Your bodycare routine has layers. Here’s how to wear them

Afika Jadezweni

With warmer days comes the return of exposed skin. We break down how body lotions, creams and oils work together, and how to build your routine with cult fave products.

As we peel back winter layers and start showing more skin, it makes sense to layer up elsewhere. Enter lotion, oil, cream and balm – the body care essentials that keep exposed limbs feeling soft and looking smooth, supple and suitably glossy. Consider this your spring/summer case for taking body moisture seriously, with a few standout products worth adding to the rotation.

The premise is pleasingly straightforward. Start with the textures that give skin moisture and softness, then build towards the products that lock it in or give it that coveted finish. A lotion can provide everyday hydration, an oil brings softness and sheen, while a richer cream, balm or gel leaves skin feeling properly conditioned and looking noticeably more luminous.

And yes, there is a difference.

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More moisture, fewer rules

There is no need to turn your bathroom into a body care laboratory. The trick is simply knowing what your skin needs and choosing your textures accordingly.

Much like the order in which we apply facial skincare, start with your lighter textures and work towards the richer ones. Body oils can be worked over lotion when you want extra softness and shine, particularly on areas that tend to look dry once they are exposed again.

For a final hit of lustre, Vaseline Cera-Glow body gel earns its place at the end of the routine. Its thick texture is designed to sit on top of already moisturised skin, leaving behind a noticeable shine that catches the light beautifully (because we all need a touch of whimsy in our lives). Shoulders, collarbones, arms and legs are obvious candidates, particularly when the weather calls for dresses, skirts and shorts.

This is not the sort of product you reach for halfway through the routine. Its thicker texture makes it ideal as a final layer, smoothing over already moisturised skin to leave it with the kind of shine and lustre that catches the light beautifully. Think less sticky and more deliberately glossy

By now you might’ve gathered the appeal is equal parts practical and aesthetic.

Lotion first, oil second

Body lotion remains the workhorse because it is easy to use, comfortable on the skin and suited to everyday moisturising.

Shop body lotions and creams:

Sol De Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum cream, R565 – R1125 at selected official retailers

Elizabeth Arden 8-Hour Hydrating body lotion, R639 at selected retailers

The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + Inulin Body Lotion, R340 at selected retailers

Vaseline Cera-Glow Even Tone + Moisture body lotion, R139.99 at Clicks, Dis-Chem

Epi-Max body lotion, R59.99 – R129.99 at Clicks, Dis-Chem

Then comes the oil.

Body oils have had a particularly good beauty moment because they make moisturised skin look as good as it feels. A few drops pressed over lotion can give skin a glossy, healthy finish that looks particularly good with the general wardrobe reduction that comes with warmer weather.

The trick is to think layers, not litres. You do not need to empty half a bottle of oil onto one shin. Start with a modest amount and add more where your skin needs it.

Shop body oils:

Bramley Magnolia Tissue Oil, R74.99 at Clicks, PEP

Palmer`s Tahitian Vanilla Body Oil, R159.96 at Clicks

Lelive. Oil la la brighten + glow body oil, R369 at selected retailers

The bodycare equivalent of getting dressed

There is something satisfyingly fashion-like about approaching body care this way. Think of lotion as the base layer, oil as the finishing texture and body gel as the accessory that catches the light.

And because bodycare has become increasingly visible in beauty culture, the products themselves have become part of the pleasure. Good packaging, interesting textures and a scent that uplifts your mood easily turns a 15-minute shower routine into a ritual rather than another task squeezed between ironing a top and finding your keys.

For some added shimmer:

W.Beauty Shimmer + Glow Exfoliating body tonic, R199 at Woolworths

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Shimmer Dry Oil, R645 at selected retailers

This article was not sponsored and contains no affiliate links. All opinions expressed are those of the editorial team.