As our body’s largest organ, our skin plays an integral role in our health, beauty and wellbeing. Not only is it our first line of defence against environmental aggressors, but our skin is also a highly sensitive and highly porous organ meaning that whatever we choose to apply to its surface can either help to support our health, or harm it.

And while many of us give great consideration to our facial skincare routine the truth is that the skin anywhere on our body can become dry, damaged or irritated so it’s essential that we start to elevate our bodycare ritual in much the same way.

If you feel a little lost as to where to begin, here are a few key reasons why prioritising bodycare will help to transform your skin… 

Bodycare supports your skin microbiome
Healthy, resilient skin starts with a strong skin barrier as external aggressors like UV light, exposure to extreme heat or cold, as well as toxic chemicals in our cleaning products and skincare can all disrupt the delicate balance of bacteria in our skin microbiome. While this can contribute to skin issues like dryness, eczema, redness or inflammation on the surface, it can also reduce firmness and elasticity, decrease hydration and exacerbate skin dullness or signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles. On the flipside, when our skin microbiome is in balance, our skin is able to function optimally not only as a protective barrier between us and our environment, but it will also feel firm, healthy, well-hydrated and smooth. 
 

Bodycare is self-care
There’s no question that life is busy and while we all know the importance of self-care for our overall wellbeing, many of us are guilty of allowing it to slip to the bottom of our to-do list. By reframing your bodycare ritual as part of your self-care practice however, you can help to de-stress your body, soothe your mind and nourish your skin all at the same time!

Start with a warm bath containing iKOU’s De-Stress Aromatherapy Bath Soak a soothing blend of epsom salts and calming essential oils to quieten the mind. Then, post-soak, spend a few minutes massaging your body with our De-Stress Organic Body Souffle a luxe body creme containing a triple oil blend of organic butters and oils that absorb quickly to restore skin health and radiance.  

Bodycare combats dry skin 
In many ways, the skin on our body can be even more susceptible to dryness than our complexion as we often don’t treat it with quite as much care. Our elbows, knees, hands and feet can be particularly prone to extreme dryness which is why regular exfoliation can help to ameliorate symptoms. Prior to showering or bathing, dry body brushing can be of great benefit helping to slough away dead skin cells, stimulate blood circulation, promote lymphatic flow and support the body’s natural detoxification processes.

But to nourish your skin on an even deeper level, try iKOU’s Organic Body Buff which has been a bestseller of ours for over a decade! Containing AAA grade raw organic sugar to gently exfoliate skin, the key lies in its combination of ultra-hydrating jojoba and macadamia oils which transform dry, dull skin instantly. With an uplifting orange and lavender scent, adding this nourishing step to your bodycare ritual will not only transform your skin, but also lift your spirits.

Explore iKOU’s complete bodycare range here.

Written by Ashley Lowe