Women often prioritize facial care while neglecting their body skin. Many unconscious habits reveal your true age through your body's skin. When women consult beauty salons about skin concerns, aestheticians consistently advise: never neglect body skin care. Through discussions with professionals, we learned that Hangzhou women commonly face issues like blocked sebaceous glands, thickened stratum corneum, and back acne.
Bathing may seem simple, but technique matters
Ms. Huang from Beilishi Beauty & Body Care at Oriental Gold Plaza shared that some clients visiting their salon are women who have returned from studying or traveling abroad. Influenced by overseas spa experiences, they place particular emphasis on body care upon returning home, believing that well-maintained body skin naturally leads to improved facial skin."Last time, a returning expatriate woman visited our salon for the first time specifically inquiring about body care treatments. However, women in Hangzhou tend to focus solely on facial skin, with little awareness of body care.""
During winter, urban women often experience dry, itchy skin on their bodies, which is difficult to alleviate even with generous application of body lotion. Additionally, the fluctuating cold and warm weather can leave the body feeling unusually fatigued, resulting in a lackluster complexion. Beyond regular spa visits, scientifically designed home baths are crucial. Frequent winter bathing not only accelerates metabolism and relieves muscle tension but also aids in detoxification and skin tightening.
Ms. Huang shared that some customers struggle to identify their skin type, leading them to randomly choose body washes. This often results in breakouts and clogged pores. In truth, body skin requires the same targeted care as facial skin—selecting a body wash suited to your specific needs."If you have oily skin, opt for a more neutral body wash. Regular professional body exfoliation at a spa is recommended. Neglecting winter care can lead to dull, lackluster skin by summer. Women with dry skin should avoid overly alkaline body washes. Apply body lotion when skin is 70-80% dry after bathing for optimal hydration and nourishment.Ms. Huang also reminds everyone of four winter bathing taboos: avoid excessive frequency, avoid overly hot water, avoid vigorous scrubbing, and avoid highly alkaline soaps. Otherwise, you risk damaging the skin's already sparse natural oils, leading to increased dryness, itchiness, and cracking. Bathe 2-3 times per week.After bathing, apply licorice oil, anti-itch cream, or moisturizing lotion to maintain skin hydration and prevent surface dryness and flaking.
Many women focus solely on facial skincare while neglecting body care. Ms. Huang advises, "Develop the habit of taking baths in winter.The water temperature should ideally be between 38°C and 45°C. This range promotes blood circulation, relieves muscle soreness, eliminates fatigue, and relaxes both body and mind. Urban women can also tailor their bathwater to specific skin needs by adding milk, red wine, or rice water (the first batch of boiled rice water). Combining these with skincare products can achieve desired effects."Today, most office-based white-collar women are in a state of sub-health—characterized by low physical activity, poor metabolic function, frequent body aches, dull complexions, and puffiness. Belisse has launched its seaweed drainage treatment, which eliminates toxins accumulated in the body while accelerating blood circulation, making it highly popular among beauty-conscious women.
Post-bath hydration is crucial for skin
Skin care follows seasonal rhythms, much like changing clothes. In summer, we focus on sun protection and shade. Come winter, skin dries out, demanding intense moisturization. Cold weather damages the lipid barrier—the very layer that shields skin from dryness. Thus, winter care centers on hydration, keeping skin as moist as possible.
Ms. Chen from Tianyan Women's Beauty Salon explains: "During the autumn-winter transition, environmental temperature shifts and reduced humidity make hydration challenging, often triggering allergies and itching. Over-cleansing and vigorous scrubbing are the primary causes of dryness and sensitivity in these seasons!"Many spas now offer ion baths. After bathing, an aesthetician will exfoliate your entire body and perform a full-body lymphatic drainage massage from head to toe, promoting relaxation. This is followed by another soak, which helps stabilize the nervous system, hydrate the skin, relieve tension and fatigue, detoxify, and rejuvenate the body. It not only brightens and nourishes the skin but also regulates the female endocrine system.Ms. Chen also advises that after indulging in a nourishing "treat" at the salon, consistent daily care is paramount. Avoid excessive scrubbing during showers, apply body lotion all over after bathing, and even consider aromatherapy baths to "lock in" skin moisture.
Ms. Chen explained: "After bathing, skin often feels unnaturally tight and taut; in severe cases, it may even itch all over. If symptoms appear, it's time to 'close the barn door after the horse has bolted'—immediately replenish your skin with ample moisture and oils post-shower!Urban women without symptoms shouldn't be complacent either—replenish moisture and lipids after bathing to prevent issues!"
Many customers ask how to replenish moisture and lipids. Ms. Chen recommends choosing products rich in multiple skin-hydrating ingredients and abundant vitamin E. These provide ample moisture and lipids, keeping your skin healthy and vibrant even after bathing!
Improving Through Diet and Exercise
Winter's cold weather often leads to increased clothing layers, which can exacerbate skin itchiness. This occurs due to static electricity generated by constant friction between the body and clothing, or between layers of clothing, which then irritates the skin. Therefore, during winter, prioritize wearing undergarments, underwear, and shirts made from materials like pure cotton or silk that are less prone to static buildup.Ms. Huang advises that achieving healthy, beautiful skin begins with dietary adjustments. Winter vitamin A deficiency can cause dryness, flaking, and even acanthosis nigricans. Thus, winter diets should include vitamin A-rich foods like pork liver, eggs, and cod liver oil.Regular skin conditioning exercises should be practiced to enhance the skin's adaptability to cold environments. Activities like cold water baths, air baths, sunbathing, and massage are beneficial. Alternatively, consistently washing your face with cold water or wiping your body with cold water can help. Relying solely on beauty salon treatments is insufficient.