and wash your hands immediately after you’re done.) Glow on!
Made without synthetic dyes or bronzers, this formula won’t stain clothes or sheets. It’s also free of fragrance, GMOs, and animal ingredients.
Do you do anything special for your back if you’re planning to go backless? Let us know in the comments below!
Related: Save Coral Reefs *And* Protect Your Skin With These Vegan, Non-Toxic Sunscreens
Best Sunless Tanning Tips for a Gorgeous, Natural Looking Glow
Derma Roller Saved My Skin, Faded Uneven Tone & Acne Scars. Here’s Proof! (Video)
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Photo: Patrick Malleret on Unsplash, Sonnie Hiles on Unsplash, Jakob Owens on Unsplash, Adela Dupetit on Unsplash, Amazon
