The 5-Step Bodycare Routine That’ll Get You Through Winter
Nikki is a writer, former makeup artist, and Communications Specialist at Adore Beauty. She kicked off her writing career at Fashion Journal, penning beauty articles and interviewing musicians she’d still name-drop seven years later. In 2023, she made a very big and bold career leap (writing about fashion instead of beauty). Now, she’s come full circle – but still loves to think outside the box.
You can stop winter flakiness and eczema flares by following a five-step bodycare routine built around Bioderma, Alpha-H, La Roche-Posay, NUXE and INNISFREE. This article shows when to cleanse and exfoliate, how to layer moisturiser and oil, plus a quick foot-mask trick to keep skin soft all season.
Quick Takeaways You Need to Know
- Use Bioderma Atoderm Gel Moussant to cleanse eczema-prone skin gently.
- Exfoliate weekly with Alpha-H 12% glycolic scrub to smooth winter roughness.
- Use La Roche-Posay Lipikar Lait daily and add a few drops of body oil for extra glow.
- Pat NUXE Huile Prodigieuse onto damp skin to lock in moisture and add sheen.
- Treat feet with an INNISFREE foot mask for under 20 minutes to soften rough heels.
Stick to these steps to strengthen your skin barrier, calm winter redness and avoid heavy, sticky layers. The routine pairs a soap-free gel, a 12% AHA exfoliant, a non-sticky body milk, a sealing oil and a foot mask for targeted winter rescue.
Like all fair-weather bodycare users, I’m guilty of pouring the last of my after-work energy into a comprehensive skincare routine and skipping out on a body moisturiser because I don’t feel like it. Then I’m shocked when my legs turn scaly and my eczema flares up.
Though I’m happy to report I’ll be undergoing a seasonal rebrand, having scoured the internet for expert advice and hacks and products that help my skin thrive in colder conditions.
Call it winter-boots-on-the-ground journalism. Do try this at home.
Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Gel Moussant Ultra-Soothing Foaming Body Wash Cleanser, $36.99
If you’re loyal to Bioderma’s soap-free Atoderm Shower Gel like me, try the brand’s even gentler, winter-proof counterpart. Formulated for very dry and eczema-prone skin, this intensive gel cleanser works to soothe any discomfort or irritation and help strengthen your skin barrier.
I use a dry brush like this to cleanse the hard-to-reach parts of my back, which is typically where sweat and oil build up (cue bacne). Not its intended use – and its benefits definitely stretch beyond extension – but it works.
Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Gel Moussant Body Wash Cleanser reviews:
"I have repurchased this multiple times. I have eczema and find that it does not dry or irritate my skin." - AB customer Cathy.
"I'm looking for a gentle body wash that I can use on my face as well. I have sensitive skin, so I need something that won't irritate me. I found this body wash and it's perfect! It's very gentle and it doesn't have a strong scent, which is great for me because I'm sensitive to fragrances. I would definitely recommend this body wash to anyone with sensitive skin." - AB customer Su.
Alpha-H Smoothing AHA Face & Body Scrub with 12% Glycolic Acid, $49.95
Since the skin on our body is thicker than the skin on our face, body scrubs tend to be coarser and more emollient. But sensitive, winter-affected skin calls for extra TLC. Or Alpha-H.
This dual-action exfoliator is formulated with 12% glycolic acid and super fine bamboo stem particles to buff away dead skin cells in that ultra-satisfying way without leaving your skin red and raw.
You can take Adore eComm Specialist Alexina’s word for it, too:
“This scrub really hits the sweet spot. It has a much finer texture than I was expecting but still left my skin feeling soft and hydrated (my dry winter elbows don't know what hit them) plus it rinsed off very easily – which is not always easy to find in a body scrub! I tried it on my sensitive, redness-prone face just once, and while I probably wouldn't dare to do it regularly, it did leave my skin feeling super soft and smooth.”
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Lait Body Milk, $41.95
La Roche-Posay’s Lipikar range is the crème de la crème of bodycare – and Body Milk is the best moisturiser for those who want hydration without the heaviness.
It’s packed with nourishing shea butter and niacinamide but has a non-sticky finish that easily absorbs into the skin. I suggest mixing in a few drops of body oil (see below) for a buttery-soft cocktail that gives your skin a summer-level glow.
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Lait Body Milk reviews:
"Actually hydrate without making me feel sticky or oily and I really like how this layers well with body oils and perfume." - AB customer Kav.
"Absorbs quickly and not at all irritating for sensitive skin. Great for everyday and bonus that it comes in such a large size." - AB customer Siena.
NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Multi Purpose Dry Oil, $49
Speaking of French pharmacy brands to know and love, Nuxe’s iconic multi-purpose oil has been replenishing skin and hair since its launch in 1991. It’s now become internet famous (naturally) and arrives in richer, shimmery and floral-scented iterations. Though, you can’t go wrong with the OG.
Apply it directly to your bod’ or team it with a lotion to make the dream work.
NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Multi Purpose Dry Oil reviews:
"The pump spray is very handy, feels great to use straight out of the shower." - AB customer S.
INNISFREE Foot Mask Treatment, $5
For most, foot masks are fairly novel – but I’m trying to make fetch happen.
This one from INNISFREE is only $5 and softens dry, rough feet in under 20 minutes. I’ll wear the serum-soaked socks while I’m watching a 20-minute episode of a comfort show I’ve seen ten times over and call it a Friday night well spent. You do you, though.
INNISFREE Foot Mask Treatment reviews:
"Love foot masks, especially after a night out or big walking day, feet feel amazing and so soothing. Such a cheap and hydrating product, highly recommend." - AB customer LG.
"I love that you don't have to apply the product and they leave my feet feeling SO soft and moisturised without feeling sticky. They're so affordable too!" - AB customer Carly.
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